NEW YORK (AFP) - The Chicago Bulls welcomed the return of hometown hero Derrick Rose but New York fans showered Italian Danilo Gallinari with boos at the 2008 National Basketball Association entry draft.

The Bulls used the first overall pick Thursday at Madison Square Garden to choose Rose who grew up in Chicago before leading the Memphis Tigers to a runner-up finish in his lone season of American college basketball.

"Point guards are really hard to find," Bulls general manager John Paxson said. "He has a great burst. I think he's going to make other players better."

Forward Michael Beasley was the second overall pick by Miami and guard OJ Mayo rounded out the top three by going to Minnesota.

Seattle used the fourth pick to take guard Russell Westbrook while Memphis chose forward Kevin Love with the fifth pick.

The first non-American player picked got a boorish welcome from the Garden crowd.

The New York Knicks used their sixth pick to select Gallinari of Armani Jeans Milano.

The 19-year-old Italian was jeered when his name was called and Knicks fans continued to boo as American broadcaster ESPN interviewed Gallinari while he was on the main stage.

"I'd be more worried if they're booing him next year," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "But I don't think that'll happen."

An obviously upset Gallinari tried to placate the angry mob during his interview by saying, "I will help the team to win. New York is best city in the world."

Gallinari's father, Vittorio, was a teammate of D'Antoni when both played in Italy.

Gallinari is the third international player chosen by the Knicks in first round.

The Bulls, who had a 1.7 percent chance of landing the top pick in last month's lottery, selected Rose over Kansas State's high-scoring forward Beasley, who averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds as a freshman last season.

Beasley did not fall past the Miami Heat, who chose the 6ft 7in forward with second.

Miami had the worst record in the league last season at 15-67.

The Minnesota Timberwolves also chose a freshman, selecting Southern California guard Mayo with the third pick.

It is the first time in draft history that three freshmen were chosen with the top three picks.

The Nets also acquired 7ft sharp-shooting Chinese forward Yi Jianlian - last year's No. 6 pick - for forward Richard Jefferson in a trade Thursday with the Milwaukee Bucks.