Derrick White is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility, defensive skills, and ability to score from all areas of the court. He was born on July 2, 1994, in Parker, Colorado, and attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he had a standout collegiate career.
After a successful lone season with the Buffaloes, White was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Spurs before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2021.
Throughout his professional career, White has demonstrated his versatility as a combo guard, able to play both point guard and shooting guard positions. He is also known for his strong defensive skills, frequently tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer.
In this article, we will explore in detail what Derrick White is known for, including his professional and collegiate basketball careers, style of play, and strengths.
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Professional Basketball Career
Derrick White was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, as the 29th overall pick. He spent his first four seasons with the Spurs before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2021.
Throughout his professional career, White has demonstrated his versatility as a combo guard, able to play both point guard and shooting guard positions.
He has also developed a reputation as a strong defender, frequently tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer. His ability to both score and defend has made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Some of White’s most impressive performances on the court include a career-high 36 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019, during which he shot 14-of-20 from the field and made 5 three-pointers.
He also had a game-winning shot against the Dallas Mavericks in 2020, finishing the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Additionally, White has been recognized for his strong defensive skills, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2020. He has also been praised for his leadership and work ethic both on and off the court.
Overall, Derrick White’s professional basketball career has been characterized by his versatility, defensive skills, and impressive performances on the court.
Collegiate Career
White began his college basketball career at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), a Division II program, where he played for three seasons from 2013 to 2016. During his time at UCCS, he was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and was a three-time All-RMAC selection.
In 2016, White transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder to play for the Buffaloes in Division I. He sat out his first season due to NCAA transfer rules and then had a standout performance during his lone season with the Buffaloes in the 2016-2017 season.
White led the Buffaloes in scoring, averaging 18.1 points per game, as well as in assists and steals. He was named First Team All-Pac-12 and was also named the Pac-12 Conference Tournament MVP after leading the Buffaloes to the tournament championship game. Additionally, he was a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award.
White’s impressive performance in his lone season at Colorado caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he was subsequently drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft.
White has credited his time playing at UCCS for helping him develop a strong work ethic and mental toughness. He has also noted that playing at the Division II level helped him develop a more well-rounded game, as he was able to play multiple positions and had to work harder to stand out.
Overall, Derrick White’s collegiate career prepared him well for his professional career, as it allowed him to develop his skills and gain valuable experience playing at both the Division II and Division I levels.
Style of Play and Strengths
Offensively, White is a skilled shooter and scorer who is capable of making shots from all areas of the court. He is a strong ball-handler and playmaker who is able to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.
White is also an effective scorer in transition, often pushing the ball up the court quickly after a turnover or defensive stop.
Defensively, White is known for his versatility and strong perimeter defense. He has the ability to guard multiple positions and is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer. His quickness, agility, and length make him a difficult defender to get around.
In addition to his offensive and defensive skills, White is known for his leadership and work ethic. He has been praised by his coaches and teammates for his dedication to improving his game and his willingness to put in the work to help his team succeed.
According to San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, “Derrick is an all-around basketball player. He can play defense, he can pass, he can score, he can shoot the ball, and he can post up. He’s a willing learner and he’s a great teammate.”
Teammate and former Spurs player Patty Mills have also praised White, saying, “He’s a very versatile player, and he’s a leader. He’s always trying to lead by example and get the team going. He’s going to be a great player for a long time.”
Overall, Derrick White’s versatility, offensive and defensive skills, leadership, and work ethic make him a valuable player on the court. His ability to play multiple positions and his willingness to put in the work to improve his game has made him a standout player in the NBA.
FAQ
Derrick White was born on July 2, 1994, in Parker, Colorado, United States.
Derrick White is a combo guard who can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions.
Derrick White began his collegiate basketball career at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), a Division II program, before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder to play for the Buffaloes in Division I.
Derrick White earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2020 and has had several impressive performances on the court, including a career-high 36 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.
Yes, Derrick White was a member of the United States national basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
conclusion
Derrick White is a highly skilled and versatile basketball player with a strong defensive game and scoring ability. He has had a successful professional career in the NBA, and his collegiate career at both Division II UCCS and Division I Colorado Buffaloes prepared him well for his professional endeavors.
White has been recognized for his leadership, work ethic, and all-around skillset, and has earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2020, as well as a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
His impressive performances on the court, both in the NBA and in college, have made him a standout player and a valuable asset to his teams. Overall, Derrick White is known for his versatility, leadership, and work ethic, and has a bright future ahead of him in the NBA.
