Quick Facts
Biographical Information
Derrick White is a professional basketball player known for his versatility, court vision, and defending skills. He has remained dedicated to his journey from Division II college basketball to the NBA and has become an asset to the Boston Celtics. White became an Olympic gold medalist when the U.S. men's basketball team beat France in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games gold medal game.
White grew up as a fan of the Denver Nuggets and always dreamed of playing in the NBA. Off the court, White is known for his humility and work ethic, often credited to his parents. White is also passionate about giving back to the community and participating in various charitable initiatives.
Olympic Highlights
White played in nearly all of Team USA’s Olympic matches in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, averaging 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His highlight performance came against South Sudan when he scored 10 points on three made 3-pointers and tallied three steals, contributing to their 103-86 point win and gold medal.
NBA Highlights
White was drafted 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2017 NBA Draft. After showing promise with the Spurs, White was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022, where he quickly became a key player. He won his first championship when the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals in 2024.
Known for his high basketball IQ and defensive tenacity, White has played a critical role in the Celtics' backcourt, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter players.
Early Career
White attended Legend High School in Parker, Colorado. Despite a strong high school career, he was lightly recruited and opted to attend the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), where he grew significantly both in height and skill. His development at the collegiate level led him to the University of Colorado and later to the NBA.
White transferred to the University of Colorado for his senior year after playing three seasons at Division II UCCS. At Colorado, White led the Buffaloes in scoring, assists, and blocks, earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017. His impressive performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his first-round selection in the draft.
Olympic Experience
- 1-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 gold)
- Olympic Games Paris 2024, gold (Team - Men)
World Championships Experience
- Most recent: 2019
- Years of participation: 2019
- Top finish: 2019 – 7th