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2019 NBA Draft: Coby White will compete for starting spot right away

By Zack Pearson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Coby White reacts after being drafted with the eighth overall pick by the Chicago Bulls during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Coby White reacts after being drafted with the eighth overall pick by the Chicago Bulls during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Former UNC Basketball standout Coby White will have his shot to win the starting point guard spot in Chicago

The Chicago Bulls entered the 2019 NBA Draft in need of a point guard to pair on the wing with Zach LaVine. After a disappointing year from Kris Dunn, the Bulls are hoping to find their future at the position and that hope lies within former North Carolina standout Coby White.

Chicago selected White No. 7 overall in Thursday’s draft after both Cleveland and Minnesota passed on him in favor of Darius Garland and Jarrett Culver. The Bulls didn’t hesitate made the pick to fill a position of need.

White will compete in the NBA Summer League for the Bulls beginning in July and then when the team opens up training camp, he will be battling for a starting job with Dunn. The veteran Dunn is set to be a free agent after next season and if the Bulls decide to keep him for another year, he could be asked to groom White.

That is if he’s the starter.

It’s very possible that White could win the starting job at some point this season, dethroning Dunn and becoming the guy for the Bulls. Despite head coach Jim Boylen using a slower style of play with half-court sets, White believes he fits in with the Bulls and what they want to do and can make the smooth transition:

"“Everything is going to be a transition … because you’re playing against such great players and athleticism,” he said via the Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson. “I think my transition will go well. I learn quickly. I’m a great listener.”"

White displayed his quickness and scoring ability in his one year at UNC, wowing fans with how quick he could get the ball up the floor. Before the season started, Roy Williams called White one of the fastest guards he’s coached and the best scoring guard he’s coached.

As a freshman, he started all but one game for UNC averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. White was the perfect guard for UNC’s offense and hopes to bring that to the Bulls.

White will have his first chance to show what he can do in the Summer League and then again during training camp. The battle between White and Dunn will be one to watch for Chicago fans and the two even have a connection.

They both share the same agent which actually was the reason why White never worked out for the Bulls in the predraft process. Johnson reported in that article that White’s agent actually blocked the workout from happening.

"The Bulls met with White during the pre-draft process, but sources said their efforts to conduct an individual workout were rebuffed by the agency that also represents Dunn. Most teams consider the interview portion more valuable anyway as players are scouted in college games and practices all season."

Still, Chicago felt comfortable that White was their guy at No. 7 and now it’s up to him to prove them right.

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For more on White and other UNC Basketball players in the NBA, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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