Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball: Chicago Bulls exercise third-year option on Coby White

By Nick Delahanty

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 31: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 31, 2020 in 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls 133-118. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 31: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 31, 2020 in 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls 133-118. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After an impressive rookie season, the Chicago Bulls have exercised their third-year option on this former UNC basketball standout.

When the Chicago Bulls drafted Coby White with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the franchise hoped that they’d found their point guard of the future. So far, White has been as good as advertised.

He spent most of his rookie season in a reserve role, but easily earned his rightful place in the team’s starting rotation. White made his first NBA start in the team’s final game of the season just before the NBA shutdown occurred.

Throughout his rookie campaign, White ranked among the best of his draft class in multiple statistical categories. Over 65 games played, the former Tar Heel averaged 13.2 points (sixth among rookies), 3.5 rebounds (tied 12th), and 2.7 assists (4th). In regards to shooting the basketball, White ranked among the top 10 rookies in field goal percentage (.394), three-point field goal percentage (.354) and free throw shooting percentage (.791).

White began to turn heads in February, as he was selected as the KIA NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. During the month, White went on an offensive tear, as he posted three consecutive 30-point games.

As recognition for his stellar rookie campaign, White was also named to the 2019-20 All-Rookie second team. The Bulls also decided that it’s in their best interest to pick up White’s third-year option for the 2021-22 season.

With a year of NBA experience and a new head coach in Billy Donovan, White is expected to take an even bigger leap in his sophomore campaign. Donovan has already tabbed White as his starting point guard, as the former Tar Heel will continue the transition into the starting lineup that he briefly started back at the end of the Bulls’ 2019-20 season.

UNC Basketball: Cole Anthony scores 19 points in Magic victory. dark. Next

As the NBA season is getting ready to kickoff, continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news regarding Coby White and other former UNC basketball standouts who are currently playing in the pros.

Home/UNC Basketball