Former UNC star point guard Coby White has made statements during his pre-game outfits all season, using them to highlight issues like pay inequity, racial injustice and Women’s History Month.

His most recent outfit, though, paid tribute to a Carolina basketball icon.

On Wednesday, White wore a hoodie with a picture of himself and former UNC men’s basketball head coach Roy Williams ahead of the Chicago Bulls game against the Orlando Magic.

White posted a picture of his outfit on Instagram, with a long heartfelt caption paying tribute to Williams — who recently retired after 18 years at UNC and 33 as a Division I head coach.

“When I committed to play for Coach Williams and the Tar Heels my dad couldn’t stop smiling,” White wrote. “I chose to play for Carolina for three simple reasons – 1.) It was close “enough” to home 2.) I was joining a family not just another basketball program 3.) Coach Williams.”

“It was always bigger than basketball to me because I thought I’d play college ball for 3 or 4 years,” White continued. “What changed that? Hard work and Coach Williams. I had been adjusting to the “Carolina Way” while trying to play my game. I wanted to do what Coach told me to and he could tell it was taking me a bit longer to adjust. He called me into his office to first make sure I was okay and then to tell me he believed in me and told me to go be Coby White. That gave me all the confidence in the world and to this day it sticks with me.”

In the post, White also described his interpretation of Williams’ coaching style, which he learned under during the 2018-2019 season.

“He’s old-school, down-to-earth but most importantly genuine,” the Bulls guard wrote. “He’s taught me so much, always had my back and his blessing to enter the NBA draft was very important to me. Had it not been for that I likely would’ve returned for my sophomore year. Thank you for everything, Coach. There will never be another Roy Williams.”

During his only year at UNC, White averaged 16.1 points per game before becoming the No. 7 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft by Chicago.

Since then, Williams has continued to support White — even showing up to a game in 2019 to help him get out of a slump.

The Bulls lost to the Orlando Magic Wednesday night 115-106, with White scoring just two points in 12 minutes off the bench.

For this NBA season, White is averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

 

Photo via Associated Press

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