Alec Jacoby “Coby” White Bio
Alec Jacoby “Coby” White (born February 16, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Goldsboro, North Carolina native played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels before entering the 2019 NBA Draft. The Chicago Bulls selected White with the seventh overall pick in the first round. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2020 and finished as the runner-up for the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2024. White is known for his prolific scoring ability and three-point shooting, establishing himself as one of the premier point guards in the Eastern Conference.
Early Life and Background
Coby White was born on February 16, 2000, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His father, Donald White, previously played college basketball at North Carolina Central University before working as a factory worker until his death from liver cancer on August 15, 2017. His mother works as a claims manager for an insurance company. White grew up with a sister and an older brother named Will, who played basketball and currently serves as an assistant coach at Mars Hill University. His family background in athletics provided early inspiration for his basketball ambitions.
White developed a strong connection to NBA veteran Chris Paul, playing for Paul’s Amateur Athletic Union program, Team CP3, during his amateur years. This mentorship helped shape his development as a point guard and competitive mindset. Growing up in North Carolina, White immersed himself in the state’s rich basketball culture, which would later fuel his record-breaking high school career.
Path to Professional Basketball
White attended the Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina, where he established himself as one of the top high school players in the country. Over his four-year high school career, White scored 3,573 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina high school basketball history. This record was previously held by JamesOn Curry. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons.
During his senior year, White was named North Carolina Mr. Basketball as the state’s top high school player. He also received the USA Today’s North Carolina Player of the Year award and was selected to the MaxPreps All-America first team. White played in the prestigious 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game alongside fellow UNC signee Nassir Little. Following his high school graduation, White represented the United States on the U18 National Team, competing in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in Canada. He led the team to a gold medal as the tournament’s top scorer and earned all-tournament honors.
Alec Jacoby “Coby” White Career
College Career (2018–2019)
White signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of North Carolina on November 8, 2017. He made his college debut on November 6, 2018, against Wofford, starting at point guard and recording eight points and three assists in a 78–67 Tar Heels victory. White quickly became a central figure in North Carolina’s offense during his freshman season. On February 26, 2019, he scored a career-high 34 points in a 93–85 win against Syracuse.
White continued his impressive play throughout the season, passing Michael Jordan on North Carolina’s all-time freshman scoring list with 469 points in a 79–66 win over Boston College on March 5, 2019. He broke a North Carolina basketball freshman record for three-point shooting, connecting on 82 shots from beyond the arc during the season. The Tar Heels advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2019 NCAA Tournament before falling to Auburn 97–80. On April 3, 2019, after one season at North Carolina, White declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, having earned All-ACC Second Team and ACC All-Freshman Team honors.
Chicago Bulls Breakthrough (2019–Present)
The Chicago Bulls selected Coby White with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019. White became the first player from North Carolina to be drafted in the first round by the Bulls since Michael Jordan in 1984. He signed with the Bulls on July 1, 2019, and participated in the 2019 NBA Summer League, where he averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. White made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, coming off the bench against the Charlotte Hornets with 17 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. This performance made him the first player born in the 2000s to play in the NBA.
White’s rookie season showcased his scoring ability and three-point shooting. On November 12, 2019, he hit seven three-pointers in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks, setting a Bulls franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single quarter while finishing with 27 points in a 120–102 victory. In February 2020, White scored 33 points against the Phoenix Suns and matched that total the following night against the Washington Wizards, becoming the first rookie in NBA history with consecutive 30-point games off the bench. He followed with a 35-point performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On September 15, 2020, White was named to the 2019–20 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
On February 10, 2021, White recorded 30 points, eight three-pointers, and seven assists in a 129–116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, helping set a Bulls franchise record alongside teammate Zach LaVine when they each made eight shots from beyond the arc. He underwent left shoulder surgery on June 10, 2021, ruling him out for at least four months. The Bulls exercised their fourth-year option on White on September 22, 2021. On January 31, 2023, White became the fastest player in Bulls franchise history, reaching 500 career three-point baskets in just 237 games.
Chicago Bulls Era (2024–Present)
White signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension with the Bulls on July 7, 2023, securing his long-term future with the franchise. The 2023–24 season marked a significant breakthrough in his career. On April 17, 2024, White scored a then career-high 42 points in a 131–116 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the play-in tournament, recording the second-most points in play-in tournament history behind Jayson Tatum’s 50-point game in 2021. Three days later, on April 23, 2024, White finished second in the voting for the 2023–24 NBA Most Improved Player award, narrowly losing to Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey.
The 2024–25 season represented White’s most productive professional campaign. He scored 33 points with a career-high nine three-pointers in a 139–126 victory against the New York Knicks on January 4, 2025. On March 6, 2025, White set a new career high with 44 points in a 125–123 win over the Orlando Magic. He earned his first Eastern Conference Player of the Week award on March 17, 2025, after averaging 27.0 points per game over three games. White continued his dominant stretch with 35 points against the Sacramento Kings on March 20 and 36 points in a 146–115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22. He won his second consecutive Player of the Week award, becoming only the second Bulls player to win back-to-back Player of the Week honors, following Michael Jordan. On April 1, 2025, White earned his first Player of the Month award, becoming the sixth Bull to receive the honor, joining Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and DeMar DeRozan. White made 74 appearances (73 starts) during the 2024–25 season, averaging 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Playing Style and Strengths
White operates primarily as a point guard, combining elite three-point shooting with playmaking ability and aggressive driving to the basket. His quick release and range extend opposing defenses, creating opportunities for teammates. White has demonstrated the ability to score in bunches, evidenced by his multiple 30-point games and career-high performances. His offensive versatility allows him to play both guard positions, though he primarily runs the point for the Bulls. White’s three-point shooting has become a cornerstone of his game, with his quick release making him a constant threat from beyond the arc.
Notable Events and Milestones
White has accumulated several franchise records during his Bulls career. His seven three-pointers in a single quarter against the New York Knicks set a Bulls franchise record. He became the fastest player in Bulls history to reach 500 career three-point baskets, accomplishing the feat in just 237 games. His 42-point performance in the 2024 play-in tournament stands as one of the most memorable single-game performances in Bulls recent history. His consecutive 30-point games during his rookie season marked a historic achievement as the first rookie to accomplish that feat off the bench. White’s back-to-back Player of the Week awards in March 2025 placed him in rare company alongside Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
Alec Jacoby “Coby” White Career Wins
White has built an impressive collection of achievements across his professional and amateur career. His NBA career highlights include NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection and multiple career-high scoring performances. His collegiate career produced All-ACC honors and a freshman scoring record. At the high school level, White achieved legendary status in North Carolina basketball history.
Professional Highlights
In the NBA, White’s most notable achievements include the 2019–20 NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection. His 42-point game against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 play-in tournament stands as his most prolific professional performance. White’s 2024–25 season featured career highs of 44 points and nine three-pointers in a single game. His Player of the Week and Player of the Month honors in March and April 2025 represent significant milestones in his career trajectory. White’s consistent improvement season over season culminated in his runner-up finish for the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2024.
Amateur Highlights
Before his NBA career, White achieved legendary status in North Carolina high school basketball. His 3,573 career points made him the all-time leading scorer in state history. He won North Carolina Mr. Basketball and two North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year awards. White was selected to the USA Basketball U18 National Team, leading them to a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship while earning tournament MVP honors. He earned McDonald’s All-American recognition in 2018. At the college level, White earned Second-team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman Team honors while breaking North Carolina’s freshman three-point shooting record.
Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
White comes from a family with basketball connections. His father, Donald White, played college basketball at North Carolina Central University before his career path led him to factory work. Donald White passed away on August 15, 2017, from liver cancer, during Coby’s high school years. White’s older brother, Will, played basketball and has continued his involvement in the sport as an assistant coach at Mars Hill University. The family connection to basketball, combined with his father’s collegiate experience, helped shape White’s early development and love for the game.
Personal Life
White maintains a close relationship with his mother, who works as a claims manager for an insurance company, and his sister. His personal connection to NBA veteran Chris Paul developed through playing in Paul’s AAU program, Team CP3, during his amateur career. This early mentorship provided White with valuable guidance as he progressed through high school and into college. White’s personal life remains relatively private, with his focus primarily on his basketball career and continued development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NBA season represented a breakout year for White with the Chicago Bulls. He established himself as one of the most improved players in the league, earning multiple Player of the Week honors and his first Player of the Month award. White’s scoring average jumped significantly, with his 20.4 points per game nearly matching his career highs from previous seasons. His ability to score from three-point range and create his own shot made him a primary offensive weapon for the Bulls.
His career-high 44-point performance against the Orlando Magic showcased his ability to take over games offensively. White’s nine three-pointers in a single game demonstrated his improvement as a perimeter shooter. The Bulls relied heavily on his scoring and playmaking throughout the season, with White making 73 starts in 74 appearances. His consistency and reliability as a floor general improved markedly, translating into better team results. White’s emergence as a legitimate offensive threat positioned him as a cornerstone player for the Bulls’ future success.