Friday, October 11, 2013

Talented but troubled Royce White debuts for 76ers

royce-debut-10-11-13NEWARK, Del. – Former Houston Rockets first-round draft pick Royce White made his Philadelphia 76ers debut in a 97-85 preseason victory against the Boston Celtics on Friday night at the University of Delaware.
He didn't play a minute for the Rockets as a rookie last season because of a sometimes debilitating anxiety disorder and fear of flying.
"It's fantastic to see him on the floor," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "That was my thrill. … Just to let him get out and be with his teammates and play an NBA game is exciting for him and for us. We want to help him in any way we can. Like I said before, he's a talent."
ROYCE WHITE: Seeks NBA restart
White (6-8, 160) finished with five points, three rebounds and five personal fouls in just less than 10 minutes on the court. The guard picked up his first four fouls in less than three minutes in the first quarter, two while trying to set picks.
"I was happy to be out there," White said. "I didn't think I played well. I'm still not making plays that are routine for me … but it's just a feel thing, getting a feel back."
The 22-year-old remained in Philadelphia earlier this week rather than flying with the team to Europe to play preseason games in Spain and England.
White starred at Iowa State, finishing his sophomore season as the only player in Division I basketball to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
Houston selected White with the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, but he spent much of last season either suspended or with the Rockets' D-League affiliate.
Sixers president and general manager Sam Hinkie, who was in Houston's front office last season, acquired White, Turkish center Furkan Aldemir and cash from the Rockets this summer in exchange for future draft considerations. Houston dealt White to clear cap space to sign Dwight Howard.
"It was an incredible feeling just to be back playing," White said.
Jason Wolf writes for DelawareOnline, a Gannett property
GALLERY: ROYCE WHITE, THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS
Royce White, a second-year forward who didn't play in his rookie season, has dealt with anxiety issues throughout his life. Flip through this gallery to see key moments of his basketball career, including some rarities.
Royce White, a second-year forward who didn't play in his rookie season, has dealt with anxiety issues throughout his life. Flip through this gallery to see key moments of his basketball career, including some rarities.  Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports
FULLSCREEN
  • Royce White, a second-year forward who didn't play in his rookie season, has dealt with anxiety issues throughout his life. Flip through this gallery to see key moments of his basketball career, including some rarities.
  • In his first preseason game with the 76ers, White had 5 points and 3 rebounds in 10 minutes.
  • After a tumultuous 2012-2013 rookie season with the Houston Rockets, White was traded to the 76ers in July in exchange for future draft considerations.
  • White cools off after a workout Jan. 30 in California.
  • White held out part of the offseason but joined the Rockets in time for preseason games, including this one on Oct. 26, 2012, against the Magic.
  • White played well in summer league action for the Rockets, averaging 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in five games.
  • White shows off his tattoos Feb. 10, 2011. The Minnesota Twins logo represents his hometown of Minneapolis.
  • White talks to students at New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, Calif., about basketball and mental health on Jan. 30.
  • White teamed with Grantland to make a documentary about his anxiety issues and dealing with the NBA draft. Here he hugs his mother.
  • White sits with Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg at a March 21, 2012, news conference revealing his decision to leave early for the NBA draft.
  • White became a big name nationally and beloved locally with Iowa State last season, largely because of upset wins such as this one against Kansas on Jan. 28, 2012.
  • White watched his college career end from the bench after fouling out in a second-round NCAA tournament loss to eventual champion Kentucky on March 17, 2012.
  • White shows his excitement as Iowa State is selected for the NCAA tournament on March 11, 2012.
  • White shoots a jumper during a workout Jan. 30 in California.
  • White shows off his big potential with a dunk against Texas on March 8, 2012. He averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists a game for the Cyclones in his one season.
  • White celebrates the game-winning shot to lift Iowa State past Kansas State 72-70 Jan. 31, 2012.
  • White, shown Jan. 23, 2010, spent his freshman season at Minnesota, suspended because of a theft incident.

Posted by Unknown at 11:50 PM

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