40 Facts About Royce White

Early Life and Background

Royce White's journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his diverse heritage and family background played a significant role in shaping his life and career.

1. Royce Alexander White was born on April 10, 1991, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2. Family Background: His mother was a cosmetologist, and his father worked as a social worker.
3. Cultural Heritage: White's genetic makeup includes white, Mexican, and black cultures, which he often reflects on in his philosophical musings.
4. Sports Legacy: His great-grandfather, Louis White Jr., was a top baseball prospect in the Negro Leagues, and his uncle, Dave Winfield, is an MLB Hall of Famer.

High School and College Basketball

White's basketball talent shone brightly during his high school and college years, setting the stage for his professional career.

5. High School Achievements: White won Minnesota state basketball titles with two different teams.
6. Mr. Basketball: He was named the 2009 Minnesota Mr. Basketball.
7. Perfect Record: Led his team to a perfect 31-0 record in his senior year at Hopkins High School.
8. College Career: Played for the Iowa State Cyclones, leading the team in all five major statistical categories during his sophomore year.
9. Transfer: Initially attended the University of Minnesota but transferred to Iowa State University after two off-the-court incidents.

NBA Draft and Career

Despite his talent, White's NBA career was marked by significant challenges, particularly related to his mental health.

10. NBA Draft: Selected by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft.
11. Mental Health Struggles: White has been open about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, primarily triggered by a fear of flying.
12. Rockets Dispute: His NBA career was marked by disputes over mental health accommodations with the Houston Rockets.
13. G League Assignment: Reassigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers but refused the assignment, leading to his suspension without pay.
14. Sacramento Kings: Played for the Sacramento Kings in 2014, appearing in three games.
15. Summer League: Played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the Orlando Summer League in 2015.

Mental Health Advocacy

White's advocacy for mental health awareness has been a significant part of his legacy, both in and out of the NBA.

16. Public Advocacy: Pushed for a comprehensive mental health policy within the NBA.
17. Media Coverage: His story was featured in various media outlets, including Sports Illustrated.
18. Philosophical Views: Believes that society has made everyone slightly insane and that mental health issues are a profound social crisis.
19. Public Speaking: Given numerous interviews and talks about his experiences with mental health.
20. Books: Written two books: "Long Past Overdue: Mental Health & The NBA" and "MMA x NBA: A Critique of Modern Sport in America."

Personal Life and Family

White's personal life and family background have also played a crucial role in his journey.

21. Fatherhood: Became a father at 19 and had four children by his early twenties.
22. Family Research: Researched his family tree, discovering his great-grandfather's and grandfather's contributions to sports.
23. Great Uncle’s Legacy: His great uncle, Dr. Alfred Owre, was the dean of the dentistry school at the University of Minnesota.
24. Genetic Diversity: Often jokes about not fitting into any single racial category, opting for the "other" box on forms.

Professional Achievements Beyond the NBA

White's career extended beyond the NBA, showcasing his versatility and resilience.

25. NBL Canada: Played for the London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada from 2016 to 2018.
26. Championship and MVP: Won an NBL Canada championship and an MVP award.
27. MVP and Scoring Title: Named the NBL Canada MVP and scoring title winner.
28. Career Switch to MMA: Recently announced a career switch to mixed martial arts (MMA).

Mental Health and Public Perception

White's mental health struggles and public perception have been complex and multifaceted.

29. Anxiety Control: Learned to control his anxiety to some extent, making it challenging to illustrate the severity of his condition.
30. Driving Anxiety: Experiences anxiety while driving, constantly scanning the road for potential threats.
31. Composure: Appears composed in public settings, such as interviews and talks.
32. Arthritis Analogy: Compares his mental illness to arthritis, where even when he’s not hurting, he’s worried about when he will hurt next.
33. Prozac Prescription: Prescribed Prozac at age 18, which he still takes today.

Influence and Legacy

White's influence extends beyond basketball, leaving a lasting impact on mental health advocacy and society.

34. Early Diagnosis: Formally diagnosed with anxiety at around age 15.
35. Public Speaking in College: Spoke publicly about his anxiety during college basketball games, bringing significant attention to mental health issues in sports.
36. Sports Illustrated Feature: Featured in Sports Illustrated with a spread titled "The Mystery Pick."
37. Allen Iverson Comparison: Draws comparisons with Allen Iverson, another NBA player who dealt with significant personal issues.
38. Eddie Griffin’s Story: Influenced by stories like Eddie Griffin’s, who struggled with alcohol issues.
39. Philosophical Dispute with Rockets: Dispute with the Houston Rockets was about the team and league’s unwillingness to accommodate his mental health needs.
40. NBA’s Response: The NBA’s governing body failed to address mental health issues comprehensively during White’s dispute with the Rockets.

Royce White: A Complex Legacy

Royce White's journey is a mix of basketball talent, mental health advocacy, and philosophical insights. From his early days as a high school star to his battles in the NBA, White has always been outspoken about his anxiety and the need for better mental health policies. His push for change in the NBA brought attention to issues often ignored in sports. Beyond basketball, White's diverse background and family history add layers to his story. His transition to MMA and political ambitions show his drive to keep challenging norms. White's legacy isn't just about his on-court skills but also his impact on mental health awareness and his willingness to speak out. His story is a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health in all areas of life.