No Talent, Rejected by 50 Colleges: Now an NBA Champion and Millionaire

Derrick White’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. From being an overlooked high school student to securing a multi-million dollar contract in the NBA, White’s journey is one of grit, determination, and unwavering faith in his abilities. Eighteen years ago, a 12-year-old Derrick White stood up in his classroom to read an essay about his future ambitions. “I want to be a basketball player,” he said. The room erupted in laughter. At the time, White was less than 1.5 meters tall, skinny, not particularly fast, and lacked significant jumping ability—qualities that made it hard for anyone to envision him as a future athlete.

High School Struggles and College Rejections

Despite decent performance in high school basketball, White was rated poorly by scouts. During the summer after his graduation, White's parents and coach, Marcus Mason, sent highlight tapes of his high school games to over 50 colleges at various levels. Most of these inquiries went unanswered. A few schools, responding more out of courtesy to Mason than genuine interest, expressed skepticism. “Marcus, are you crazy? This kid isn’t cut out for college basketball,” they said. However, Mason saw something in White that others didn’t. He believed in White’s potential, despite his 1.78-meter frame. Mason emphasized that White was only 17 and had room to grow. More importantly, White was intelligent, possessed good ball-handling skills, and had excellent shot selection. He wasn’t just a point guard—he could play multiple positions and had a competitive spirit.

Mason’s persistence eventually paid off. The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, a Division II school, offered White a spot on their team. However, the offer came with a scholarship of only $3,000, far below the $20,000 annual tuition. Undeterred, White accepted the offer and applied for student loans to cover the remaining costs. Many viewed White as a dreamer, someone refusing to wake up from his fantasy. But White knew his potential and was determined not to lead an ordinary life.

College Breakthrough and NBA Dreams

In his freshman year, White experienced a significant growth spurt, adding 10 centimeters to his height and becoming noticeably stronger. He averaged 16.9 points per game. By his junior year, White had evolved into one of the brightest stars in Division II basketball, averaging 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. His performances started attracting attention from higher levels of college basketball.

“I think we’re going to lose him soon. He’s practically an NBA player now. More and more teams are sending scouts to watch him,” said White’s college coach, Jeff Culver. Indeed, White’s talents were recognized by the University of Colorado Boulder, a Division I school, which brought him into their program. At Colorado, White continued to shine, averaging 18.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 51% and a three-point shooting rate of 39.6%. His outstanding performance earned him an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine.

From Draft Long Shot to NBA Star

In the 2017 NBA Draft, White was selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs, making him the first rookie in NBA history to have student loans to repay. White had achieved his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. But he didn’t stop there. Instead of merely trying to stay in the league, White set higher goals for himself each year. He worked tirelessly, improving his game season after season. From averaging just eight minutes of playtime as a rookie, White gradually became a key player. His hard work and dedication paid off when he played a crucial role in helping the Boston Celtics win their 18th championship, earning himself a place among the NBA elite.

A Multi-Million Dollar Milestone

Just days ago, the Celtics announced that they had reached an agreement with White on a four-year, $126 million extension. Combined with his previous $73 million contract, White’s career earnings will surpass $200 million. His journey from being a kid ridiculed for his basketball dreams to becoming a multi-millionaire NBA champion is nothing short of inspirational.

Believing in the Dream

Derrick White’s story underscores the importance of dreams and the relentless pursuit of them. Even when his aspirations seemed laughable to others, White never wavered in his belief in himself. His journey reminds us that while talent is essential, hard work, determination, and self-belief are equally critical. For every young athlete with a dream, White’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most improbable dreams can come true with enough effort and resilience.

Overcoming Adversity and Doubt

Throughout his journey, White faced numerous obstacles. His lack of height and athleticism in his early years made it easy for others to dismiss his potential. The rejection letters from over 50 colleges could have crushed his spirit. Yet, he persisted. White’s experience at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs was pivotal. Despite the limited scholarship and the financial burden of student loans, White’s time there allowed him to grow both physically and as a player. His transition to the University of Colorado Boulder showcased his ability to compete at the highest levels of college basketball, further solidifying his path to the NBA.

The Importance of Support and Mentorship

White’s journey was not one he traveled alone. His parents and coach Marcus Mason played crucial roles in his development and success. Mason’s unwavering belief in White’s potential and his relentless efforts to promote White to college programs were instrumental. This support network provided White with the foundation he needed to succeed.

Life in the NBA

White’s entry into the NBA was a continuation of his journey of growth and improvement. Starting with the Spurs, he quickly adapted to the professional level. His time in San Antonio allowed him to develop under one of the best coaching staffs in the league. His move to the Boston Celtics marked the next step in his career. With the Celtics, White not only found a team where he could contribute significantly but also a platform to showcase his talents on a larger stage.

Achieving the Ultimate Goal

Winning an NBA championship is the pinnacle of success in professional basketball. White’s contributions to the Celtics’ championship run were a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performance during the playoffs demonstrated his ability to excel under pressure and solidified his reputation as a key player in the league.

Securing the Future

The recent contract extension with the Celtics is a reflection of White’s value to the team. The four-year, $126 million deal ensures that White’s future is secure financially and that he remains a critical part of the Celtics’ plans moving forward. This contract, combined with his previous earnings, positions White among the top earners in the NBA, a remarkable achievement for someone who started with so many disadvantages.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Derrick White’s story is one that will inspire generations of young athletes. His journey from a ridiculed schoolboy to an NBA star and multi-millionaire highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. White’s success proves that with enough determination, even the most unlikely dreams can become reality. For every young person facing doubts and obstacles, White’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that anything is possible.

White’s achievements extend beyond the basketball court. They demonstrate the potential of human resilience and the power of dreams. His journey encourages us all to pursue our passions relentlessly, regardless of the challenges we may face. In the end, Derrick White is not just an NBA champion and millionaire; he is a symbol of what can be achieved through unwavering belief and relentless effort.