When you have the chance to sign a 6-foot-8, 25-year-old forward who was chosen in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft, do you think twice? Certainly, you have conversations and make sure it is a good fit. And then you smile at the fact that you are bringing in a player with the potential to help lift your team back to a championship.
Royce White, a Minnesota native, played collegiately at Iowa State University, where he led his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. He’s a forward with guard-like skills, as he has range with his shot and also the ability to dominate down low. He sees the whole court and makes some pretty passes. He had one of the best college careers in the NCAA in the past 10 years, and the Lightning are excited to see what he can bring to London and the National Basketball League of Canada.
White was drafted 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA draft. He spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings as well. Since then, White has been busy building his own non-profit organization, Anxious Minds, which works to help progress the topic of mental health to the forefront of social issues. And he hopes to bring that conversation to London as well, bringing local athletes into the conversation.
The London Lightning organization is thrilled to have White on the roster. At the young age of 25, he has a lot of basketball left in him to play. He will bring a selfless, team-first approach to a team dedicated to working together, and he will surely be fun to watch this season. Visit golightning.ca for updates throughout the season.
Submitted by the London Lightning
