NBA Draft an emotional night for Royce White who was selected by Houston Rockets - Update
This year`s NBA draft on Thursday night was a big night for several young stars coming into the league. One of them was Iowa State`s Royce White who had been selected by Houston Rockets.
It came as an equal surprise for White as much for everyone else as he was bumped up the draft nominees by the Rockets who selected him with their 16th pick on Thursday.
White had perplexed feelings while waiting for his selection to be announced by David Stern and nearly had a panic attack before finally hearing his name being called by the Commissioner.
“I was having an hour and 45 minute panic attack up there,”
“When my name was called, the feeling was similar to when the (airplane) wheels touchdown in a city at that airport. It was great. The emotions swelled from 21 years of trying to get here.”
He transferred to Iowa State for his second year in college and the led the Cyclones by holding an average of 13.4 rebounds, 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
Since adorning the cardinal and gold colours, White had an immediate impact with the team and performed very well throughout the season.
His Iowa coach Fred Hoiberg had been made aware of the selection for the Rockets by Kevin McHale.
Hoiberg had played under McHale back when he was in Minnesota and was the main person responsible for bringing White in on a transfer to the Cyclones, two years ago.
McHale sent Hoiberg a text around when John Henson`s name was called for his selection by Milwaukee Bucks for the number 14th pick.
“(He) shot me a text about two picks before,” said Hoiberg, “They were up and he said it’s gonna be White...Great fit. I played for Kevin for several years and he’ll use him the right way. He’ll be great for Royce off the floor, as well.”
Following White`s selection in the first round who became only the ninth player out of Iowa State to achieve that feat, celebrations were all around both for family and school mates who had gathered at the Sukup Basketball Complex.
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