Rockets first round draft pick suffers from anxiety disorders, and faces a huge challenge as he looks to live his dream of playing in the NBA
For many aspiring basketball players, Royce White might be the object of their envy.
The 6 foot 8 forward from Iowa State University was drafted as the 16th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, which will kick start his career in the NBA. However, most people do not know that White
has gone through a rather unfamiliar and bumpy road to get to this point, as covered in a recent documentary of his draft night experience by Grantland.com.
The rookie suffers from a debilitating anxiety disorder and was once told by doctors to give up him dream of becoming a professional basketball players.
“My doctor told me when I was 18. She looked me right in the face and said that basketball might not be what's best for you. Because this industry is built to defeat somebody like you. I want people to see that you can deal with
your disorder and chase your dream,” remembered White in the documentary.
White was clearly a standout player at Iowa State University, averaging 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game during his sophomore year. However, college basketball did not come without a few scares, as White was suspended
from Minnesota and his transfer to Iowa State was initially stalled due to scholarship issues.
Through all of this, White was suffering with an anxiety disorder on the side as well. An anxiety disorder is basically an anxiety issue that messes up with day to day activities of anyone who is suffering from it. White worries
all the time about little things, cannot go in a room full of people or face a crowd, and cannot step on airplane.
"Panic attacks are like, if you have one you are susceptible to another one. Your mind races and the adrenaline starts to pump. The adrenaline is so powerful it makes your heart beat faster. That sends it back to your mind, and
you're like, my heart is beating,” said White.
Houston Rockets scouting staff labelled White as a big risk, but Rockets head coach Kevin McHale is one of the biggest fans of White, and won the debate when the Rockets picked him with their 16th draft pick.
White faced his first challenge when he had to get on a plane and fly to Houston the day after the draft. He made it through the flight, and had a great summer league as well for Houston, where he averaged 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds
and 3.6 assists per game.
While White has shown tremendous heart and courage to get to this point, his journey in the NBA is just beginning. He will come face to face with many of his fears as part of the league and the Rockets. And one can only hope that
he is able to conquer them all in the pursuit of living his dream.
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