July 17th 2024.
Derrick White is a basketball player from Parker, Colorado who has made quite a name for himself in the world of basketball. His skills on the court have earned him a spot in the Louvre, alongside some of the greatest works of art like the Mona Lisa and "The Wedding Feast at Cana". He has also been compared to the likes of "La Bella Nani" and "Titian's Man with a Glove", two iconic pieces of basketball art.
But who would have thought that a kid from Parker would achieve such greatness and bring his hometown to the forefront? As his father, Richard White, proudly says, "He's just a kid from Parker, bringing Parker to the world." And what a world it is. Being hailed as one of the best basketball players to come out of the 5,280, Derrick's legacy is truly golden. From his high school days at Legend High School to his successful NBA career and eventual induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Derrick's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
However, there was one thing missing from his already impressive resume - the Olympic Summer Games. But all of that changed when he received the call to join Team USA for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. His family, including his proud father, were ecstatic. As Richard puts it, "It's been wild. A lot of things have fallen into place." And now, Derrick will always have Paris. Always.
The news of his selection to Team USA was met with great excitement, even by the kids in his neighborhood who put up red, white, and blue decorations on their sidewalk in his honor. And just last week, it was officially announced that Derrick would be joining the Boston Celtics' guard, fresh off his first NBA title, as a roster replacement for Kawhi Leonard.
According to Richard, Derrick found out about his selection on a Tuesday and immediately shared the news with his family the next day through a text, "They want me to be on USA Basketball. I got the call last night." And just like that, Derrick was on his way to Abu Dhabi, where Team USA's training camp was being held. As they say, when you're living a dream, life comes at you fast.
Richard couldn't be more proud of his son's accomplishments. And rightfully so. Derrick will be the third ex-CU Buff to represent Team USA at the Olympics, and the first since 1960 when Burdette Haldorson won the gold medal in Rome. But Derrick's journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering his humble beginnings at a Division II school.
As his father puts it, "He's excited. It's a huge opportunity." And indeed it is. Derrick's hard work and dedication have paid off in the best possible way. He will not only represent his country but also his hometown of Parker, Colorado, and make them proud on the world stage.
And speaking of making people proud, Derrick's father raised some eyebrows in Miami last month when he trolled Heat star Jimmy Butler on social media. After the Celtics' victory over the Mavs, Richard posted a photo of him and Derrick holding the Eastern Conference Finals trophy with the caption, "Holding the next one was even better. Did I do it right, Jimmy?" This was in reference to the Heat's celebration on Boston's court in Game 7 of the Eastern finals in '23, where Butler had famously said, "I'll hold the next one." But as Richard points out, "History is written by winners, loathed by whiners." And Derrick and Team USA are ready to write their own history, starting with an exhibition game against Serbia, led by Denver Nuggets icon Nikola Jokic.
Richard and his wife, Colleen, plan to be in Lille, France, on July 28, to watch their son and Team USA begin their quest for Olympic gold. It's a proud moment for any parent to see their child achieve such greatness, especially for Richard, who also got to hold the Larry O'Brien trophy last month after the Celtics' victory. And as he says, "It felt good to hold it." But for Derrick, this is just the beginning. He has worked hard for each and every step of his journey, and it's only fitting that he continues to rise and improve with each passing day.
As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." And neither was Derrick's success. It's a testament to his hard work, determination, and constant improvement that he has made it this far. And as he takes the court in Paris, he will not only represent Parker, Colorado, but also the entire country, carrying with him the hopes and dreams of every aspiring basketball player. Derrick White may always have Paris, but he will also have the hearts of everyone who has followed his journey. And that, in itself, is a masterpiece.
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