Coby White says he's not surprised by how well he's playing this season

"I worked really hard to be at this stage."

© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

While some observers may be surprised by Coby White’s superb production this season, the former Tar Heel guard is not. After all, White knows how much work went into this. Whether it was the arduous summer workouts or the countless hours spent in the weight room, White put in the effort needed to take his game to the next level. And it’s paying off as he continues to be an integral part of a Chicago Bulls team looking for success in the present and future.

Loving the grind

Thrust as the Bulls’ starting point guard this season, White didn’t immediately make a substantial impact. He struggled with his shot, making just 39 percent, including 30 percent from long distance. However, White has turned it around and has averaged 24.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in his last ten outings. He’s also making nearly five three-pointers per game in that torrid-shooting stretch.

Asked by K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago if he’s surprised by any of this, White confidently answered that he isn’t.

“Not really. Because I feel like I work really hard and I put a lot of time and effort into basketball. It’s my first love. I love it so much. I worked really hard to be at this stage,” White, the seventh overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, said.

Coby hits back-to-back threes in the 4th!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/4kyO3eapjL

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 17, 2023

Years of repetition

The process wasn’t overnight for White. He entered the league with huge expectations and was handed the reins to the starting five in his second season. And while he put up solid numbers, the efficiency was subpar, and the play was inconsistent. It was only last season when he began to put it all together. Despite putting up meager numbers, the coaching staff saw robust improvements in his shot selection, decision-making, and defense.

That is why the coaching staff didn’t hesitate to install him as the starting point guard this season.

“I think just years of learning, years of repetition. I think I just got better over time. I continue to work at it. Like I said, when I first came into the league, I knew I had a lot to work on. I knew I wasn’t a polished player. I wanted to come in and be this certain type of guy, but I had so much to work on. Each year, I just tried to stay consistent with the work. Things have started to fall in place,” White shared.

#Bulls Coby White breakout season highlights. Most Improved candidate. pic.twitter.com/eHabob3T9I

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) December 16, 2023

Coby White gives Ayo Dosunmu his flowers: "He's the reason we won"