Royce White Leaving Early for the NBA
By Ross
In a press conference today, Royce White announced that he is leaving early for the NBA. With his performances in the NCAA Tournament, White’s NBA Draft stock has risen quite a bit. White is expected to sign an agent within the next day.
Well, I’m extremely happy for Royce White. White was the best player on the team that brought Hilton Magic and Cyclone Basketball back. White put himself in some tough situations up in Minnesota, but has turned his life around by coming to Ames where the fans embraced him.
Fred Hoiberg said he said selfishly wanted Royce White to say, but his job is to put his players in the best position to succeed. Hoiberg said that he is positive that White is making the best choice.
Here are some quotes from Iowa State’s official press release:
"“First of all, I want to thank the entire community of Ames and Iowa State University. There is no way to express how much I appreciate everything this community has done for me,” White said. “Ames has given me my life back, supported me in a way that allowed me to find myself, to improve myself as a man even more so than an athlete.”“Coach Hoiberg is one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. I’m proud to have shared a piece of his legacy in his town,”White added. “I will always cherish Cyclone fans. They have uplifted me in so many ways, from support on the court, to allowing me to feel comfortable enough to share my problems with anxiety and pursuit of helping those who suffer from mental illness everywhere.”“Iowa State is a special place and there will always be a special place in my heart for this university and my experiences here,” White said. “I will always remember beating the Jayhawks and making our way back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates, without them none of our success would have been possible. They’re some of the best young men I’ve ever been around. I love each and every one of them. The same is true for our brilliant coaching staff and hardworking graduate assistants and managers. Thank you Cyclone Nation!”"
Royce was a special player and a special person, and I will never forget his time at Iowa State. Thank you Royce White and best of luck in the NBA!