Coby White showing resilience despite disjointed start to the season

Injuries and shooting struggles aside, Coby White has emerged as a key contributor for the Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have not had the best start to the season. They've made a turn with two huge wins over Eastern Conference powerhouses Boston and Milwaukee, but at 8-10, they've got their work cut out to make a playoff run. 

One player who can help them get there is guard Coby White, who has battled through his shooting struggles and an injury to emerge as the hero of the Bulls' 118-113 win over the Bucks on Wednesday.

Tough run

The season has been rough on White — the Bulls' first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — as he and the Bulls failed to agree on a contract extension. 

The University of North Carolina product has also been in and out of the rotation and missed eight games due to a thigh injury. All these could be damning for a 22-year-old trying to make his mark in the Association. Not White though, as he's shown incredible resiliency and calmness in the face of adversity.

Called upon late in a close game versus the mighty Bucks, White stepped to the fore and canned two massive triples — one to tie the game and another to shove Chicago in front — to help the Bulls come away with another solid win. Afterward, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan gave White his flowers.

"The one thing I love about him is there is a resilience there. He doesn't get too down on himself. He stays engaged and just believes in himself. I give Coby a lot of credit coming off a lot of games off and the injury; it was great to see," said Donovan.

Even keel

White says his chill demeanor helps him stay focused in trying times.

"I've been in and out of the rotation, got hurt, which didn't help me. Each game I approach the same way. I'm not really an intense guy, kind of chill, laid back. Just get locked in. That's how I approached it, how I normally approach it," said White.

The 6-foot-5 guard added his teammates' unwavering confidence in him helps him stay engaged despite his shooting woes. A career 36% shooter from three, White has made just 31% of his three-point attempts this season — a career-worst for the four-year guard.

"My teammates made the right plays. I was open; they found me. It wasn't anything special, and I was open and finally knocked down some shots," added White.