"They told me to stay aggressive" - Coby White's rise to elite status isn’t stopping any time soon

Despite the Chicago Bulls getting their starting five back, rising star Coby White has kept his foot on the gas pedal and is not keen on slowing down any time soon, thanks to the encouragement he has gotten from coaches and teammates, telling him to keep on doing what has made him successful this season.

Keep playing the way he’s playing

Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets after spending the last two games coming off the bench. Many expected this development to hinder White’s ascendance, but the former Tar Heel has kept his exceptional play going, scoring 30 points highlighted by six triples, and dishing out eight assists in the Bulls’ 124-119 win.

White recently spoke on his instructions from the coaching staff now that the team is back to full strength.

"Nothing’s really changed. Obviously, we’re returning Zach and Vooch. But including those guys, everybody is telling me to keep doing what I’m doing, be myself, and keep playing the way I’m playing," White said.

"They told me to stay aggressive, make the right play, and be who I am and who I have been."

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN...

COBY WHITE HAS ARRIVED. pic.twitter.com/hO4Jz3vO0U
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) January 11, 2024

Adapt to what the game needs from him

White has matured since he was picked seventh overall in 2019. Once known as a scorer who brought nothing else to the table, White has drastically improved his all-around game.

He’s more deliberate and decisive with the ball in his hands, whether it’s creating for others or scoring himself. He’s also become a better defender, using his quickness and athleticism to stay in front of his opponents.

But perhaps most importantly, White has adapted to what the game needs from him. With Vucevic and Lavine back on the court, he knows he doesn’t need to be the primary scorer in every game.

"It’s not going to happen like that every night. We have so many talented players on this team. I just want to stay aggressive and in attack mode," White shared.

"The main thing about us is we don’t have the egos to where it’s like, ‘I want the ball.’ We want to win. Whoever has it going, it is what it is."

Pull up, Coby!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/V4JLVELvcY
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 11, 2024

Keep playing the way he’s playing

Adapt to what the game needs from him

Chicago Bulls overcome the Houston Rockets in overtime for third straight win