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Chat Reel: Rodney White

Prospect eager to take his game to the NBA

Rodney White earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors at Charlotte. Tom Pidgeon/Allsport

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NBA Draft chat with Rodney White. Welcome, Rodney, and thanks for joining us.
Rodney White: Thank you for having me.

From Faez in Toronto, Ont.: What's up, Rodney? I've read a lot of scouting reports about you, and you've got the whole package. Do you consider yourself to be a three or a four in the NBA? Also, what advice can you give me on how to develop a post-up game concerning footwork and moves?
Rodney White: I think in the league I'm more of a three that has post-up skills. And the best way to work on your footwork is to slow down and get some repetitions. Then it'll become natural to you.

From Mark Colone in Charlotte, N.C.: To what do you attribute your skyrocketing move up the NBA prospect's chart? Has it been the workouts at Kiki Vandeweghe's school?
Rodney White: I never worked out with Kiki Vandeweghe. The reason I think I am moving up is because people never really got to see me before, but now they have and they realize my potential.

From Matt Coffin in Washington: Would you like to play for Washington, and how would you respond to the pressure of a No. 1 pick?
Rodney White: I would love to play for the Wizards -- that's my first choice, If I am the first pick, the pressure can only help me because I'd have to produce, and I'm not worried about that.

From DMunk in Mississauga, Ont.: Growing up, what type of player did you try to imitate? Also, what player did you admire the most?
Rodney White: Growing up, I was considered short, so I patterned my game after guards -- Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant. When I started growing, I had to get my post game, so I patterned a lot of Hakeen Olajuwon's footwork.

From Rob Moxley in Charlotte, N.C.: Rodney, did you pick up any skills from your assistant coach Rob Moxley? I hear he could always outshoot you!
Rodney White: (laughs) He definitely can shoot the ball. I don't know if he can outshoot me. All the coaches were very helpful, but coach Moxley was the least helpful.

From Lefty49er in Charlotte, N.C.: Rodney, what was it like hanging out with Michael Jordan? Do you think there's a chance you will play with Jordan?
Rodney White: I think there's a real good possibility I could play for the Wizards. Nobody knows if Jordan is going to play for the Wizards; I don't think he even knows. But I wasn't nervous, because when I met Mike we kind of clicked. I didn't think of him as Michael Jordan.

From Casey Ball in Charlotte, N.C.: How did playing for Charlotte and under coach Lutz help you develop your game? And when did you first realize that you could compete in the NBA and be effective?
Rodney White: Charlotte was the biggest help, just because the coaching staff allowed me to play my complete game. I think I always thought I could compete on the NBA level, but now it became a reality during the year.

From James in Seward, Neb.: What is your biggest goal for your rookie season?
Rodney White: I have goals to be the best. I don't want to set boundaries on my potential.

From Andre in Washington: Rodney, what teams have shown the most interest in you?
Rodney White: Pretty much all the teams in the top six or seven. They all seem pretty interested.

From man: What do you think you need to improve on the most in your first season in the NBA?
Rodney White: Just learning the whole NBA game, the NBA offense. Just learning the game and realizing how I am going to be able to fit my skills to my new team.

From UNCC:: During midnight madness, you had one of the most amazing dunks I have ever seen. Your arm was down in the rim up to your elbow. Any chance we'll see that dunk in a game soon?
Rodney White: (laughs) I doubt it. The crowd had my adrenaline pumped. I might try it if I get a fast break.

From Nick2001: Rodney, will the new NBA rules help you or hurt you?
Rodney White: I think it could help because it's going to make NBA teams play team basketball, and that's my favorite thing to do. And it also made for shooters, and I think that will enable me to compete.

From Eddy in Chicago: Rodney, what skills will you bring to the team that is fortunate enough to draft you?
Rodney White: Versatility and good team play. I like creating other plays.

From DMunk in Mississauga, Ont.: Who, in your opinion, is the most exciting player in basketball today? Do you think you can take over that spot?
Rodney White: The most exciting player in the NBA would be Vince Carter or Kobe Bryant. It would be tough to take that over because they are such amazing athletes.

From Francis3: What is the first thing you are going to do when drafted?
Rodney White: I turn 21 the day after the draft, so I think a celebration would be appropriate.

From Raptor: A basketball insider has called you "potentially the best player in this draft." What do you say to praise like that?
Rodney White: It's a great honor for people to be recognizing me as one of the best players in the draft, if not the best. But I'm a competitor. And I'm willing to compete against anybody.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Rodney White. Rodney, thanks for joining us and good luck in the draft.
Rodney White: Thank you!

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