The lights are a little brighter in Chicago these days. Not because of marquee names or high-priced hype — but because of a homegrown guard who’s stepped up, settled in, and is shining through the grind.
A Season of Growth and Gratitude
This season has been different for Coby White, and not just because of what you see in the box score. The fifth-year guard out of North Carolina isn’t just finding his rhythm — he’s found his voice.
“It’s been good. It’s been a year of growth for me obviously, starting in another role… again. So for me, I look at that as another challenge to continue to get better…”
The Bulls’ Identity Shift: Youth, Fun and Flow
White is a big part of a larger identity shift in Chicago — one rooted in youth, energy, and connectivity.
“I think it’s just electric fun! Our playing style… we got a youth movement kind of thing going on… how connected we are and it’s fun to be out there.”
Gone is the iso-heavy play of past seasons. This year’s Bulls have done a full 180 — and it’s working.
“We did a complete 180 with the way that we’re playing and I think it’s beneficial for us.”
Zach Collins’ Arrival: Chemistry and Physicality
At the trade deadline, Chicago added a piece that helped anchor this new era — big man Zach Collins.
“Since he got here, he’s bringing a whole another level of physicality. He’s a bruiser, he rebounds tremendously well…”
The synergy was instant.
“Me and him clicked right away… his locker is next to mine… But he’s an easy guy to play with and we hold each other accountable.”
The Departure of Zach LaVine: More Than a Teammate
While additions shaped the present, one subtraction reshaped the soul. Zach LaVine, a Bulls mainstay, was traded to Sacramento. And for Coby, it hit personally.
“I miss him as a person… he’s been here since I’ve been here… our relationship grew closer than just being teammates.”
Their bond ran deep — beyond the hardwood.
“I got to know his family and his kids… he still talks to me once a week… his dad still watches my games and relays messages to me.”
On the court?
“It was just incredible on the court to watch on a night in and night out basis to see that rare combination of athleticism, talent and shotmaking all the time.”
Postseason Push: Resilience Over Reaction
Many counted Chicago out after LaVine’s exit. But White and the Bulls had other plans.
“When Zach went to Sacramento, I think a lot of people counted us out… I think it helped us as a team to come together… and especially when adversity hits, we come together and fight together.”
Now, entering the Play-In, the Bulls have one focus.
“We’re playing really good basketball at the right time.”
Scouting the Next Generation: Flagg and Harper
Even as he builds his own future, Coby has a sharp eye on the game’s next wave. Starting with Cooper Flagg, Duke’s phenom.
“I think he’s better than advertised to me… no matter who he’s on the court with he has that ability to raise his level of play.”
White admires more than the talent — he respects the mindset.
“He’s all about basketball, he’s all about the right things… he knows what goes into winning and he’s done it at every level.”
And when it comes to Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, Coby’s equally impressed.
“He’s a big guard, physical, gets downhill, lefty and can shoot it… buzzer beaters, you name it.”
White sees in Harper what matters most in today’s NBA:
“He plays at a helluva pace for how young he is… has a high [basketball] IQ… and he’s talented.”
What This Year Meant
So what’s this season been like for Coby White? Growth. Challenge. Change. And something deeper: belief.
“It’s been real fun this year.”
And Chicago’s future is even brighter because of it.
