March 27, 2001
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
In a press conference, today, Charlotte 49ers men's basketball freshman Rodney White (Philadelphia, Pa.) announced his intentions to make himself available for the upcoming NBA draft and forego his final three years with the 49ers.
"I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to do once this season was over," White said. "The decision has been a long and difficult process. However, after talking with my family, friends and the coaching staff here at Charlotte, I have decided to take the great experiences I have had in college and move to the next stage of my basketball career. Not only will I be able to provide financial security to my family, but it will also be a dream come true."
White, who led the nation's freshmen in scoring with an 18.7 average, was named honorable mention AP all-America and selected National Freshman of the Year by ESPN.com. In his one season with the 49ers, he led Charlotte to the Conference USA Tournament title and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the 49ers fourth trip to the second round of the NCAAs in the last five years.
While averaging a team-high 18.7 points, the 6-10 White shot .487 from the floor and .347 from three-point range while pulling in 6.5 rebounds per game. A first-team all-Conference USA choice, White was also the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and became the first freshman in league history to be named MVP of the Conference USA Tournament.
"We will miss Rodney both as a player and a teammate," said 49ers head coach Bobby Lutz. "He's a unique young man and we're very proud of him, both on and off the court. We're thrilled with his chance to realize his dream of playing in the NBA."
Lutz said discussions with NBA officials revealed that White "will certainly be a first round draft pick." Most estimates place White in the middle (15-22) of the first round although some have marked him as a possible eight to ten choice.
"He's going to be impressive at the workouts with his size and skill level," Lutz noted.
White scored in double figures in 26 of his 28 games played, missing five games midseason with a bone bruise. He had 11 games of 20 or more points. His string of 14 straight double-figure games to open the season was snapped in his first game back from his injury. He rebounded, however, leading the 49ers to a 10-2 mark down the stretch.
Twice named the Conference USA Player of the Week, White was also named Dickie V's Diaper Dandy of the Week on two occasions. He became the first freshman in school history to debut with back-to-back 20-point outings which earned him MVP honors at N.C. State's season-opening CoSIDA Classic. He was also the first freshman in league history to win Player of the Week honors in the first week of the season.
"One of our goals here in athletics and at the university is to help our young people realize their dreams," said 49ers Director of Athletics Judy Rose. "Today, a very special young man takes another step toward realizing his dream."
"I have really enjoyed my time at Charlotte. This great university has provided me with a wonderful learning experience," White said. "I am thankful to coach Lutz and his coaching staff for the hard work they have put into developing my game and the hard work they have demanded from me. I am also thankful for the opportunity to play with each of my teammates."
The 49ers finished the season with a 22-11 record, captured the Conference USA Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA's under third-year coach Bobby Lutz.
