Amanda Knapp
Nicknamed The Wizard for his explosive and crafty style of play, Tony White is a former Tennessee basketball star who scored 2,219 career points and is being inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. White played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors in the NBA before playing overseas from 1988 to 2000. In 2019, White was diagnosed with leukemia, but he has since beaten cancer and his cancer is now in remission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tony White |
| Nickname | "The Wizard" |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 6-2 (188cm) |
| Weight | 170lb (77kg) |
| School | Tennessee (Men) |
| Draft | 33rd overall in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft |
| Teams | Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors |
| Career Points | 2,219 |
| Career Points (Single Game) | 51 |
| Years Played Overseas | 1988-2000 |
| Health | Diagnosed with Leukemia in 2019, cancer is now in remission |
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What You'll Learn
Tony White's battle with cancer
Tony White, a former Tennessee basketball star, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. White, nicknamed "The Wizard" for his explosive and crafty style of play, had a prolific career at the University of Tennessee before being drafted into the NBA and playing for multiple teams overseas.
White's battle with cancer was a difficult one, but he found support from the Tennessee basketball community, including current and former players, coaches, and friends. Grant Williams, a top player for Tennessee at the time, honored White after several big performances and visited him during his chemotherapy treatments. Tennessee coach Rick Barnes, who had known White since their college days, also visited him multiple times at the UT Medical Center.
One of White's closest friends, Barbie, was by his side every night in the hospital. She slept on a pull-out lounger in his room and provided emotional support during the darkest times. White and Barbie leaned on their Christian faith to get through the difficult times, and their faith gave them strength.
Despite the challenges, White's cancer went into remission. However, doctors warned him that the type of cancer he had would likely evolve and return if he remained solely on maintenance chemotherapy. White's determination and the support of his community helped him through this difficult time, and he eventually beat cancer, achieving what was described as his "biggest win of all."
In recognition of his outstanding career and impact on the sport, White was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. His impact extended beyond the court, as he inspired and influenced countless others through his battle with cancer, demonstrating courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
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White's career at the University of Tennessee
Tony White, nicknamed "The Wizard" or "Wiz", played basketball at the University of Tennessee in the mid-1980s. He was one of the most prolific scorers in Volunteers history, racking up 2,219 career points. White was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft, with the 33rd overall pick.
During his time at the University of Tennessee, White excelled on the court. He was a three-time All-SEC selection and a two-time All-SEC Tournament team member. In 1987, he was named the SEC Player of the Year. White's scoring prowess was on full display during a game against Auburn, where he put up 51 points, a performance commemorated with a sign inside Tennessee's basketball offices.
White's career at Tennessee was not just about his individual accomplishments, but also about the impact he had on the team's success. He was a key member of the Volunteers and helped lead the team to victories during his time there. White's explosive and crafty style of play endeared him to many fans, and he became a beloved figure in Tennessee basketball history.
After leaving the University of Tennessee, White went on to have a successful professional career in the NBA. He played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors before taking his talents overseas to play for multiple teams from 1988 to 2000. White's career came full circle when he was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, an honour befitting of his impact on the state's basketball culture.
In recent years, White has faced a different kind of fight off the court. In 2019, he was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent chemotherapy. The Tennessee basketball community, including current and former players and coaches, rallied around him, showcasing the enduring connection he has with the program. White's cancer is now in remission, and he continues to be an inspiration to those around him.
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White's professional career in the NBA
Tony White, nicknamed "The Wizard" or "Wiz", played college basketball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers before being selected 33rd overall in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. White played for the Bulls, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors before playing overseas for multiple teams from 1988 to 2000.
White was one of the most prolific scorers in Volunteers history, scoring 2,219 career points and earning the nickname "The Wizard" because of his explosive, crafty style of play. He is one of only nine Vols in program history to be named SEC. White's most famous performance came when he scored 51 points against Auburn, a single-game scoring record that stood for over three decades.
White's impact extended beyond the court, as he forged strong friendships and connections with his teammates and the university. In 2019, White faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with leukemia. During his battle with cancer, the Tennessee basketball community, including current and former players and coaches, rallied around him, offering their support and honoring his legacy. White's cancer went into remission, and he was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in July 2022.
White's impact on the court and the lives of those around him solidified his place as a Tennessee basketball legend, with his number 11 jersey hanging in the rafters as a testament to his achievements and enduring influence on the program.
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White's induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Nicknamed "The Wizard" due to his explosive and crafty style of play, Tony White is a Tennessee basketball legend. White played for the University of Tennessee Volunteers before being selected 33rd overall in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He went on to play for the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors before taking his talents overseas and playing for multiple teams from 1988 to 2000.
White's accomplishments on the court are remarkable. He is one of only nine Vols in program history to be named SEC, and the only men's basketball player in UT history to lead the SEC in scoring in back-to-back seasons. He holds the highest (51) and third-highest (49) single-game point totals in school history. He was the SEC Player of the Year, a three-time All-SEC performer, and an All-American.
In recognition of his outstanding career, White was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in July 2022. This honour was well-deserved, with White's name being forever etched into Tennessee basketball history.
However, White faced his biggest challenge off the court. In 2019, he was diagnosed with leukemia. With support from the Tennessee basketball community, he fought the disease and beat it, with his cancer going into remission. White's battle with cancer showed his courage and determination, inspiring those around him.
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White's impact on the Tennessee basketball team
Tony White, nicknamed "The Wizard", is a former Tennessee basketball star. He played for the University of Tennessee Volunteers before being selected 33rd overall in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. White played for the Bulls, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors before playing overseas for multiple teams from 1988 to 2000.
White is known for his explosive and crafty style of play, and is one of only nine Vols in program history to be named SEC. He scored 2,219 career points and had a notable 51-point performance against Auburn. White is held in such high regard that there is a sign inside Tennessee's basketball offices commemorating this achievement.
White's fight against cancer has inspired those around him, and his Christian faith has been a source of strength during dark times. He has beaten cancer and, in recognition of his achievements, was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. White's impact on the Tennessee basketball team is evident not only in their admiration for his playing career but also in the way they have united to support him through his health struggles, showcasing the strong bonds he has forged within the Tennessee basketball community.
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