Coby White has had his share of striking comparisons to the legendary MJ and even Donald Glover sometimes. But when it comes to making waves on the court, his name definitely stands out. Coby’s recent career-high nine 3-pointers show just how much he’s capable of, and the Chicago Bulls are well aware of his remarkable skills in 2025. But beyond his athletic talent, fans are eager to learn more about who he is off the court. Let’s take a closer look at Coby’s roots and personal life to get a better sense of who he really is.

What is Coby White’s Ethnicity? Where is the Bulls Star From?

Coby White was born Alec Jacoby White on February 16, 2000, to Bonita and Donald White. Growing up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, his upbringing was shaped by a rich mix of cultures. Dad was African-American and his mother was of American descent.

The hoopster has often spoken about the strong influence his parents, especially his father, had on him. Coming from a family with strong athletic ties, it’s no surprise that sports were a big part of his upbringing. Donald played collegiate basketball at North Carolina Central University, and his older brother, Will, is currently an assistant coach at Mars Hill University.

Coby tragically lost his father to liver cancer in 2017, a loss that deeply impacted him. In his memory, Coby released a book titled For My Father. But he didn’t just honor his dad with words—the youngster also carried his legacy forward on the court. He made his mark in North Carolina high school by scoring 3,573 points, setting a record for the most points ever scored in NC State’s history.

White’s incredible performances later earned him the ‘North Carolina Mr. Basketball‘ title and the 2018 USA Today North Carolina Player of the Year honors! Coby used to once be a member of the Federation of Christian Athletes in High School. And at multiple times in different interviews, the youngster’s spoken about his ‘spiritual journey’, and how it helps him.

Which college did Coby White attend? 

After high school, Coby White decided to stay close to home and play for the University of North Carolina (UNC). His time at UNC was incredibly successful, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top players in the nation. In his freshman year, Coby led the team in scoring and helped them reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Going on to then become the first freshman in North Carolina history to break Michael Jordan’s freshman scoring record (469), a truly remarkable feat for any player. His time at UNC was brief, as he declared for the 2019 NBA draft after just one season.

Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2019, Coby became the first North Carolina player selected in the first round by the Bulls since Michael Jordan in 1984… That’s two mentions of the mighty MJ already in Coby’s story, and he hadn’t even turned 20!Debuting in October 2019, he quickly made an impact, setting a Bulls record with 7 triples in a single quarter against the Knicks. Over his early seasons, he posted career highs and became the first rookie in NBA history with consecutive 30-point games off the bench.

Despite a setback due to injury in 2022, he bounced back and became the fastest Bull to reach 500 career three-pointers in January 2023. Adding to his accolades, NBA expert Grant Hughes predicted him to win the Most Improved Player of the Year Award in 2024.

“This summer (2024), I took a different direction. Like, I always work hard on the court. But off the court, I never took the time to grow, I’ll say mentally, spiritually, those types of areas… I wanted to do things differently. So this summer I read, like, three books. And I hate reading. But just from a mental discipline standpoint. I called it a spiritual journey I went on this summer. Just trying to grow spiritually and mentally. So I read books,” Coby White said about his belief in faith in a talk with The Athletic.

As Coby continues to make his mark, it’s clear that his passion will not only elevate him to greater heights but also lead his team, the Chicago Bulls, to newfound success. His journey from being a small-town North Carolina kid to a global NBA star is a testament to his determination and talent. Fans are in for an exciting ride, as he carves out his own legacy in the world of hoops greatness.