A Hall of Fame point guard and Olympic gold medalist, known for his clutch shooting and tenacious defense, leading the Boston Celtics to two NBA championships.
Jo Jo White, a stalwart point guard, is best known for his illustrious 10-year stint with the Boston Celtics, during which he won two NBA championships and was named Finals MVP in 1976. A seven-time NBA All-Star, White's incredible work ethic and clutch performances earned him a permanent place in Celtics lore.
Born on November 16, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joseph Henry White was the youngest of seven children to Baptist minister George L. White Sr. and his wife, Elizabeth Rebecca Guynn. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, White developed a passion for basketball at a tender age of six. He honed his skills at McKinley High School in St. Louis, before joining the University of Kansas, where he was named a second-team All-American twice.
In 1968, White represented the United States at the Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal with the men's basketball team. The following year, he was drafted 9th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1969 NBA draft, marking the beginning of his remarkable professional journey.
Jo Jo White's unwavering dedication, unrelenting work ethic, and clutch performances left an indelible mark on the Boston Celtics franchise. His number 10 jersey, retired in 1982, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy. White's influence on modern basketball is evident in the countless point guards who have followed in his footsteps, drawing inspiration from his tenacious defense and exceptional playmaking ability.
In 1969, White married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Bowman, with whom he had two children, Brian and Nicole. After retiring from basketball, White became a successful businessman, investing in various ventures, including a car dealership and a restaurant. He passed away on January 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of basketball enthusiasts.
91 Years Old
Legendary basketball player and coach who won an unprecedented 11 championships in his 13-year career, including an unmatched eight in a row. He's a symbol of excellence and dominance in the sport.
71 Years Old
Star of the 1980 sci-fi film "Flash Gordon," playing the titular character, and also known for his roles in various TV shows and films.
85 Years Old
Legendary basketball player known for his clutch shooting and all-around skills, winning eight NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
91 Years Old
Legendary basketball player, coach, and sportscaster known for his charismatic commentary and 8 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
93 Years Old
A Hall of Fame point guard and coach who won eight NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, including two as a coach, and is known for his defensive expertise.
97 Years Old
Hall of Fame point guard and coach who revolutionized the game with his flashy ball-handling and behind-the-back dribbling, leading the Celtics to six NBA championships.
Born in 1917
Legendary basketball coach who won 9 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, known for his innovative tactics and iconic cigar-smoking sideline presence.
69 Years Old
A legendary basketball player and coach who dominated the court with his clutch shooting and all-around skills, leading the Boston Celtics to multiple championships.