Derrick White Parents: Who Are Richard and Colleen White and How Did They Shape His NBA Career?

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has brought renewed attention to his Colorado roots after taking on a leadership role with the University of Colorado men’s basketball program. The NBA champion was recently featured by the university following his appointment as its first President of Basketball Strategy and a $2 million donation. Behind his remarkable journey from an overlooked high school prospect to an NBA champion are his parents, Richard White and Colleen White, who supported his basketball ambitions long before professional success seemed possible.

Derrick White’s parents are Richard and Colleen White, who raised him in Parker, Colorado, alongside his older sister, Brianna. His father introduced him to basketball and developed his love for the Boston Celtics, while his mother provided encouragement during the uncertain early stages of his career. Their support became especially important when White struggled to attract attention from major college basketball programs.

Who Are Derrick White’s Parents?

Derrick White was born on July 2, 1994, in Parker, Colorado, to Richard and Colleen White. Both parents worked regular jobs while raising their two children and supporting Derrick’s growing interest in sports.

Richard worked in information technology for a digital education company, while Colleen was employed as a legal assistant at a business specializing in workers’ compensation insurance. Their professional lives were largely separate from basketball, but they remained actively involved in their son’s development.

Unlike many NBA players who receive national recruiting attention during high school, White followed an unusual path. His parents watched him develop gradually, supporting his ambitions even when opportunities appeared limited.

Their involvement extended beyond encouragement at home. Richard and Colleen regularly traveled to watch Derrick compete during his college years, making considerable efforts to attend games despite their work commitments.

Derrick White’s Father, Richard White

Richard White has played an important role in his son’s relationship with basketball. Born in Boston in 1960, Richard grew up supporting the Celtics and developed a strong connection to the franchise.

His interest in basketball began during childhood. Richard has recalled visiting a Boston barbershop with his father, where they occasionally encountered Celtics legends, including Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and K.C. Jones.

Richard also played basketball during high school and experienced a growth spurt during his college years. Although he never pursued an NBA career, his knowledge and enthusiasm helped shape Derrick’s understanding of the game.

He encouraged his son to focus on making intelligent decisions, helping teammates, and contributing wherever needed. These qualities later became central to White’s reputation as a dependable NBA guard.

Richard’s lifelong Celtics fandom made Derrick’s February 2022 trade from the San Antonio Spurs to Boston particularly memorable.

During a Celtics podcast appearance in January 2024, Derrick recalled how excited his father became after learning about the trade. While other family members considered the practical challenges of moving, Richard celebrated the opportunity to watch his son represent his favorite team.

Derrick White’s Mother, Colleen White

Colleen White has been another important influence throughout Derrick’s life. She worked as a legal assistant while helping raise Derrick and his older sister in Colorado.

Her support became especially valuable during his early basketball years, when his physical development and limited recruiting attention created uncertainty about his future.

White was not always considered a promising basketball prospect. He was cut from a team during middle school and entered high school standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Despite those setbacks, Colleen continued supporting his interest in basketball. She watched him develop through years of practice, gradual physical growth, and increasing confidence.

In a 2025 feature about Celtics players’ mothers, Colleen reflected on her son’s unconventional journey. She discussed how he received little attention from major college programs before finding an opportunity at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Her perspective highlights the patience required during those years. While other young players received scholarship offers and national recognition, White had to prove himself through smaller opportunities.

Colleen remained supportive as he eventually developed into a professional athlete, celebrating the achievements that once seemed far beyond reach.

How Derrick White’s Parents Supported His Basketball Journey

Derrick White attended Legend High School in Parker, Colorado, where he gradually developed into a talented basketball player.

However, his recruitment process was difficult. Despite improving considerably during his final high school years, he received limited interest from Division I basketball programs.

He eventually joined the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a Division II institution that offered him an opportunity to continue playing.

Richard and Colleen supported the decision and regularly attended his college games. Their commitment was remarkable considering the travel involved and their professional responsibilities.

White became one of the university’s most accomplished basketball players before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder.

During the 2016-17 season, he averaged 18.1 points per game and earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors. His performances attracted NBA scouts and transformed his professional prospects.

The San Antonio Spurs selected White with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

His parents attended his NBA debut in San Antonio, witnessing the achievement that had required years of persistence. Despite their son’s new professional status, both continued working and maintaining their everyday routines.

Does Derrick White Have Any Siblings?

Derrick White has an older sister named Brianna White. She grew up alongside him in Colorado and is part of the family that supported his basketball development.

Unlike Derrick, Brianna has maintained a private life, and relatively little information about her professional career or personal relationships is publicly available.

The White family also has an athletic connection through Derrick’s aunt, Jennifer Smiley, who competed in track and field at Florida State University.

Although Derrick became the family’s most recognizable athlete, his relatives have generally remained grounded and avoided unnecessary public attention.

Derrick White’s Parents and His NBA Success

Richard and Colleen White have witnessed several major milestones in their son’s professional career.

One particularly memorable moment came during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, when Derrick scored a dramatic game-winning putback against the Miami Heat in Game 6.

Richard celebrated the moment publicly, expressing his excitement and pride in his son’s achievement.

The following year, Derrick helped the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA championship. He also represented the United States at the Paris Olympics, earning a gold medal.

In June 2026, White accepted a leadership position with the University of Colorado men’s basketball program and announced a $2 million donation to support its future.

His decision reflected his continued connection to the state where his parents raised him and where his basketball career began.

Today, Derrick is also a father himself, raising two sons with his wife, Hannah Schneider. His relationship with Richard and Colleen has helped shape his understanding of family, responsibility, and parenthood.

For Derrick White, his parents’ influence extends far beyond basketball. Richard helped develop his passion for the game, while Colleen supported him through the difficult years when professional success was uncertain. Their encouragement remains an important part of his journey from Colorado to the NBA.