February 13, 2018
Bryanna Winner
Former UCCS basketball player Derrick White will return to UCCS for a jersey retirement ceremony on Feb. 17.
As a member of the men’s basketball team from 2012-15, White started in every game and left as a career leader in points, scoring a total of 1,912.
During his final year as a Mountain Lion, the team won the RMAC championship and competed in the regional semifinals in the 2015 NCAA Division II tournament. In 2015, White transferred to CU Boulder to play basketball.
Students will have the opportunity to visit White in Berger Hall during the ceremony for autographs where the Athletic Department will provide posters and flyers for him to sign. Signing will occur from 6 – 7 p.m., followed by the retirement ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
White continued his basketball career as a transfer student at CU Boulder. He has continued professionally as part of the San Antonio Spurs after being the No. 29 overall pick in the July 2017 NBA Draft.
The ceremony will be special for White and the men’s basketball program, according to Jeff Culver, head coach of the men’s basketball team.
“It’s a great accomplishment for any student athlete to have their jersey retired and to have some sort of acknowledgement,” said Culver.
“To be part of that, be part of (Derrick’s) 3 years with the program and everything he had done for the program, it’ll be a special night.”
When White was recruited, Culver, who became head coach in 2011, was the only coach to offer him a four-year scholarship.
“He was my first recruiting visit when I took the job at UCCS. There’s a lot of unique situations that made it a special relationship,” said Culver.
“It has been an interesting path over the years with Derrick and his family. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday we had them on their unofficial visit, sitting over a meal in Clyde’s talking about where he may or may not play.”
Alex Welsh, who finished his career at UCCS in the Spring of 2016 and is currently playing for the Swiss basketball team BC Winterthur, will be back sometime during the 2018-19 season to have his jersey retired. The date for Welsh’s ceremony is tentative, according to Culver.
“It’s sort of a unique situation since Derrick and Alex came in at the same time. They were roommates, they are best friends, they’re still great friends, but we also want them to have their own night,” said Culver.
“We also want it to be a big crowd and a good environment for each of them.”