Jo Jo White

American basketball player who won Olympic gold in 1968 and starred at University of Kansas before a successful NBA career with the Boston Celtics.

Joseph Henry White was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1946. He attended the University of Kansas and became one of the most celebrated guards in the program's history before Danny Manning and later Wilt Chamberlain redefined the program. He averaged 15.3 points and 4.2 assists per game across three varsity seasons. He was an All-American and Big Eight champion. He won Olympic gold with the USA at Mexico City 1968 — a tournament that produced the famous Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium. Boston Celtics selected him ninth overall in the 1969 NBA Draft. His professional career produced seven All-Star appearances and two NBA championships with Boston (1974, 1976), including a legendary performance in the triple-overtime Game 5 of the 1976 Finals. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 — belated recognition of both his college and professional excellence. His Kansas career produced the Olympic experience that prepared him for the pressure situations of professional championship basketball.

White was a masterful floor general who combined exceptional court vision with outstanding leadership abilities. His quick hands and basketball IQ allowed him to control the tempo of games while setting up teammates for easy scoring opportunities. He possessed a reliable jump shot and was particularly effective in pressure situations.

White's impact on Kansas basketball remains profound, as he helped establish the Jayhawks as a consistent national powerhouse during his era. His leadership and playmaking abilities set the standard for future Kansas point guards.

• Olympic Gold Medal (1968)
• All-American
• Big Eight champion
• NCAA Tournament performer
• NBA Finals MVP (1976)
• 7-time NBA All-Star
• 2-time NBA Champion