BOULDER — The University of Colorado introduced Derrick White as its first president of basketball strategy on June 24, 2026. White's role is a volunteer position, and he donated $2 million to the men's basketball program.

White, 31, will turn 32 on July 2, 2026. Fernando Lovo, the athletic director at the University of Colorado, commented on White's new role, stating, "It changes our trajectory." Lovo added, "I really believe that."

Derrick White played one season at the University of Colorado during the 2016-2017 academic year, averaging 18.1 points and 4.4 assists. He joined the team in the 2015-16 season but missed the year due to transfer rules, having previously attended the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. White is from Parker, Colorado.

White was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Boston Celtics in February 2022. White won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and a gold medal with the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2024 Olympics.

Tad Boyle, the head men's basketball coach at the University of Colorado, discussed the new position and the current state of college athletics. Boyle said, "The first thing I would say is I want to get a good lawyer, a local judge and get a temporary restraining order to get an extra year of eligibility for Derrick." He also stated, "That's what I would like to do first."

White addressed his approach to the new role in a video posted on the team's social media account. "Everything happens for a reason," White said. He also stated, "I was where I was supposed to be."

The University of Colorado men's basketball team last appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2024. The university's football team hired Deion Sanders as coach in December 2022. Isaiah Johnson transferred from the University of Colorado to Texas.