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Royce White Faces Fear of Flying

Troubled Sixer makes plane trip to Charlotte despite mental health issues

October 17, 2013 Comments Off on Royce White Faces Fear of Flying

Royce White, Sixers, anxiety

New Sixer Royce White tweeted this photo from the plane Wednesday.

 

Royce White most be the most talented player on the Sixers’ roster. Or, at the very least, the most talented player to have never played a single minute in the NBA.

Despite being drafted No. 16 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, the 22-year-old never saw the court. White suffers from anxiety disorder, including a fear of flying, and overall mental health issues. He was suspended by the Rockets last season for “refusing to provide services” required by his contract and shipped out to the D-League.

White has been an outspoken champion for those afflicted with mental health problems — check his Twitter for proof, @Highway_30. The Sixers took a chance on his immense talent (credit new GM Sam Hinkie, who came over from the Rockets’ organization). White came into training camp claiming he was over his fear of flying, then he skipped the team’s trip to Europe.

Fans (well, the few Sixers fans that still exist) moaned. Sixers brass quietly questioned their decision, while publicly stating they were working with the troubled baller.

“It’s really important that our guys know we care about them and that we want them to be better players,” Hinkie. “What they want, we want.”

Perhaps the Sixers’ patience is paying off. On Wednesday, White hopped aboard the team’s charter flight to Charlotte for an exhibition game. Even better, he live-tweeted his trek with the hashtag, #AnxietyTroopers.

Here’s how it went down:

 

 

 

 

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