Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of Jo Jo White:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Joseph Henry “Jo Jo” White
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on November 16, 1946, Jo Jo White passed away on January 16, 2018, at the age of 71.
  • Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
  • Weight: 190 pounds (86 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 13 (US).
  • Jersey Numbers: Wore #10 for the majority of his NBA career.
  • Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
  • High School: McKinley High School in St. Louis, Missouri
  • College: University of Kansas (Kansas Jayhawks) (played from 1965 to 1969)
  • NBA Draft: Selected 9th overall in the 1969 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Boston Celtics (1969–1979) — where he spent the prime of his career.
    2. Golden State Warriors (1979–1980)
    3. Kansas City Kings (1980–1981)
  • Accolades:
    • Championship Rings: 2× NBA Champion (1974, 1976) with the Boston Celtics
    • NBA Finals MVP: White was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1976 for his exceptional performance in the Celtics’ championship run, which included the famous triple-overtime Game 5.
  • Kids: Jo Jo White had three children:
    • Brian J. White (son) — an actor and former football player.
    • Caitlin White (daughter)
    • Micaela White (daughter)
  • Siblings: Information about Jo Jo White’s siblings is not widely publicized, though he is known to have come from a large family.

Jo Jo White’s player archetype was a poised two-way lead guard, the kind of backcourt floor general who could organize an offense, score in rhythm, and bring steady defensive value without needing to overplay the game. Defensively, he fit as a competitive point-of-attack guard who relied on discipline, lateral quickness, and stamina rather than size to stay effective over long stretches. Offensively, his role was that of a primary or secondary ball-handler who could push tempo, create shots off the dribble, and score efficiently from the mid-range while still keeping teammates involved. Physically, White had solid guard size at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, and he paired that frame with speed, balance, and the durability that helped define his career. His play style overall was smooth, controlled, and highly professional, built on polished guard skills, strong decision-making, and an all-around game that made him one of the more reliable two-way guards of his era. (The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame)

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Jo Jo White Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Jo Jo White