Top rookie with anxiety issue joins Rockets' camp

By Chris Duncan

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Oct. 8 2012 2:45 p.m. MDT

FILE - In this June 29, 2012, file photo, Houston Rockets first-round draft pick Royce White speaks with the media at a newws conference in Houston. White already missed the first week of NBA basketball training camp. He has asked the team to help him cope with his anxiety disorder and his fear of flying.

Pat Sullivan, File, Associated Press

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Summary

Royce White is practicing with the Houston Rockets after skipping the first week of training camp to work out a plan for his anxiety disorder.

HOUSTON — Royce White is practicing with the Houston Rockets after skipping the first week of training camp to work out a plan for his anxiety disorder.

White, the 16th overall pick in the draft, said Monday his first practice went "as good as it could go." Houston coach Kevin McHale says White was noticeably behind in his conditioning and knowledge of the Rockets' plays.

White has been open about his anxiety issues and fear of flying. The Rockets decided the Iowa State star was too good to pass up in the draft.

He has an arrangement with the team that will allow him to travel by bus to some games. McHale says White is "going to have a little bit of a different path in the NBA."

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