SLR junks White, Head, settles for Whitehead

Sta. Lucia Realty tried to sign up veteran PBA imports Leon White and James Head. But failing to get a deal with White and Head, the team curiously turned to Whitehead — former Louisville star Luke Edward Whitehead who is also an upcoming rap artist known as "L Dubb."

The Realtors were finalizing their deal with the player at press time.

"It’s funny, we failed to get White and Head, and we may end up with Whitehead," said Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua, keen on acquiring the 6-foot-6 forward who developed his skills while playing under legendary coach Rick Pitino at Louisville.

One of 53 players in Louisville history to score over 1,000 career points, Whitehead made it to the Mythical Third Team All-Conference USA in his senior year with the Cardinals last year. He also earned 2004 All-Consolation Team honors at Portsmouth Invitational tourney, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 rebounds.

As a senior where he was named team captain, Whitehead scored in double figures on 17 occasions and was the team’s rebounding leader in 14 games. He grabbed a career-high 19 rebounds against Marquette, adding 14 points and three steals.

A season earlier, Whitehead earned Most Valuable Player honors in leading Louisville to its first Conference USA Tournament title, averaging 15.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and shooting 87 percent from the field in three games.

His collegiate review said Whitehead "is a good rebounder, handles the ball well for his size, has a good nose for the ball and plays the game with high energy at all times."

Incidentally, his father Eddie also played at Louisville from 1963-66, brother Pax played at Vanderbilt and sister Maya at Florida.

Majoring in communications, Whitehead is also into music. In fact, Whitehead, with L Dubb as alter ego, has recorded a rap album with a title "Unexpected."

"Basketball definitely got the majority of my attention. With Coach (Rick) Pitino, you have to concentrate on basketball and that’s it. Music was something I did on the side as a hobby. When some guys would go to the club, I’d go work on music instead," said Whitehead.