Luke Whitehead
Luke Whitehead | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 9, 1981 Walnut Creek, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player (retired) |
| Years active | 2000–2008 |
| Known for | College basketball at University of Louisville; professional career including Alba Berlin and Gold Coast Blaze |
Luke Edward Whitehead (born February 9, 1981) is a retired professional basketball athlete. Hailing from Walnut Creek, California, he played as a forward during his tenure at the University of Louisville.
College
Following his graduation from Oak Hill Academy in 2000, Whitehead enrolled at the University of Louisville, where he competed until 2004. Throughout his collegiate career, he amassed more than 1,000 points and exceeded 600 rebounds. In 2003, he was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the Conference USA Tournament.
In-game injury
On December 12, 2001, while playing against Coppin State, Whitehead attempted an alley-oop but was undercut and landed on the side of his head. He was promptly admitted to hospital for evaluations concerning possible kidney or spinal injuries.
Professional career
In 2004, Whitehead took part in the NBA Summer League representing the Golden State Warriors, before joining the Kentucky Colonels. The Sioux Falls Skyforce selected him in the 2006 NBA Development League draft; however, he was released due to injury complications.
During the 2005–06 Basketball Bundesliga season, he played for Alba Berlin, contributing to their victory in the 2006 German Basketball Cup. In January 2008, Whitehead signed with the Gold Coast Blaze of Australia's National Basketball League, stepping in for Juaquin Hawkins following Hawkins' stroke.