Forward Jack White has made an eye-catching return to Melbourne through the first three games of the season, averaging 17 points and nine rebounds per game during that period.
White makes his return to the NBL after several seasons of playing overseas, highlighted by an NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets and starring performances for the Grand Rapids Gold and the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G league.
He returns to United a far more established and dominant player than his previous stint during 2020-22. The 27-year-old appears to be the perfect replacement for the outgoing Luke Travers and will lead Melbourne's charge towards another strong post-season run.
After helping spark United’s second-half comeback in the Throwdown last Thursday night, White said that having the support of the group has been a key factor in his impressive start to the season.
“It feels great to have belief from the group and just try and have fun out there,” he said.
“The words coming from the locker room are just continue to stay aggressive, when I’m aggressive I’m creating good things for the group.”
United hold ample international experience with guards Matthew Dellavedova and Ian Clark having who have played some strong basketball in the NBA. Add in NBL veteran and superstar Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Marcus Lee, and White, amongst others, and United look a scary prospect once again in NBL25.
With White’s power and explosiveness, he can stretch the floor and can play big, while exploiting all types of opponents with his athleticism. The 27-year-old’s homecoming has been a good one so far, and with a 2-1 record, last year’s runners-up look set for another strong season.
The former Denver Nugget will also be keen to dominate this season with one eye towards pushing his case for another NBA opportunity. With the recent disappointment of being cut from Australia’s Olympic campaign no doubt burning deep within and spurring him on.
Before the season, captain Chris Goulding suggested White was more “confident” this time around, adding that he felt the big man could pose a huge threat to the rest of the league.
“I think he’s more sure of himself, more confident in what he can do. Him being able to transfer that confidence and that ability out onto the floor is something that I’m really excited about,” he said.
“I love that he’s leaning into his three-point shooting. Anywhere he goes, you shoot with him, he’s right up in the top echelon, he barely misses.
“Having the confidence and the mindset, along with all the other championship qualities he brings, we expect him to excel.”
White and his United team will battle it out against Perth Wildcats tonight, before returning home to take on Cairns Taipans on Sunday afternoon at JCA.
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