NBL25 Debrief - Jack White

Following two years overseas, excitement levels were sky high when we announced that Jack White would be returning for the NBL25 season.

From the opening round, the Traralgon native put on a show for the fans, using his athleticism and strength to regularly produce huge highlight plays.

Getting to do this in front of his friends and family was something special according to White.

“I love it here in Melbourne, I love being close to home, close to family and friends… To be able to play in front of them and I guess represent them,” he said.

“For them to be able to come to games and be a part of it is something that means a lot to them and means a lot to me as well. It's something I’m definitely not taking for granted being here and it’s a big reason why I’ve enjoyed being back here this season.”

Across NBL25, White was a beast on the court, leading the league in total rebounds and double-doubles, while averaging a career high in scoring.

Looking back at his own play, White credited his teammates for putting him in a position to succeed, while adding that he is far from a finished product on the basketball court.

“Coming back here I had a lot of expectations I guess and a role carved out where that was expected in a sense,” he explained.

“My teammates definitely had my back a lot and when you get that from your teammates, it gives you confidence to just do it and not overthink and understand I have the ability to go out there and make those things happen.

“Even though I did make those progressions, I still have a lot left in the tank in terms of what I can give on an individual level to this organisation, to this group, to this city. I’m happy but not satisfied.”

Perhaps the most special part of NBL25 for White was getting to fully experience the energy inside of John Cain Arena for the first time.

His two previous seasons featured COVID-restricted crowds, but now back with the team, he heaped praise on the United faithful for their unmatched enthusiasm.

“Coming back this year and experiencing (John Cain Arena) truly for the first time was incredible.

“(The fans) showed up every night, weekend, weekday, no matter what time it was, no matter who we were playing, the energy in that building was incredible.

“It feels like you have another player on your team when you’re playing at home… It means a lot to us. At the end of the day we’re not able to do what we do without the support from the fans and people coming to games.”