Recruiting Update: Ryan White (2019 Lakeridge HS)
When it comes down to it, Ryan White just wants a chance. The solid 6-foot-4, 200-pound forward from Lakeridge High School is a high academic student but also would like the opportunity to continue his basketball career at the college level. So to prepare for his senior season, he played AAU basketball with one of Nike Team Northwest’s 17U squads and it was valuable time spent.
“I thought this past summer was one of the best summers I’ve ever had as an individual,” White said. “I got more aggressive offensively and I was able to stay with my guy defensively. And playing (with Nike Team Northwest) was loads of fun, we got to travel everywhere.”
Last month, White was able to show off some of his development at the PrepHoops Top 250 Expo at Parkrose High School. While self-admittedly a little out of shape, he worked hard on both ends, hitting mid-range shots while battling on the boards. His effort level didn’t go unnoticed by some of the college coaches in attendance.
The hope is that things pick up on the college recruiting trail as so far, other than schools pursuing him from academics, he’s only heard some from Cal Lutheran. “I just want to go somewhere where I can play,” White said. “I really want to play in college and it doesn’t really matter where – I just want to play.”
A big senior season will help White achieve that goal as he believes the Pacers will be vastly improved in 2018-19. “I think we have a lot of potential,” White said. “We have a lot of upcoming sophomores and juniors who are solid players, so we have a lot of potential. I just want to get more aggressive offenisvely and become a faster defender so I can be more of a solid all-around player.”