Prospect Spotlight: DJ White (2018)
After a setback in the form of an ACL tear put a halt to DJ White’s career last spring, he’s now back — and according to him, better than ever. And after missing half of the season while rehabbing, he’ll…
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Continue ReadingAfter a setback in the form of an ACL tear put a halt to DJ White’s career last spring, he’s now back — and according to him, better than ever.
And after missing half of the season while rehabbing, he’ll bring some defense and depth to a Garfield squad that will certainly embrace his return.
“I think I’m a great defender from the point guard position. And I’m a pass-first point guard, I like to get my teammates involved and score when I need to score,” said White.
“I’ve been in the weight room trying to get stronger, and last spring (late April) playing with Seattle Rotary I tore my ACL, and I’ve been doing a lot of rehab to get back stronger than I was before.”
He’s able to practice now, after his doctor cleared him earlier this week to play, and will be back in game action in a couple of weeks.
He’s looking forward to showcasing some expanded knowledge of the game.
“I’ve been around the Garfield basketball team picking up knowledge – you learn a lot of stuff when you sit back and watch,” said White.
“I’m just going to come in and try and help the team from the defensive end, and just give us a deeper roster. So I’ll come back and look to lead the team and try and get my players involved.”
For three months prior to being cleared, he was able to move around and work on his game.
“I’ve been in the weight room getting stronger, working on my game; my handles and improving my jump-shot,” said White.
“I think I’m going to be better than I was before. I’m confident in all the work I’ve been putting in, getting stronger. And I feel like I’m stronger than I was before.”
The 6-foot junior — Washington’s 58th-ranked 2018 — says he won’t take the game of basketball for granted ever again.
“It’s a great feeling to know I’m able to get back on the court. I feel like I’m going to come out and play every play like it’s my last,” said White. “Since the game has been taken from me, I have a different perspective now.”
Prior to his injury, White mentioned that Portland State had been recruiting him a bit. He’s hoping that recruitment resumes this summer.
“Over the summer I think my recruitment should go up a lot, during AAU. It did die down a lot because the injury,” said White. “But I’m looking forward to hearing from a lot of colleges over the summer.”