Q&A with the Newcomers: Jamel White

It’s not that the practices are that different. Whether you’re playing basketball in a gym, at the park or in a 13,000-seat arena, the game is still the same. But Jamel White can tell you that the preparation is light-years difference between high school and college basketball.

 

Part of the Huskers’ highly rated six-man recruiting class this year, White was the starting point guard for Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute last season, guiding the team to a 40-0 record and a prep school national title. Despite playing point guard for the first time in his life, White said he led the prep school ranks with 11.2 assists per game while adding more than 10.0 points per contest on a team that had 14 players sign Division I scholarships.

 

As soon as classes ended a Laurinburg, White made the trek to the Cornhusker state in May. He spent the summer taking classes to get acclimated to the college grind and played pick-up games with his new teammates. That early introduction to the squad will be a key to the Huskers’ success this season, White said.

 

Each week before the start of regular-season practices in mid-October, Huskers.com will feature a different newcomer in a Q&A session. We caught up with White on Thursday after Nebraska’s second team practice of the fall and the following is what the Brooklyn native had to say:

 

H.C: After two practices as a team, what are your overall thoughts on the squad?

JW: I think our conditioning is getting a lot better and our team chemistry is coming along good. Everybody is starting to figure out what each other can do as a player and the coaches are starting to see what we can do. We’re starting to come together as a team.

 

H.C: Is the conditioning aspect totally different from what you’ve seen in high school and prep school?

JW: Kind of. We had conditioning in high school but nothing like this. To practice and then have conditioning right after, we never had anything like that.

 

H.C: What is this extra practice time doing to help you prepare for the season?

JW: It teaches you that you have to be ready for whatever happens on the court. You have to be prepared and ready to play every day.

 

H.C: What are your strengths in the game right now?

JW: I can shoot the ball pretty well and I can help get the ball to people. I can see the floor pretty well.

 

H.C: You never played the point guard before last season. Are you comfortable there now?

JW: I didn’t play (the point) before last year, but I feel very comfortable there now. I really don’t care where I play, but I’m taller than most point guards, so that’s an advantage for me. But I’d enjoy being at shooting guard too.

 

H.C: What are you looking forward to the most about your first game in a Husker uniform?

JW: I just want to make the most out of my minutes and help the team win.

 

H.C: Did playing a year at prep school help you get ready for playing a Division I schedule against the most talented players in the country?

JW: Yes, especially playing with the guys who were on my team last year. They all went to Division I schools. I was playing with some of the best (prep school) players in the country and that just prepared me even more to help this team.

 

H.C: Like you, several players now on the team have won at a high level before reaching college. How will that help the team on the court?

JW: Everyone has that winning mentality now so hopefully everyone is on the same page. We all want to win as much as possible.

 

H.C: You were the first commitment from this recruiting class. What sold you on coming to Nebraska?

JW: One was all the coaches, of course. I formed a good relationship with coach Spinelli right away. When I came on my visit, I got along with the players quickly. I played with them and had a little chemistry there, so I guess that pushed me a lot to come here. And basically being able to have a chance to play right away was a big thing for me.

 

H.C: You’re not the only New Yorker on the team this year. Does that help the adjustment period here or is it just a nice little coincidence?

JW: It’s a nice coincidence. I’m good enough on my own to cooperate with anyone and get along and communicate with people, so it would be an easy adjustment anyway.

 

H.C: Who do you hang out with on the team?
JW: I’ll hang out with Mike Smith (also from New York) or Joe a lot, but basically whoever is free. Everyone on the team gets along well.

 

H.C: Do you have any game day rituals?

JW: I just pray and think about my family back home. When I’m on the court, I just think about doing what I have to to get them a better lifestyle.

 

H.C: What’s the last movie you saw at the theatres?

JW: The Four Brothers. It was real good. It was the best movie I’ve seen in a long time.

 

H.C: Who is your favorite musician?

JW: Jay-Z. He’s the best out there right now. He’s versatile.

 

H.C: Are you into PlayStation?

JW: A little. I just play basketball and football. When I’m playing basketball, I have the Indiana Pacers, and in football it’s the Atlanta Falcons. You have to go with (Michael) Vick.

 

H.C: Are you any good?

JW: Oh yeah, I’m real good. I’m the best on the team in football or basketball.

 

H.C: So if they had a team tournament, you would win?

JW: Oh yeah. Definitely. Football or basketball.