James White’s Herculean effort was not enough to give Mahindra an opening day win
23-year-old James White brought a sense of excitement when it was announced that he would be returning for a second tour of duty with the Mahindra Floodbuster.
The high-leaping, 6-foot-8 American drew oohs and aahs in his first game back in the big league, as he soared high over the barrel-chested Meralco import Alex Stepheson during the third frame. The native of Mount Clemens, Michigan finished the game with 33 points on 14-of-26 shooting and 14 rebounds, but Mahindra were still on the losing end against the Meralco Bolts, 94-86.
But even with the loss, White remains grateful to be able to return to the league. Moreover, he knows that the loss brought a lot of positives to the young Floodbuster squad.
“It’s a blessing to be back. It’s a blessing from God just to be back,” said the Georgia Tech product.
“Even though we got a loss, we took a lot from it. It was a lesson learned, we’re not having our heads down, it’s a long season. Just got to stay positive.”
However, this team is quite different from the squad he had played with back in the 2016 Governors Cup. But White has no qualms, and is looking forward to blending in with them as the conference rolls.
“We had a team building. I had to know the guys even more,” White shared.
“It’s a new family but we’re brothers, it’s going to be good things that will come from this season.”
Having experienced the PBA style of play, the baby-faced reinforcement vows that he will do whatever is asked of him as they try to notch that elusive playoff berth.
“More in just me doing the right thing and helping the team win. That’s what the team needs me to do, [and] I’ll do that. If the team needs me to be a defensive player, an energy guy, I’ll do all those things,” he vowed.
