USC Basketball: Defining Tre White's role in the rotation next season
USC Basketball's Tre White may arguably be one of the best rising freshmen in the country. White's 6'7", 210 lb build allows him to create in a variety of ways. His high-end scoring ability, along with his defensive instincts, make the game fairly easy for him. As White's game is almost perfect, he has the potential to dominate at the professional level.
When watching him play, White's ability to score in the paint highlights how talented he truly is. What many fail to notice, is his ability to rotate and communicate on the defensive end. White is an active defender and is always willing to go out of his way to create an opportunity for his teammates. This is a strong attribute that adds to why he was ranked as a four-star athlete coming out of high school (247Sports).
In most situations, freshmen generally lack a role in the fixed rotation. With White, that is not the case. Next season, White will see countless opportunities to showcase his unique skillset. Although he is only a freshman, White may already be one of the best players on the roster.
Tre White will be USC basketball's hidden gem.
Tre White could be the x-factor that allows USC basketball to make a deep run in the tournament. White is an excellent playmaker for his size. Furthermore, a role that will reflect White's distinctive skillset, is starring as the sixth man. Head Coach Andy Enfield may have White come off the bench and provide an instant spark, which could make winning games, even easier.
With a 1-2 punch of Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis, opposing teams will not be able to keep up with USC if White prevails off the bench. This role will allow White to build a strong name for himself at the collegiate level. In addition, White will be given plenty of time to make the proper adjustments needed to succeed in the following years.
Shining under the bright lights has never been a difficult task for White. In his last season at Prolific Prep, White averaged 18.2 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, and 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 48.6% from the field through 19 games. These exceptional stats display only half of what White is capable of.
When evaluating some of the best athletes, the most important factor is the eye test. Most of White's contributions are superior to the typical stat sheet. Whether that is showing 110% effort, or making the right reads on offense, White does it all. It's no wonder why some of the best schools in the nation, along with USC, were eager to recruit White.
Moreover, White will see high-volume minutes next season. Coming off the bench will help develop White for what is yet to come. If White performs as expected, USC basketball could have one of the best regular seasons in recent history.