White flies in return to court

It was overwhelming, it was nerve-wracking, but for Jack White, Sunday afternoon marked a huge moment in his career.

The athletic Forward made his long-awaited return to the court after 261 days on the sidelines with a ruptured achilles.

Ahead of the game, White relented he was feeling the pressure.

“I was pretty nervous, I was trying not to think about it in the days leading up,” he said.

“I was having a little bit of trouble sleeping Saturday night. Once we got to JCA and started the team warm up, I was thinking ‘ah jeez, this is all happening’.

“It was a little bit overwhelming, but I was just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy it, it’s something that I’ve missed for so long.”

Coming into the game in the second quarter, White’s first few minutes were a little tense, picking up three fouls while helping United hold onto it’s lead.

Things quickly turned around for the Traralgon native, with his defensive intensity and activity helping the defending champs pull away from the New Zealand Breakers, before sinking his first basket, a tip-in, to help seal the victory in the fourth quarter.

“It was a huge relief (to see the ball go in),” White said.

“It’s ironic I guess, offensive rebounds and those effort plays are something I hang my hat on. For that to be the first bucket back was pretty cool.”

White finished the game with a game-high plus-minus of +25 in just 18 minutes, thanks in part to his lock-down defense.

Finally boasting a healthy line-up, Whitey believe’s Melbourne defense is beyond anything other NBL teams can put together this season.

“I think we can be the best (defensive team) in the league.

“We can pressure and run teams for the full 40 minutes. It’s going to be scary just to see how good we can be.”

Melbourne United will next face the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon, 26 December at 3pm.

United fans can tune in live via 10Peach, 10Play, Kayo Freebies or ESPN.