White says NBL24 signing a ‘dream come true’

New Adelaide 36ers Development Player Harvey White said it’s a “dream come true” to be part of an NBL program.

The Sturt guard is one of four Development Players announced last week for the NBL24 season and said he’s humbled to be selected.

“Being an Adelaide kid, I’ve always watched the Sixers growing up, so it’s a dream come true,” White said.

“I found out through some phone calls, but it was on a Sunday afternoon my mum came in and said Michael Lake was on the phone, I was in my room and it was a bit of a blur.

“I had to work it all out with school, but by Thursday CJ (Bruton) called him and it was official.

“It was a pretty humbling experience to get the offer, I was super shocked, but it’s amazing.”

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton is thrilled to have a local addition to the 36ers family.

“Harvey is still carving his way and finding his feet, but this is a tremendous signing for his progression and to where we see him at and going to in the next few years,” Bruton said.

“With the likes of Fraser (Roxburgh) still in high school, we have had a few players go overseas to college, but to be a student athlete, he will need to find that balance between school and basketball.

“This is giving both the club and Harvey a look to see where we are both heading to and hopefully he’s a 36er for life.”

White, who is completing Year 12 at St Peter’s College in 2023, made a distinct impression at the Adelaide 36ers Development Camp last month.

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“I had a great time at the DP camp, it was a super competitive environment,” he said.

“It wouldn’t have been easy to choose these spots as there was so many guys out there deserving of the spots.

“It was a great taste to what’s to come for the season.”

White said his school has been very encouraging through the selection process and the balance between NBL24 pre-season and Year 12 exams has already been worked out.

“I have had talks with the school, and they have been great to make this happen, moving some stuff to allow me to finish off Year 12 and start pre-season,” White said.

“They are super happy for me and super supportive.”

The 189cm guard said he can’t wait to start his first professional pre-season, under Adelaide 36ers new Head of High Performance Nik Popovic.

“I’ve had a pre-season before with Sturt Sabres NBL1 last summer, but nothing like a day-to-day one which is coming up,” White said.

White has chosen the number 43 this season, a number made famous by back-to-back championship winner Kevin Brooks.

“It’s a bit of a challenge, I hope to live up to those expectations,” White said. "

“I have been number 43 my whole life, so I’m pretty happy that number wasn’t taken.”