NBA Draft Blog Interview with Aaron White

Coming out of high school, Aaron White didn’t get a lot of attention from major conference schools, but Iowa’s Fran McCaffrey saw something in him that others may have missed. Four years later, and White was one of the Big Ten’s top players and is on the verge of starting his NBA career.

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The 6’9 White made an immediate impact as a freshman for the Hawkeyes, averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game. His production improved through his sophomore and junior seasons, before ending his career with his best all-around year. As a senior, White averaged over 16 points and 7 rebounds per game, along with over a steal a game, while shooting 52 percent from the floor, 82 percent from the free throw line, and a career-best 36 percent from three-point range.

For his efforts, White was name First Team All-Big Ten, after being on the Third Team the previous two seasons. There isn’t a single thing about White’s game that will jump out at you; he just does a lot of things very well, and his improvement is one of many reasons why Iowa made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances his junior and senior seasons.

Reflecting on his past four seasons at Iowa, White is able to point out where he’s has seen the most growth. “My confidence did a full 180 while I was at Iowa,” said White. “From being an under-recruited player and considered a mid-major player to being a team leader at Iowa did a lot for me.”

White gives a lot of the credit to the coaches at Iowa, especially Head Coach Fran McCaffrey for his development in college. “I love Coach McCaffrey for his passion, and the family atmosphere he creates at Iowa,” said White. “I was just trying to soak up as much knowledge as I could. It was a great opportunity to learn from a great staff with a lot of experience.”

Along with his time at Iowa, White had a chance to represent the United States at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia; alongside 2014 NBA Draft picks Spencer Dinwiddie, Cory Jefferson, Doug McDermott, and Adreian Payne. Though the team finished ninth in the tournament, it was an experience White will never forget.

“To be honest, I was excited to just get the opportunity to try out for the team,” said White. “It was a great experience and opportunity, and though it didn’t go the way we hoped, to have the chance to represent my country, my family, and Iowa basketball was very special. I was also able to make friends with people I may not have had a chance before.”

White’s experience over the past four years has him in a great position to play at the next level, and he has an idea what parts of his game are so attractive to NBA teams. “I think my feel for the game, and my ability to make the small plays that matter, are things that NBA teams are looking for,” said White. “Also, my motor and energy, and ability to affect the game in many ways, plus play multiple positions, will help me.”

As he continues to go through his pre-draft training and workouts, White has targeted some key areas to work on in order to improve his game. “I want to continue to shore up my shot; I was definitely doing better with it my senior year,” said White. “I also need to adjust to guarding quicker guys. Guys who play the 3 and 4 in the NBA are usually the best athletes. Long-term, I am working on my ballhandling, so I can be a pick-and-roll ballhandler a few years down the road.”

White’s first post-college experience with NBA teams was at the NBA Combine in Chicago. “The Combine was a great experience, and being around all these other guys was a great time for me,” said White. “I loved learning about the league from the teams and union. It was an honor to be an invited, and it shows that I belong at the NBA level.”

White has already worked out for San Antonio, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, and Utah, with more already scheduled. The process can be grueling, but White embraces it. “I’m really enjoying going through this process,” said White. “There’s a lot of traveling, but you only get one chance to go through it, so you need to enjoy and make the most of it.”

No matter where he ends up, White knows he has what it takes to help a team right away. “I can be an energy guy off the bench, able to space the floor by shooting the corner three,” said White. “I can run the floor and contribute in any way I can, as a well as being a good representative of the organization.”

All White needs is for one team to take a shot on him and he is willing to bring all he has to them. “I go about things the right way, and bring a winning attitude to my team,” said White. “I care about family and basketball, and I know I would represent my team in the best way possible.”

Many college teams made the mistake of not taking a shot on White before he got to Iowa, and I wouldn’t expect many NBA teams to do the same. He will be an asset to any team he plays for.

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