Ever since he can remember, Brandon-Evansville senior Dezmond White has loved the game of basketball.
He's played the sport his whole life and now gets to continue to play the game he loves at the college level, as he's now signed to play for Gustavus Adolphus College, beginning at the end of next fall.
"I'm just so excited to move on to the next level and play the game I love," White said in a phone interview on Monday afternoon. "I've been playing ever since I was very young. There are photos of me playing on little mini hoops growing up. I've been playing basketball my whole life, and I love it."
Through playing high school basketball, AAU for the Minnesota Comets, and posting highlights on social media, White caught the attention of Gustavus Adolphus.
Gustavus Adolphus (NCAA DIII), located in St. Peter, is head coached by Justin DeGrood, who just completed his first season at the program's helm.
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The Gusties went 9-16 last season.
White said that the Gusties began recruiting him before the start of the 2022-23 basketball season, and he signed his national letter of intent on Feb. 28, 2023.
"Their coaching staff is super nice and personal with me," White said. "Their facilities are one of the nicest that I went visit, and it's really affordable tuition. It all just felt really good."
White only needed to visit the campus once (his official visit), and that's all he needed to see to fall in love with the campus.
"I went on a tour down there, and I thought it was really nice," he said.
B-E head coach Trent Hintermeister is excited to see what White can do at the next level.
"Dezmond has worked extremely hard to make this a possibility for himself," Hintermeister said. "I'm excited for him to not just get this opportunity to play at the next level but to get this opportunity to continue his education as well."
White was a great scorer for the Chargers, as he finished with over 1,000 career points.
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"I went to the gym and put a lot of work in, not just on the court but in the weight room too," White said. "I put the time in, and it's paying off."
That strong ethic is something that Hintermeister noticed as well.
"Dezmond hasn't just put the time in on the court but has also continued to work on being a better leader and communicator," Hintermeister said. "Dezmond isn't the most naturally gifted player but has worked relentlessly in the gym and in the weight room to get himself in great shape, so he's able to do multiple things as a basketball player. It's so fun watching players like him continue to grow as young men."
White's play has caught the attention of the Little Eight Conference and has earned him a spot on the all-conference team in years prior.
"Dezmond is stubborn in the best possible way and relentless," Hintermeister said. "Dezmond is willing to work hard for everything he earns, and I know he will only get better in his next four years of college."
White is thankful for the coaches who helped him along with way. He said that they supported him throughout the recruiting process and helped him figure out the next steps.
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