When assessing prospects for its 2023 recruiting class, the Mason basketball staff sought to identify athletes who exhibit toughness, shooting ability and a high basketball IQ.
For incoming signee Dez White, that grit and basketball acumen are built into his blood.
“This summer, we watched Desmond’s team play and he just kept making shot after shot after shot,” English said. “Undeniably, he’s an excellent 3-point shooter, but he also relentlessly made plays on the defensive end – tough, edgy, chippy plays for a guard – digging out balls, sticking his nose in places and diving on the floor for loose balls.”
A native of Jefferson City, Mo., White had left a number of glowing impressions on individuals English knew well from his time in the Show Me State.
White also plays for Bradley Beal Elite AAU program in St. Louis, so given English’ relationship with the Wizards star, he quickly learned that White has everything that’s needed to become a special college player.
A 6-foot-2-inch guard, White starred for Helias Catholic in Jefferson City, where in 2022 he set the school’s single season scoring record (697 points) and single game scoring mark (50).
A 2022 Class 5 All-State selection and All-District 7 pick, White led the Crusaders to its first state title game in program history and garnered Class 5 Final Four All-Tournament Team accolades in the process.
White is taking his prep year at The Skill Factory in Atlanta for the 2022-23 campaign before enrolling at George Mason this fall.
“He’s unassuming,” assistant coach Nate Tomlinson said. “He plays much bigger than his stature. He’s quiet off the court, but when he gets on the court, his play speaks and screams to you. He plays really physical defense and he’s just in your face 100% of the time. He works his absolute tail off.”
White’s basketball IQ and work ethic have strong family roots.
His brother is a college basketball coach at Moberly Area Community College in Missouri and the duo work closely together.
Because of that close relationship, his preparation and drive, according to Mason associate head coach Dennis Felton, often resemble that of a coach’s son. Mason’s coaches break down film with their potential players and Felton said White is the best they’ve ever had in terms of ingesting the information and answering the staff’s questions.
“He’s a great kid,” Felton said. “He’s the kind of player you love coaching because he brings a certain IQ but he also has an open eyed and eared approach to learning the game and wanting to improve. He’s extremely team oriented.”
On the court, Felton is thrilled with White’s potential and how he can fit within the Patriot system.
“He’s a guy who makes your offense go,” Felton said. “Not only does he create great spacing with his deep range but he’s a ball mover. He understands the value of moving without the ball. Movement and spacing are so critical in our offense. We like guys who understand how to help their teammates be their best. Dez brings all of those qualities.”