College Commitment: Jesse White (2020 Barlow HS)
There’s no more wait for Jesse White. When it came to his recruitment, the shifty 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard had a bit of a weight on his shoulders and quite honestly it showed a bit in his play so far this season. But through it all there was one college program that stuck with him and last week going into 2020 the Barlow senior decided it was right time and gave Western Oregon the call to say that he would be joining the Wolves next fall.
“I was talking to my parents about it and going into the New Year, I thought it would be cool to make a commitment,” White said. “I’ve had a lot of time to think and they’ve always made me their priority, their number one guy. I’ve had time to develop my relationship with the coaches and I know a lot of freshman and even some of the upperclassmen there.”
“It’s a good environment and it’s always nice being wanted,” White continued. “It was something you just can’t pass up.”
The relationship between White and the Western Oregon coaching staff had really grown ever since the Wolves offered him a scholarship this summer. Head coach Wes Pifer and assistant coach Bryan Fisher have been often seen at Barlow games so far this year and in the end, that connection made a big difference.
“Fisher and Pifer are good guys,” White said. “Ever since I met them they’ve been high energy and I like what they’re about. They’ve always been loyal to me. They’ve seen me at my worst, they’ve seen me at my best and they’ve stayed loyal through it all. I’m excited.”
White is definitely happy to be playing without having to worry about his recruitment any longer. He’s coming off a rough patch of games in the Les Schwab Tournament where he was coming off the flu and never really could get into sync with his shot. But with that behind him and with his college future settled, he’s all set to continue on with the rest of his senior season.
“I think sky’s the limit and we’re starting to pull things together,” White said. “It’s been a rough start – we’ve lost some close games but I’m hoping that helps us in the long run. I think it’s going to be however far we want to go.”
White currently ranks as the #6 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2020 rankings.