Rivals 150 big man stays close to home

2008 top 50 prospect Malcolm White is one of the hardest working big men on the travel circuit. The 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward from Greensburg, La., and Genesis One Prep in Miss., will go into this travel season having already found a college home.

Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy has begun his 2008 recruiting effort with quite a splash in landing White.

"I'm very excited about playing at Ole Miss," said White. "I liked the campus and the atmosphere there. Also it is close to my home in Louisiana, so I like that."

Ole Miss is the only school White has visited despite being recruited by Florida State, Florida, Georgia, LSU, USC, Tennessee and others. The vision of becoming a player like Kenyan Martin, whom Kennedy worked with as an assistant at Cincinnati, was a sales pitch that resonated with White.

"Coach Kennedy broke down how Kenyon Martin and me have similar games," said White. "We both run the floor, block shots, rebound and score around the basket. Coach Kennedy wants to play a fast up and down game, and I like to get up and down the court. He also coaches his players hard, and I like to be coached. I think he can get me to the next level just like he helped get Kenyon Martin to the next level."

This season for Genesis One, White averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game. He told Rivals.com to expect to see an expanded offensive game from last travel season.

"I've really improved my 15-foot jump shoot, and I've developed a hook shot," he said. "The Genesis One coaches have really helped me with my game."

Malcolm White scouting report:

A hard nosed competitor with a relentless motor, White plays baseline to baseline and has the ability to dominate the boards. He is also a tough defender. Offensively, he gets most of his points off put backs, but he is in the process of improving his range and his overall skills with the basketball.