Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh's White does things right
2/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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Of the Morning Call
The only thing Lehigh senior forward Bryan White ever asked for when he entered the program four years ago was an opportunity to showcase his talents.
With it, the 6-6 leaping machine from
He's lived up to his promise, although the Hawks have not won a Patriot League regular season or tournament title.
Lehigh (13-14, 6-7) plays its final regular season game at home tonight vs. Holy Cross, needing a victory to have a shot at securing either third or fourth place and a home game in the Patriot League Tournament, which begins Wednesday.
The Hawks have lost six of their last eight but White is not to blame. Though limited on offense, he always hustles, is always a defensive presence and, for the second straight season, leads the league in rebounding at 8.2 per game.
He is team captain and has not shied away from that responsibility. He speaks to the media after wins as well as defeats, often in the same passionate manner as he plays.
White has been a fan favorite despite a modest scoring average. His hustle and vicious blocks are worthy of recognition and admiration from teammates and coaches.
Even better is the sportsmanship he always displays.
''He consistently says the right things, he does the right things, he shows tremendous character and he sets an example,'' Lehigh coach Brett Reed said. ''A lot of guys look up to him.
''Because of that, he will be prepared due to his maturity, and due to his character and growth, for all of the different changes he will face upon graduation, not only in his career but in his personal life and with his family as well, and I'm proud of him for that maturity and growth.''
White is having the most impact this year. He's scoring a career-high 10.1 points per game. He clinched one game with two free throws in the final seconds. He has helped win others with his defense, and in a Patriot season with no real superstars, White deserves strong consideration for first-team honors.
But he has not poured out his heart and soul hoping to be honored in the postseason.
''It's about winning,'' White said. ''That's what I came here to do. Everybody else came here to do that as well. I look past all those personal accolades.''
He even looks past who's in the stands at home games, which often isn't a lot of his peers, except for when Lehigh plays rival
''I know personally I am going to play my heart out,'' White said. ''I know these guys will. We can have two fans or 2,000 fans. We are still going to go out there and do whatever we have to do.''
Atmosphere is a big part of college basketball, and players such as White who hustle from end to end deserve to be applauded and to play in front of a packed house once in a while. Tonight, with so much on the line, should be that night.
It also could be White's final home game, and he hopes to deliver the performance of his life to ensure it is not.
''I have a job to do,'' he said. '' I came here to play basketball for my coach. I came here to play for my teammates and for myself and for my family. If that means playing in front of an empty house, then that's what I'll do.''
And he'll probably do it well.
This story originally appeared in the Friday, February 29, 2008 edition of The Morning Call. Used with permission.
