Billy White III has established himself as a do-it-all athlete since his arrival at Veterans Memorial two years ago.
White quickly made an impact on the basketball court by helping lead the Eagles to the Region IV-5A tournament for the second consecutive season and took over at quarterback last year and passed for 3,097 yards and 30 touchdowns as the Eagles advanced to the area round.
But ask White where his passion lies, and he’ll quickly remind you it’s on the hardwood.
White is coming off a breakout sophomore season after averaging 15 points, six rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks and was recently ranked 112th in the nation by 247 Sports and 89th overall on the On3 basketball rankings.
More: From football to basketball, Billy White III leading Eagles to success
The 6-foot-7 small forward was rewarded for his stellar play by garnering the attention of five Division I schools in June with his first coming from Texas A&M Corpus Christi on June 8.
It wasn’t long before Sam Houston State made an offer, followed by UTSA, UTRGV and Nevada.
“I think the biggest thing was knowing all the extra hours he’s put in not just in high school but his entire life,” White’s father and Veterans Memorial boys basketball coach Billy White Jr. said. “To see it come to fruition as far as getting scholarships to play Division I basketball is an honor and I’m happy for him.”
White is believed to be the first basketball player from the Coastal Bend to receive five Division I offers in a single month.
He also joins former Veterans Memorial basketball player Peyton Smith, who received an offer from the Islanders and went on to play at Texas A&M Corpus Christi from 2017 to 2021.
“As a dad and coach, I’m excited and happy for him getting the recognition he deserves,” White Jr. said. “And not just him but for the area as well. There are some other kids in the Coastal Bend that have talent and hopefully this will bring more attention to them as well.”
More: Veterans Memorial punches ticket back to regional tournament with eyes on state tournament