Sharman White says he has been considering making a move from Miller Grove High School, where he won seven state titles in eight years, to college for the past few years. But he wanted to make sure the opportunity was right.
Georgia State was the right opportunity because he "can work my own state, my own town." White is joining Ron Hunter's staff as an assistant coach.
White took a few minutes on Friday to answer a few questions about making the short drive down I-20 West. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: Why Georgia State?
A: It’s a phenomenal opportunity. I wanted to go to college but I wanted to hitch myself to the right wagon. What coach Hunter has, I couldn’t have made a better decision. I can work my own state, my own town.
It’s a win-win.
Q: What will you bring to the job?
A: I will bring a wealth of resources, along with my work ethic and way I approach the game. My ability to bring in players that will be needed to keep program going in right direction. My relationships with people in the state and abroad.
I’ve been able to have some great experiences in basketball from being in U.S. basketball and Nike for all these years.
Q: How long have you been thinking about making the move to college?
A: I’ve been interested in maybe last 3-4 years. I’ve had such a great situation at Miller Groves, it’s allowed me to not rush. I could wait on the right move. I’ve had smaller opportunities that weren’t right or didn’t feel right. I’ve just been pacing it and waiting on the good Lord. I feel like he set it apart. I feel like the timing is right. It’s a good time to be a Panther.
I’m reveling in it.
Q: How much did you know about the team?
A: I know a lot about the team. I know a lot of the players. I’ve coached against quite a few of them.
When I was on campus, I knew a good number of kids that were working out.
I know some of the kids coming in.
The connections are there. They seem happy to have me aboard.
Q: How much do you know about the Sun Belt?
A: I know it’s a good league. I know it’s a tough league. There are three-to-four really good teams that are fighting for that top spot. Last year, you saw Arkansas-Little Rock make their run. Year before that, saw Georgia State make their run.
The possibilities are limitless.
We want to be back in NCAA. Coach wants to get back to the next level.
I think it’s a great league and a great challenge for us to continue.
Q: After running a successful high school program, what will be the No. 1 challenge for you in transitioning to college?
A: Definitely trying to learn some of the rules, in accordance with the NCAA. It’s a lot different.
I tried to run my program in Miller Grove like a college program. I feel these things will work in my favor. Travelling will be different. But we travelled a little bit at Miller Grove.
It’s a matter of trying to make that learning curve more of a bend.
Q: How familiar are you with Hunter’s schemes?
A: That will be a learning process. I’ve watched a lot of Georgia State games. I was able to pick up a few of them. I’m looking forward to them. It’s definitely a scheme that has caused problems for a lot of teams. I’m looking to add some more to my repertoire.
A: I love to golf.
Q: Are you going to beat Hunter?
A: I might not do that.
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