White adjusting to new role as Mahindra’s go-to guy

PBA IMAGES

Imports in the PBA are usually expected to do two things: score and dominate.

Mahindra’s James White admits that’s not something he’s used to, but the 22-year-old out of Georgia Tech knows he has to adjust from his role player days to the Enforcers’ main option.

White was a mere role player for the Yellow Jackets in his final year in college in the United States when he averaged 3.5 points and 4.42 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.

READ: Mahindra struts to 2nd straight win in closeout of Globalport

Now that he’s in the PBA, White has to take on the responsibility of holding on to the ball and putting it to the hoop as many times as possible.

“Like I told coach Chris [Gavina] before, that’s not my nature,” said White after the Enforcers tripped Globalport 108-98 Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “Whatever the defense gives me, that’s the main option for me.”

Mahindra is now 2-0 in the PBA Governors’ Cup and that is in large part due to White, who is averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds.

“Just from the previous years [of playing], I understand the role I needed to do to help the team win.”