From overcoming a shaky jump shot to commanding the court at Kansas, the versatile guard showcased his refined perimeter game and veteran poise during Sacramento's pre-draft workouts.
Tre White entered college as a young, shy player; he exited with a polished skill set and refined leadership, as he worked out for the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
The Kings invited White as one of five draft prospects for their pre-draft workout, and he's gone through an interesting journey to reach the NBA. White played for four college teams: USC, Louisville, Illinois and Kansas.
He averaged nine points and 5.1 rebounds in his freshman campaign at USC, but struggled to shoot from three. White shot 26.5% on 1.5 attempts, a low percentage on low volume.
The 6-foot-7 guard can slash to the rim, fighting through contact to convert a difficult attempt. However, White's poor shooting hampered his driving ability, as teams could ignore him.
White's shot-making improved over time. He shot 29.9% at Louisville, 32.9% at Illinois and ballooned to 40.3% in his final season at Kansas. An improved three-point shot aided his driving ability, and he averaged 13.5 points last season.
As his shooting percentage increased, so did his leadership. White was no longer the shy freshman with the Trojans; he was the calm veteran with the Jayhawks.
"I feel like coming in as a young guy, I was kind of hesitant talking to my teammates," White told reporters Monday. "Now, being that older guy, I'm pulling everybody in off the court, on the court. And shooting, I feel like, opens my downhill attack and getting everybody else involved."
Alongside White at the pre-draft workout was his teammate, Melvin Council Jr. White said it was the first time he competed against a teammate in a pre-draft workout, and he enjoyed the experience.
"Like I was telling people, we should do that more often," White said. "It was definitely competitive, up and down. It gets the energy flowing early for me, and it made it, off the dribble, competitive."
The two started every game together last season, building strong on-court chemistry. White was sometimes a recipient of Council Jr.'s passes, standing in the corner wide open for three.
White was a consistent pillar for Kansas, scoring over 20 points five times. The Dallas, Texas native's improved shooting was a significant factor in his 20-point performances.
He scored a season-high 23 points twice -- then No. 5 Houston and Kansas State. White made three or more threes in both those outings, which ended in victories.
Spending four years in college, White said he feels like there isn't much to change in his game. His game has evolved, and he understands that he needs to shoot the ball and play hard for the team that drafts him.
White hasn't appeared in many mock drafts, suggesting he's a priority undrafted free agent. The leadership and improved shooting could make him a good two-way addition if a team does not draft him.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
