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March 22, 2010
Rebels land versatile guard for 2011 class
Neal McCready
RebelGrove.com Ole Miss continued its strong in-state recruiting efforts on Monday when the Rebels landed a commitment from McComb, Miss., shooting guard LaDarius White.
White, a 6-foot-5, 200-pounder nicknamed "Snoop," chose the Rebels over Mississippi State after attending Ole Miss' second-round NIT win over Memphis Friday night in Oxford.
"I loved it," White said. "I loved the environment. I loved how they play. That's my kind of ball."
White is the Rebels' second commitment for the 2011 class, joining Hickory, N.C., forward Tyler Poole. He is the third prominent Mississippian to commit to the Rebels in the past year, joining 2010 signees Dundrecous Nelson and Demarco Cox.
"(The Ole Miss staff) is very supportive," White said. "They'd be at my games. I'd look up and see Ole Miss. I just like them. I got to know them more and more."
Hilton Harrell, White's Jackson Tigers (AAU) coach, said White was leaning to Ole Miss going into his trip to Oxford last week. Once there, "he fell in love with it," Harrell said. "He loved the campus and he loved the environment. I think Coach (Andy) Kennedy has done a great job with the offense he runs. Lots of guards like it. They've been doing a good job with guard play and now they're getting the big guys like Demarco."
White, who averaged 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists at McComb last season, is known for his versatility as well as his athleticism and his shooting range. He could grow into a small forward at the college level, and he has the ball skills to play point guard.
"I think I can play all three (positions)," White said. "I can be a 1 or a 2 or a 3. It really doesn't matter."
"I think he may grow into a (small forward)," Harrell said. "But he's a (shooting guard). He can also play the point. He can do it all. As good as he is, he has some upside to him. He can shoot from the outside, post up, dribble-drive. He's a good passer and a good team player. His work this spring, this summer and next year will determine how much he'll step in and help them."
White might help Ole Miss long before he arrives in Oxford. His AAU teammate and close friend, five-star forward Johnny O'Bryant from Cleveland, Miss., is strongly considering Ole Miss along with Mississippi State, Memphis, California and others.
"I'm planning on working him," White said, laughing. "It probably will work. I think it will."
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