By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Recently, Tennessee Tech men's basketball head coach John Pelphrey announced the signing of six individuals for the 2020-21 season. This week, we continue to take a closer look at each member of the newest class of Golden Eagles.
One of three true freshmen in Tech's signing class, Kenny White Jr. represents a 6-foot-7 forward out of Madisonville, Ky. who spent the past four seasons at Madisonville North Hopkins High School.
"Tennessee Tech and Cookeville just felt like home to me," White expressed. "The coaches kept it real from the start and never sugar-coated anything, and that's what I like."
"From the first time our assistant coaches saw Kenny play, they were so impressed with his attitude, demeanor and leadership," Pelphrey explained. "After spending more time with Kenny and his family on campus here in Cookeville, we were excited about his decision to make an early commitment to us. Kenny has totally embraced 'The Code' and our 'Leader's First' mentality."
As a senior, White claimed a plethora of accolades while being recognized as one of the top recruits in the state of Kentucky. Named a finalist for the Mr. Basketball Award, he was selected as the 2nd Region Player of the Year, as well as a member of the Lexington Herald-Leader All-State First Team, Louisville Courier-Journal All-State First Team, All-BlueGrassPreps.com Team and Kentucky/Ohio Senior All-Star Team.
"Tech just offers a great environment," White continued. "When I stepped on campus, everyone showed me love, not just the coaches, but the students and everyone else I met too. I just felt it was the right fit for me."
In his final campaign, the versatile forward averaged 18.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. White led MNHHS to a 31-3 record and its second straight 2nd Region title, a contest he scored 27 points and hauled in 17 boards.
"Coach Pelphrey played the game of basketball at a high level, so I know everything he's telling me is real," White said. "He's been through what I'm about to go through, and that I love that."
He also led the team to four consecutive 7th District championships and its first 2nd Region crown in 18 years as a junior. During that junior season, he guided the Maroons to a 30-6 record and an appearance in the Whitaker Bank/Kentucky High School Athletic Association Sweet 16.
"I'm looking forward to having a great season and just working to get better every day."
Behind his 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, White took home All-State Second Team accolades from both the Lexington Herald-Leader and Louisville Courier-Journal, as well as spots on the KHSAA All-Tournament Team and Kentucky/Indiana Junior All-Star Team.
White also was a two-time 2nd Region All-Tournament Team honoree as a junior and senior and a three-time All-2nd Region Team member during his sophomore, junior and senior campaigns. During his career, he accounted for 1,616 points, the seventh most in program history. He also tallied three triple-doubles, showing off his flexibility and versatility.
