News Summary

Billy White III, a standout player from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, has officially committed to Southern Methodist University (SMU) after reclassifying to the 2025 class. This decision, driven by his ambition to challenge himself, follows an impressive junior year where he led his team to a remarkable 39-1 record. Despite receiving multiple scholarship offers from top Division I schools, White III felt a strong connection with the SMU coaching staff. With rankings placing him among the top prospects, the local basketball community eagerly anticipates his collegiate career.

Exciting Times for Corpus Christi as Star Player Takes a Big Step!

Corpus Christi is buzzing these days! The local basketball community is all abuzz with the news that one of its shining stars, Billy White III, a 6-foot-8 four-star small forward from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, has made a significant announcement. He has officially committed to Southern Methodist University (SMU) during a live stream event that had fans on the edge of their seats.

A Bold Move for Early Enrollment

In a surprising twist, White III has decided to reclassify from the 2026 class to the 2025 class. This move means he will finish his high school journey sooner and jump straight into college basketball. His reason? Simple yet inspiring: a desire to challenge himself on the basketball court. White III believes he is ready to take on a higher level of competition and show what he can do.

Reflecting on his junior year, White III led the Veterans Memorial Eagles to an impressive 39-1 record and made it all the way to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals. Over the course of that season, he played in 39 games and averaged a stellar 18.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks. It’s safe to say this young man has been working hard and is ready for what’s next!

Scholarship Offers Pour In

White III’s talent on the court hasn’t gone unnoticed. He received scholarship offers from at least 25 Division I schools, including big names like Texas, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. It’s clear that schools recognized his potential and wanted him on their teams!

His relationship with the SMU coaching staff was one of the significant factors that influenced his decision. He felt a unique connection and confidence from them, affirming that they see substantial potential for him to make a significant impact on the game. With such high expectations, it appears that SMU has landed a fantastic prospect.

Ranked Among the Best

As a highly regarded prospect, White III finds himself ranked 33rd in the country by 247Sports and 38th by Rivals in the Class of 2026 rankings. His hard work and dedication have paid off as he has become one of the notable players to keep an eye on.

This past summer, he continued to hone his skills by competing in various tournaments, averaging 15 points and leading his team with 7 rebounds per game. He participated in seven tournaments, including the prestigious NBA Top 100 Camp. His shot-making ability, defensive skills, and sharp basketball IQ have become his trademarks in the recruiting scene.

Finishing High School Strong

White III is gearing up to wrap up his high school education by taking online classes, enabling him to graduate ahead of schedule before joining SMU’s basketball program. This calculated move demonstrates not only his talent on the court but also his commitment to his education.

Family Support and Team Impacts

A heartfelt moment in the story involves Billy White Jr., his father and the head coach of the Eagles. While he proudly celebrates his son’s success, he also acknowledges the impact of losing such a valuable player a year early. The future looks promising for the Eagles, though, as they still have returning talent such as Sean Mondragon, Jaron Couture, Jeremiah Moore, and Jeremiah Moynihan who can help keep the team competitive!

Grateful for the Journey

Through it all, White III has expressed deep gratitude toward his family and supporters. Their encouragement throughout his basketball journey has undoubtedly shaped him into the player he is today. The community of Corpus Christi is cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at SMU!

Corpus Christi, this is just the beginning! Keep a watchful eye on Billy White III as he takes his skills and passion for basketball to the collegiate level. It’s an exciting time for him and for local basketball fans!

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