Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Alum Out of NBA, Heading to Australia

Former four-year Duke basketball forward Jack White has inked a two-year deal with Melbourne United.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball teammates Jack White and Vernon Carey Jr.
Duke basketball teammates Jack White and Vernon Carey Jr. / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Surprising to many, Duke basketball product Jack White has played 21 NBA games in his pro career since going undrafted following his four seasons in Durham. On a two-way contract with the eventual 2022-23 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the 6-foot-7 forward saw action in 17 contests, and he came off the bench in four April outings for the 2023-24 Memphis Grizzlies while on a 10-day deal.

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While it's not entirely out of the question that the 26-year-old Australian could one day return to the NBA and again serve admirably as a positive-minded deep reserve, White is now set to take his talents back to his home country.

On Wednesday, Melbourne United of Australia's NBL announced its signing of the former two-year Boomers weapon to a two-year contract.

The season before making his improbable leap to the NBA, Jack White averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 23.4 minutes across his 23 appearances for Melbourne United.

As a Blue Devil under now-retired Duke basketball legend Mike Krzyzewski, White never put up lofty numbers. However, he was a two-year captain. Plus, his career-highs of 4.1 points and 4.7 boards as a junior in Durham coincided with the one-and-done campaigns of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish in the program's thrill-a-minute 2018-19 campaign.

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He averaged over 15 minutes per game again as senior, even drawing seven starts alongside one-and-done big man Vernon Carey Jr. in the frontcourt.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more updates on past Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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