Exciting point guard prospect William McDowell-White is in no rush to chase a mooted NBA career, but can't wait to start developing his game under reigning NBL MVP and Sydney Kings teammate Kevin Lisch.
The Australian under-19 representative - and son of former Brisbane Lions triple AFL premiership player Darryl White - has been signed by the Kings as a development player for the rest of the NBL season.
Kings coach Andrew Gaze is likely to give him some court time backing up starters Lisch and Jason Cadee, the only other specialist guards on out-of-form Sydney's roster.
McDowell-White is expected to suit up for Friday's home game with NZ Breakers, but star Brad Newley will be given until game night to recover from a toe injury which kept him out of their last game.
It's been a hectic week for McDowell-White.
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He agreed to join the Kings and flew in from the United States on Wednesday and trained with them for the first time on Thursday.
"There was a lot thrown at me today and I picked up on most of it," 18-year-old McDowell-White told AAP.
"I'll just play hard (on Friday) and do what I have to do to help them win, I'm not expecting big minutes, small minutes."
Testing himself on an almost daily basis against two-time league MVP Lisch clearly appeals.
"The guy has played at Olympics, played overseas, won championships and he's won MVP," McDowell-White said.
"To have a chance to be in his head every day is great. It will really help me best the best possible player I can be in the future."
McDowell-White had intended to join 19-year-old brother Daryl at US college Fresno State, but failed to qualify academically, and admits his plans are up in the air.
"I might go to a different school in the US after the (NBL) season, or go overseas," he said.
"I think it's too early for myself to go to the NBA right now, I don't think I'm quite ready yet.
"I think maybe another year would help me develop and get the court conditioning and get used to an NBA style of game, that's the plan."
At 195cm, McDowell-White is a good height for a point guard, but is working on his shooting to try and get some time in the two spot.
"The big rap on me is that I can't shoot, so I'm about to extend my range and work on it, " he said.
He said his father had been a great help in preparing him for a professional sporting career.
"He's really taught me what it takes to win, how to be professional, take care of my body and stuff that's going to help prepare to be the best that I can be," he said.
