Andrew White on picking Syracuse basketball: 'Too good of an opportunity to pass up'

Graduate Transfer Andrew White III

Nebraska's Andrew White III (3) grabs a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Penn State in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016.

(Nati Harnik | The Associated Press)

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse University basketball team received a jolt when graduate transfer Andrew White III announced Sunday he was joining the Orange.

For White, the chance to join the Orange was just too appealing.

"I think it was the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in all of college basketball," the 6-foot-7 wing said in a phone interview on Sunday. "After getting to know the coach and some of the players I feel like they have a good plan for me. That was really important since I''m coming in as a transfer and playing right away instead of sitting out a year.

"I felt like this was too good of an opportunity to pass up."

White graduated from Nebraska earlier this spring after averaging 16.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Cornhuskers last season. He entered the NBA draft, but then withdrew his name prior to the deadline to retain his collegiate eligibility.

After announcing his intention to transfer, White visited the SU campus over the July 2-3 weekend. He visited Michigan State and Miami while also considering Virginia Commonwealth University, which is located in his hometown of Richmond, Va.

He said he settled on the Orange about 48 hours ago.

"When you've been in college for four years and been at two schools and played for three years, you look at things differently than when you're coming out of high school," White said when asked about the amount of time it took to make his decision. "I almost had too much information and knowledge. As a young guy, you tend to look at the bells and whistles. I was looking at a lot more than a big stadium and a rich tradition."

White was on campus Sunday and was going to meet with the team later in the day.

"Since I'm an older guy I don't think it will take me long to mesh with the rest of the guys," White said. "I'll get to see the whole team before the day is over. I'm looking forward to meeting and playing with all the guys."

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