BIO: William McDowell-White was born in Brisbane (QLD) into a family of Indigenous Australian (Arrernte) descent.

His father, Darryl, played Australian rules football at the professional level, for the Brisbane Lions, over a 14-year career, which included three AFL premierships and 268 senior games.

William grew up playing Australian rules football for Coorparoo, and was placed in the Brisbane Lions talent academy, at the age of 13, as well as playing junior basketball for the Southern Districts basketball program. William also attended Ignatius Park College High School.

Despite seemingly heading down the same career path as his father, William surprised many, when he decided to focus on basketball, and gave up playing football at the age of 15.

One of Australia’s most promising ballplayers, McDowell-White first sprang into prominence at the 2014 adidas Global Nations event held in Long Beach, California, averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game against some of the brightest high school prospects in the United States.

He impressed US coaches with his play in both the 2016 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp and the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit, resulting in him being heavily recruited by a number of NCAA Division One schools, including powerhouses like Michigan State, Louisville and USC. He would later be ineligble to play in the NCAA, prompting his decision to play in the NBL and later the G-League.

NBL EXPERIENCE

William McDowell-White made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 18 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

The Kings began the 2016/17 NBL season with ambitions to reclaim relevance both on the court and among Sydney’s basketball fanbase. The first major step was hiring Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze on a three-year deal as head coach.

Shortly after, the Kings made a splash in free agency by convincing star import Kevin Lisch to reject a contract extension with the Illawarra Hawks and sign a lucrative three-year deal, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

Gaze, alongside Kings GM Jeff Van Groningen, focused on reshaping the roster following a dismal 6–22 record and last-place finish the previous season. Two significant additions came in the form of Australian Boomers swingman Brad Newley (via Spain) and Aleks Maric, a bruising center whose nickname “Truck” reflected his physical playing style. Lisch, Newley, and Maric joined returning locals Tom Garlepp, Jason Cadee, Jeromie Hill, and Julian Khazzouh.

A major boost came when Lisch became an Australian citizen in March, freeing up three import roster spots. The Kings opted not to re-sign former imports Josh Childress and Al Harrington, instead bringing in Michael Bryson, Greg Whittington, and Josh Powell. Powell’s signing proved fortuitous, as Khazzouh was ruled out for the entire season due to a quadriceps injury.

Heading into the season, Lisch was named team captain, and the Kings started their campaign with a narrow loss to Brisbane (73–77) despite Lisch scoring 20 points. Powell debuted in Sydney’s second game, contributing 14 points and six rebounds in an 88–84 victory over Illawarra. However, import Michael Bryson (1.8 points, 1 rebound, 0.8 assists) failed to make an impact and was quickly replaced by 13-year NBA veteran Steve Blake.

The Kings enjoyed a strong start, with Lisch (16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 steals), Newley (17.6 points, 5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals), and Cadee (13 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists) leading the charge. By November 12, 2016, Sydney sat atop the ladder with a 3-1 record, and Lisch delivered a season-high 30 points in a commanding 87–71 win over Melbourne, cementing the team as title favorites.

However, cracks began to appear. The Kings’ front-heavy home schedule caught up with them, and Blake (5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists) struggled to replicate his NBA form. Blake left the team indefinitely on compassionate grounds to be with a sick family member and did not return. Meanwhile, Lisch’s production dipped, Powell (9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds) shifted to a bench role, and Sydney lost five of their next eight games. By Christmas, the team had fallen to third place (11-8).

Instead of replacing Blake with another guard, the Kings signed forward Garrett Jackson, who had been a state league player and Kings training squad member. Injuries further hampered the roster, with Tony Tolovae suffering a season-ending ankle injury. In response, Sydney added 18-year-old William McDowell-White as a development player. McDowell-White, unable to gain NCAA clearance, appeared in seven games, averaging 2.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

“Will is still only 18 years old but has shown a really good feel for the game and has terrific size at the point guard spot,” said coach Andrew Gaze upon McDowell-White’s signing.

Despite trying numerous line-ups under Gaze, the Kings could not recapture their early-season form. After starting 8-3, Sydney finished the season 5-12, losing nine of their final 12 games. The Kings ended the year in seventh place, missing the playoffs and falling short of their lofty expectations.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
2020/21
The 2020/21 season presented unique challenges for the New Zealand Breakers, as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the season start until January 2021. Due to travel restrictions, the Breakers committed to spending most of the season based in Australia, hosting several “home” games in Tasmania before returning to New Zealand for their final seven games in May.

The Breakers bolstered their roster with Brisbane Bullets star Lamar Patterson and Colton Iverson as imports, while Tai Webster returned to the team after playing college basketball in Nebraska. However, the team suffered a significant early setback when Corey Webster, their leading scorer, sliced a nerve in his hand while cutting an avocado, sidelining him for the first month of the season.

Playing their first 29 games on the road, the Breakers struggled to secure wins. After an overtime loss to Adelaide in their opener, the team managed only one win—a six-point victory over Cairns—in their first eight contests. Patterson, who was expected to be a key contributor, was released after six games due to a knee injury and underwhelming performances (10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists). His release marked a low point for the Breakers, who had hoped he would replicate his All-NBL First Team form from previous seasons.

To fill the gaps, New Zealand signed Jeremy Kendle as a short-term replacement for Patterson and experienced a brief resurgence, going 3-1 over the next four games. However, injuries and personal issues continued to plague the team. Robert Loe, Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster, and Tai Webster all missed significant time, prompting the Breakers to bring in Australian guard William McDowell-White as a replacement player. McDowell-White quickly established himself, averaging 7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5 assists while stepping into a critical role.

McDowell-White delivered one of the season’s highlights, recording a triple-double with 13 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 91–71 victory over the Brisbane Bullets in Launceston. This feat made him just the second Breakers player after Cedric Jackson to achieve a triple-double in the NBL.

Despite occasional bright spots, including Levi Randolph’s solid performances (14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals), the Breakers languished near the bottom of the ladder. By mid-season, they had a 4-9 record and struggled to gain momentum, losing five of their next six games. Corey Webster briefly returned in February but was sidelined again in March with a knee injury.

The team faced additional disruptions due to frequent relocations driven by pandemic-related restrictions. Returning home for their final seven games offered some stability, but the Breakers finished the season 3-4 in those contests, ending with a 12-24 record and a second-to-last place finish. Tai Webster led the team in scoring (17.2 points, 5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.2 steals), while Finn Delany delivered a breakout campaign (16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists), earning club MVP honors.

On June 26, 2021, McDowell-White re-signed with the Breakers for the 2021/22 season, solidifying his place in the team’s plans. His re-signing coincided with Corey Webster’s decision to leave the team and pursue opportunities in Europe.

2021/22
The 2021/22 season marked another challenging year for the Breakers, who were unable to play any home games due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. The team finished the season with a league-worst record of 5–23, reflecting the struggles of a roster heavily impacted by injuries and pandemic disruptions.

Having decided to build around William McDowell-White, the Breakers moved on from Corey and Tai Webster, with both players departing for opportunities overseas. The team added key pieces, including Kiwi big man Yanni Wetzell (via South East Melbourne) and import players Peyton Siva, Hugo Besson, and Jeremiah Martin. French prospect Ousmane Dieng joined under the NBL Next Stars program.

The Breakers began the season with a 0–6 start, as injuries sidelined Siva and Thomas Abercrombie early on. McDowell-White emerged as a steadying presence, showcasing his playmaking ability despite the team’s struggles. In one of the season’s few high points, McDowell-White set a career high with 27 points in a game against Illawarra, demonstrating his growth as a scorer.

Throughout the season, McDowell-White averaged 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, contributing in multiple areas while navigating the challenges of an injury-plagued roster. The Breakers endured further roster upheaval, releasing Martin to retain Chasson Randle, who replaced an injured Siva mid-season.

Wetzell led the team in scoring (17.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks) and was named club MVP, while Besson (13.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) and Delany (10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists) showed flashes of potential. McDowell-White’s highlight reel included an incredible dunk against the Phoenix in December, which many considered the Dunk of the Year.

WILL McDowell-White CAUGHT A BODY ????#NBL22 | @ESPNAusNZ + @kayosports ???? pic.twitter.com/zGG58ENz75

— The NBL (@NBL) December 10, 2021

Despite their efforts, the Breakers were unable to build momentum, finishing the season with a 5-23 record, the worst in the franchise’s 19-year history. However, McDowell-White’s consistent development offered a bright spot and hope for the team’s future.

William McDowell-White re-signed with the New Zealand Breakers on a one-year deal in May 2022, anchoring the team’s backcourt as they climbed to second place on the NBL ladder with an 18-10 record. McDowell-White averaged 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers.

The Breakers’ resurgence after a disappointing 2021/22 season was largely attributed to McDowell-White’s leadership and his ability to facilitate the offense. His impact on both ends of the court was instrumental as the team cemented itself as a contender.

2022/23
William McDowell-White re-signed with the New Zealand Breakers on a one-year deal in May 2022, anchoring the team’s backcourt as they climbed to second place on the NBL ladder with an 18-10 record. McDowell-White averaged 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers.

The Breakers’ resurgence after a disappointing 2021/22 season was largely attributed to McDowell-White’s leadership and his ability to facilitate the offense. His impact on both ends of the court was instrumental as the team cemented itself as a contender.

2023/24
After his stellar performance in NBL23, McDowell-White re-signed with the Breakers on a two-year deal, solidifying his role as the team’s cornerstone guard. Coach Mody Maor emphasized the importance of McDowell-White’s return, as his leadership and playmaking abilities were viewed as critical for the team’s continued success. The Breakers also re-signed Finn Delany, who returned after a season in Germany, and retained key players such as Cameron Gliddon, Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa, and captain Thomas Abercrombie. To strengthen their roster, the Breakers added Mangok Mathiang (via Illawarra), Dane Pineau (via South East Melbourne), and Lithuanian prospect Mantas Rubstavicius under the NBL Next Star Program. New imports Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Zylan Cheatham, and Justinian Jessup replaced Barry Brown Jr., Jarrell Brantley, and Dererk Pardon, who departed for overseas opportunities.

The Breakers opened NBL24 with a win against Cairns (98–87) before narrowly falling to Brisbane (84–89). The team then traveled to the USA for an NBLxNBA exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns, where McDowell-White’s leadership helped the team remain competitive despite being heavy underdogs. Injuries and roster changes tested the Breakers upon their return, and they extended their losing streak to five games before regaining form with a 91–81 win over Cairns.

McDowell-White battled injuries, missing six games, but still averaged 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists for the season. His standout performances included a 19-point, 4-assist effort against Brisbane (5 Oct 2023), a 19-point, 4-rebound game in a win over Melbourne (11 Feb 2024), and a 16-point, 3-assist showing against Illawarra (9 Feb 2024). McDowell-White’s consistency and ability to run the offense were pivotal in keeping the Breakers competitive during a tumultuous season.

The Breakers finished the regular season with a 13-15 record, tied with Sydney and Brisbane but advancing to the play-in tournament due to points percentage. Alongside McDowell-White, the Breakers received strong contributions from Parker Jackson-Cartwright (20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists), Anthony Lamb (19.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), Zylan Cheatham (15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), and Mantas Rubstavicius (9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists).

In the play-in tournament, McDowell-White played a key role as the Breakers defeated Sydney (83–76) behind Jackson-Cartwright’s 34-point explosion and Mathiang’s 10 points and 9 rebounds. However, the team fell short in the second play-in game against Illawarra (85–88), ending their season just shy of the semifinals.

McDowell-White’s return to New Zealand marked a pivotal step in maintaining the Breakers’ competitive edge. Despite injuries and roster turnover, his leadership and versatility remained essential to the team’s identity, positioning him as a cornerstone for the future.

William McDowell-White played five seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Sydney Kings and the New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 91 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (817 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.