By Irene Rotondo
@irenerrotondo
Tre White received the well-deserved title of MVP during his game with Prolific Prep against Link Prep on day five of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. The USC commit is a powerful asset to his current and future teams, standing at 6’6″ and 190 lbs as a small forward. He performed extremely well during his Hoophall debut as the highest scorer on the team, and sat down with The Student afterwards to talk inspiration, shoes, and his own future.
What has your experience been like playing for Prolific Prep versus Ribet Academy?
“It’s been amazing. I’ve gotten the chance to play with high-level guys every day in practice, it’s a war. I really like it; it’s like the college schedule, college life, you know, and I feel like it’s really getting me better each and every day.”
Can you explain your tattoos to me?
“Yeah, I have “bet on me.” It’s like, always trust what you put in, trust your work. And I got “by any means necessary.” You know, I just live by that; always give it your all, like it’s your last. And then I got like my sisters and my grandma; I just try to keep things that keep me motivated. Just to know my reason.”
Do you have any advice for younger kids who look up to you?
“Always stay in your own lane. Growing up, I would try to watch everybody, but it’s all about you and your process, for real. If you just get better every day, and grow and grow, you’re going to become what you want to become.”
Why does Drake follow you on Instagram?
“I mean, LA, haha. He’s just a big brother figure; we’re all good.”
What are you planning on studying at USC?
“Probably business, probably something into that. I haven’t really chosen yet, though; that’s coming up soon.”
What does your “for you page” look like on TikTok?
“Mostly basketball, and music. Music keeps me going.”
Who in basketball inspires you?
“I try to take bits and pieces from everybody’s games. I like bigger guards with pace that can see the floor, like Tatum, Paul George, D Book, you know, people like Kobe.”
What’s your favorite pair of shoes?
“Ooo, that’s a good one. Probably UGGs; comfortable, you know? Yeah, UGGs, I’m telling you.”
Why did you decide to stay in Cali for college?
“It wasn’t even about Cali; it’s more about the relationship with the coach. Of course, Cali is beautiful and all that and I’m familiar with the area, but it’s the relationship with the coach. He was on me hard, the whole staff. It’s a win-win.”
Was this your first time at Hoophall and if so, how was the experience?
“Yeah. I enjoyed it, 10 out of 10.”
Can you give me an idea of what your workout regime looks like?
“Workout, a bunch of touch shocks, you know, trying to keep my feel. I really don’t do a bunch of moves, I really just try to get to my spots and work on my touches, because in the game it’s all about creativity.”
How does basketball make you a better person?
“Really, I feel that sports in general helps with character development. Like being with a team, adversity, challenges, hard work. I feel like all of that accumulating over time just makes me who I am.”