Frank White told Sports Headliners he doesn’t know what his grandson Royce is planning for his future. Speculation is that White, who dropped out of school at Minnesota earlier this year, might return to the Gophers and coach Tubby Smith.
Frank, who has been an adviser to Royce, said he hasn’t spoken to his grandson in recent weeks. “I don’t know anything,” Frank said. “My hope is Royce gets over (to Minnesota) and talks to Tubby. This is the best place for Royce to be. Tubby is one of the best basketball and life coaches in the country, second to none.”
White is the 2009 Minnesota Mr. Basketball who didn’t play for the Gophers this past season as a freshman because of suspensions involving off the court incidents. . Reports that White and the Gophers might have a mutual interest in reuniting included an article last week by Nadine Babu on GopherHole.com.
Babu wrote that former Gophers basketball player Willie Burton contacted GopherHole to communicate that White is interested in talking with Smith about a return to the program. Her article also said the Gophers coaching staff might be open to White’s return. Burton, who was a star forward for the Gophers in the late 1980s, has known the White family for years.
Frank White tried to arrange a meeting involving himself, Royce and Smith the week of February 28. But at that time the younger White wasn’t ready to meet.
White is a 6-7 power forward who has the rebounding and physical skills the Gophers missed last season, and still have a need for. The team’s front court depth was further reduced last week when junior forward Paul Carter announced he was transferring.
Frank said earlier in the year he believes his grandson has learned from his mistakes. He’s also said “Royce is a very smart kid” who is capable of excelling in his school work.