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Australian William McDowell-White turns down NBL for NBA G-League

NBL

Australian guard William McDowell-White has opted to return to the NBA G-League for the 2020-21 season, after turning down multiple offers to play in the NBL.

McDowell-White, 22, garnered significant interest from across the Australian league while basing himself in his home state of Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic, but said a return to the G-League is what he believes will help him earn an NBA contract.

"After speaking to a number of NBL clubs, I've decided to head back to the States and pursue the NBA this season," McDowell-White told ESPN. "Last year's NBA Summer League and training camp with the Houston Rockets was an invaluable experience for me, so I look forward to building on that."

An Australian national team representative in the junior ranks, McDowell-White went undrafted in 2019, before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Rockets. He would ultimately suit up for the season with the Rockets' NBA G-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

After an injury kept him out of the beginning of the G-League season, the 6'5 point guard would go on to average 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, in 17 contests for the Vipers.

"My season in the G-League with the Vipers allowed me to compete at a very high level, and gave me the confidence that I am capable of performing and competing with the best," McDowell-White said.

"I dedicated this off-season to getting 100 percent healthy and ready for the rigors of a long season. I'm now fully healthy, and I feel the most confident that I ever have as a professional basketball player.

"I'm ecstatic to get back to the United States and help my team win a lot of games, and give myself a chance to make the NBA."

Until the beginning of the next G-League season - the beginning of which has yet to be determined - McDowell-White will continue to suit up for the RedCity Roar in the Queensland State League. Through three outings in the QSL, McDowell-White is averaging 23.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

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