Beyond the Jersey: Quannas White
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Beyond the Jersey honors Quannas White, Louisiana Ragin Cajun's new men's basketball head coach.
White is known as a man of class, character, and grit, which were instilled in him at a young age in the Crescent City.
"Growing up in New Orleans in the Lower 9th Ward, you know where I'm from and what was being instilled in me at a young age from my parents. You know, it's kind of shaped who I am." White said. "I'm a guy that has a blue-collar mentality. You know, that lives with a chip on his shoulder, and I tell our kids today and I'll tell our team here. Never lose your chip. I think that's what allows you to have an edge when you go out there on the floor and be competitive in all that you do. I remember me and my older brother playing at Bunny Friend Park in New Orleans on Desire Street. That's where I was raised. You know, that's what kind of shaped who I am and built me.
After competing from 1999 -2001 at Midland Junior College, White transferred to the University of Oklahoma. He played under head coach Kelvin Sampson for the Sooners, the same man he coached under at the University of Houston. Together they made trips from Norman to the 2002 Final Four and 2003 Elite Eight during his playing career, also making it to the 2021 Final Four with the Cougars as Assistant Coach. White credits the coaches he's learned from along his journey.
"I've had some really good mentors throughout my life, really good coaches. From my junior college days to playing for Coach Sampson at the University of Oklahoma, I've been blessed." White said. "So, all those guys and having mentors in your life that are guys that are about the right thing, high character guys that want to see you succeed. That has played a huge role in my life."
Coach White will end this chapter of his coaching career in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Houston Cougars are the #1 seed in the Midwest Region. Once his tenure in Houston comes to an end, Coach White is excited to return and get more familiar with Acadiana.
"I'm looking forward to coming back and, you know, going around campus to meet all the coaches. Getting out in the city, you know, and get boots on the ground. Right? I want to see everyone. I want to get everyone involved with this basketball program." White said.
One of the most important aspects of getting Coach White back home in "The Boot" was his family. They have shown full support in his decision to become the head man at Louisiana.
White excitedly stated, "I have, you know, it's the backbone to everything that we have going on. My family has been nothing but supportive. We're just excited and you need that."