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Royce's blog – 8/2/09: My final blog - thanks for reading!
To say Royce White is a special player is an understatement. He has gained interest from just about any school that has seen him play, received over 20 major division one offers…and he chose to stay home. Coach Tubby Smith and his staff made Royce a top priority, and he became the first commit for 2009. Royce is a player that is highly acclaimed (he is listed as a 5-star recruit by Rivals), so he is constantly in the spotlight, and thus is heavily scrutinized.
GopherHole readers will have a real treat and exclusive experience to get to know Royce. He has agreed to keep fans updated with his summer, season, academics and life via a blog he will keep updated on GopherHole for the next year. I think most people that follow the Gophers know what a tremendous player he is, but I think this will give people insight into what an articulate, bright and well-spoken young man he is…while following his goals to win state at Hopkins High School, win a National Championship as a Gopher.
August 2, 2009
It has been a while since I blogged, and this will probably be my last as school is just around the corner. A lot has happened. Winning the Minnesota Mr. Basketball award was a great honor. I’ve always wanted that award and it was an honor for me and my family.
I moved on campus in the beginning of June. I am rooming with Devoe Joseph and having fun going to class, hitting the weight room. We do a lot of cone and ball handling drills, getting lots of shots in. It’s great hanging out with everyone. The camaraderie is there and I enjoy hanging out with the guys. I am surprised at how good of an offensive player Damian Johnson is as he has great offensive skills.
I had fun writing the blog over the last year I appreciate everyone who followed the blog and I appreciate everyone who came up to me to tell me they enjoyed it. Thanks for your support.
March 27, 2009 State tournament – It’s definitely an honor to be part of the state tournament, and to part of the championship game. If we didn’t win, I’d be disappointed, anytime I lose I’m disappointed. After our last game, Coach (Ken) Novak said that we’ve got one more game left, it’s time to get the last one. To beat Osseo we have to work together as a team on defense, listen to our coach, have faith in ourselves and execute down the stretch.
On Sam Dower – we don’t know who we’re going to guard before we start, we just pick when we begin the game. Mike (Broghammer) or I could end up guarding him. We just have to be aware he’s a left-handed post, it’s the opposite of what you’re used to. He has very good footwork, we can’t give him any easy baskets and make him work for any baskets he gets.
The St. Cloud Tech Semi-finals - Sometimes we start out slow when we don’t come out as hard as we can. Yesterday, the defensive scheme they had, was something we hadn’t seen before. They held the ball, we anticipated that, but hadn’t seen it before. It was a slowed down game. When we got down and saw that it was a possibility that we can lose, we turn up the intensity.
On wearing the #52 in the state tournament - I’ve been wearing number 52 the whole tournament, in honor of De La Salle. That was the number I wore my freshman year when we won the state tournament. When I play for the Gophers next year, I will wear #30.
What he misses about De La Salle – Coach (Dave) Thorson, he’s a great coach, the camaraderie, the people, it’s a very community based school, but Hopkins is good too, so it’s like going form good to good.
The NCAA Tournament – My favorite team in the tourney aside from the Gophers, is probably UConn, because Kemba Walker plays for UConn, the point guard. I met him on the AAU circuit and the summer camps, and I got to know him. I think UConn will win it all – they work hard and they have a really good center, probably the best center in the nation, they are well-coached and good guard play.
Training after basketball season – I will probably work on everything, get stronger, I weigh about 240, and need to get in better condition. When I get to campus, I want to be about 245 pounds.
February 4, 2009
Our game against Cooper was pretty intense. It was an intense atmosphere in the beginning, but we came through and got it done. We stayed confident throughout the game, we stayed confident in ourselves, even when we started turning the ball over, we still stayed confident in ourselves and made big plays. We've now beat Washburn, Sibley and Cooper. We just need to keep beating teams that we may not think are our top competition, like those three, and don’t let up, prepare for them, and try not to lose a game. That’s our mission and our goal.
As far as my play is concerned, I’m working on everything as a player. I’m definitely working on lifting and getting stronger, that’s my number one priority. I’m 6’8 and about 225 right now. Some people have asked me about my tattoos. The one on my right shoulder is a lion’s head, eating a player, a basketball player. That just reminds me to keep an animalistic mentality. The one on my left shoulder is just a basketball with my Mom’s initials on it, because without her I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do on the court. The one on my wrist is the initials of Attack Everything Always, that’s another slogan I try to play with and live by.
Tonight the Gophers play at Michigan State. I think we’ve got a great chance. Anytime your team plays great defense, you’ve got a good chance at winning. It will really just come down to making shots, and if we do that, we’ll pull out a win on the road!
The Gophers win vs. Madison – I didn’t get a chance to see the game because I had practice that night, but I got to see highlights. I thought that they fought back and did what great teams do to win. It says a lot about how far the team has come. Wisconsin will always be a good team because they’re very well coached, but this win is an example of great things that to come for the Gophers.
Damian Johnson and Paul Carter – I think they’re playing really well, really hard. Damian’s a guy you have on the floor, because he does all the little things that most players don’t do. He makes game winning plays, hustle plays that win games, and championships. Paul Carter is like that too, he’s really coming into his own. I’m just going to come in and work hard when I get there, Coach Smith does a great job of rotating everyone in, and everyone contributes, that’s how you win championships, as a cohesive unit.
Henry Sibley Game – I think it showed us where we were, and what we need to do to be where we want to be. I think a lot of people wanted to see them beat us; the underdog is always the favorite. We definitely needed to work on controlling the tempo more, and making sure that we didn’t let them back into the game, and work on consistency. They started making a run back at us, and we fought them off.
On his technical foul – I only have one technical all season (during the Henry-Sibley game). I don’t think I have a temper, I just play really intense and what comes from that, I play on emotion.
The chances of being a McDonald’s All-American, being on such a good Hopkins team and sharing the wealth – I don’t think my stats have gone down necessarily, when you have a team with really great players, people that know basketball will know that. I don’t really worry about being an All-American, I’m focused on playing to win a championship, contribute a small part to your team.
Robbinsdale-Cooper – For us, if we really do what we need do, we should win the game. I’m not being overconfident, but we outmatch them in most positions. They will put up a great fight, we just need to stay consistent. We just need to play our best.
Signing day was really exciting, and a little nerve-wracking. I woke up, ate some breakfast, I had a bagel, and went to school for my first two classes. During study hall we had a little scare, I couldn’t find me letter of intent, but it was on Coach Novak’s desk. After that, I went to lunch but I was too nervous to eat. From there, my teammates and I, Trent, Raymond, Mike, and I signed our letters of intent, and our parents signed, we then faxed them all in, and went to eat with all of our parents. My family was so happy, my grandfather threw a reception for me that evening, there were probably about 50 people there to celebrate, that was fun. I made a speech and thanked everyone for coming out, and told them to watch Hopkins and the Gophers play.
As far as the piece that Myron Metcalf did on me in the Star Tribune last week, I thought the piece was good, I thought it was good that he mentioned everything. To not mention the negative stuff, would to be fake it, because I don’t want fake it. I’ve never tried to hide anything, and people should know about the good and the bad.
I’ve been able to attend just about every Gopher game, and I think they’re doing really well, they look good defensively. Offensively, that comes with the team gelling and getting better. They are all doing well, especially Al Nolen, it’s a combined effort and it’s adding up to wins. I’ll probably be at every game, as long as we don’t have a game or practice. When I was at De La Salle we had morning practices, so I could go to every game. Now, at Hopkins, we have practice after school, so as long as it doesn’t interfere with that, I’ll be at The Barn.
As far as the expectations put on Hopkins this year, Coach Novak tells us that he wants us to be the best players we can be, he’s not really concerned with wins and losses, but he tells us he does hate to lose. I really don’t feel a lot of pressure, because I know we’re going to win state. I see how my teammates play, and the talent that everybody has, and if I were on another team, I wouldn’t expect to win against us. Marcus Williams is probably the best point guard I’ve ever played with, Angelo Johnson and Kameron Rundles are tied for second. I’d probably say our biggest competition this year will be Cooper, Henry Sibley and Washburn. They will be the toughest teams, and have a lot of good players.
Hi Gopher fans, sorry it’s taken so long to write another blog, I’ve been really busy trying to prepare for the upcoming season. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my teammates at Hopkins, going to open gym, and trying to bond with them and building chemistry. I think we’ve got a target on our back; that motivates me and everybody else on the team.
You already know a lot about me, so I thought I’d fill on a few of my exceptional teammates. This is the most talented group of players I’ve ever played with, I’m looking forward to playing with them more than any other team I’ve ever played with before.
Raymond Cowles, Shooting Forward, (Santa Clara commit) – Ray is one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever played one, and one of the purest shooters, and a great team leader. He’s a nice kid, he’s easy to get along. He is a really smart player, and very court savvy.
Mike Broghammer, Center (Notre Dame commit) – He’s a really cool kid, a really nice kid. He works really hard, he’s got a nice shot for a bigger guy, he’s also got a sneaky athleticism. He’s fun to play with because you can always pass him the ball in 2 man game type situations, and he’s a good finisher. He also does the dirty work, he does everything.
Scout.com
Marcus Williams, Point Guard – He’s really good defensively, really quick, one of the fastest players I’ve ever played with. He distributes the ball really well, and makes good decisions on the court. He makes plays, he makes everyone around him better. It’s fun to play with on the open court, he can do a lot of things with the ball, and do a lot of things to get people open, and he finishes really well.
Scout.com
Trent Locket, Shooting Guard (Arizona State commit) – he’s probably the most talented player, skill-wise, that’ I’ve played with this year, other than Rodney (Williams). He can do anything, he can shoot the three, he’s really athletic, can play above the rim, make moves in the open court, make his own shot , pass, everything.
Hey Gopher fans, back again! Last weekend I attended the breakdown photo shoot which was really fun. It was a great opportunity to be able to take pictures and hang out with the other great players in the state; such as Rodney Williams, Mike Bruesiwitz, Hopkins very own Raymond Cowles and Mike Broghammer, along with fellow Howard Pulley teammates.
I just started school, I have great classes, great teachers, and I'm taking all core classes...Math, English, Science, Social Studies. I am having a good time and looking forward to start lifting with my Hopkins Teammate, Trent Lockett.
I am also looking forward to taking my first and only official visit to the U of M this weekend. Hopefully I'll run into some of you Gopher fans!!!!! Go Gophers!!!!!!
Hey fans! Just got back from the global challenge where only 40 of America's best were separated into three teams. It was a great experience. This was my second time I had been on the Nike headquarters tour, but it was just as fun as the first time.
I was on Team One along with Rodney Williams. On our road to the championship we beat both team Senegal and team Canada, who's best player was younger brother of Devoe Joseph, Cory Joseph, who was very interested in Minnesota.
We fell short of a perfect weekend by losing in the championship but it was a very fun weekend. I spent most of my time hanging out with Jordan Hamilton, Tommy Mason Griffin and John Wall. It was a very
fun experience and I now look towards getting my weight training going full throttle. Go Gophers!!!!
August 7, 2008
Hey Gopher fans I'm back!!! Hopkins finished 2nd this past weekend at the Pacesetter. I had a great time playing with Hopkins for the first time. If you saw us play I think you'd see we had great chemistry. I had alot of fun playing against Mike Bruesiwitz and Henry Sibley, I look forward to our matchups this year and in the Big Ten.
I really enjoyed playing with Hopkins because of the overall commodore playing with guys who I've known and played with before. Mike is a really talented player who is deceptively quick and displays a nice midrange game!!! Raymond was very fun to play with because of his ability to shoot and his basketball IQ.
Rodney Williams and I depart tomorrow morning for the for the Global Games. As I prepare for them I'm trying to open my mind to being a role player because of the number of great players who will be in attendance.
Although I'm not sure where Rodney will be commiting, Gopher fans can count on me to put the good word in for the U!!! - Go Gophers!
July 27, 2008
Hey Gopher Fans! I’m back in the forum, I really appreciate anyone who has taken the time to comment on my blog. I hope you continue to do so. It gives me a chance to better understand the Gophers fan bases and their opinions, which is really important to me! If your opinion of me is a positive one, thanks. To those who have an ill impression of me, I apologize and I hope I can represent myself in a way all Gopher fans can appreciate, because I believe in a strong, community-based program. All of you fans are the community, and in order to get the wheels turning again in 2008, 2009 and beyond, we will need all of your support. If you are a gopher fan, and you see me in public, please don’t hesitate to come and speak to me, I would be happy to meet any Gopher fan – Go Gophers!!!
This weekend I had the pleasure of playing against former Gopher, Sam Jacobson. He is sill a very skilled and savvy player who is trouble for anyone to defend. At the gym, he and I shared a basketball conversation and played competitively against each other.
Most of the summer, in between events and camps, I’ve been doing mostly core work in my house. I am looking forward to starting my weight training with my uncle James Walker. Other than that I am preparing physically and mentally to represent our country and the Gopher basketball program in a positive way, for the second time in the second Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Oregon.
July 20, 2008
I think the first thing people will want to know about is the Damian (Johnson) situation. He and I are real cool, the game last week between us got really competitive. He’s a great competitor and so I am. Nothing has changed, I’m still looking forward to playing with him in 2009. Coach Smith hasn’t really said much to me about it, we were just competing.
Our Howard Pulley 17’s are headed into another game at the pro-am tomorrow night. We’re 0-4 against the older guys, but we’ve still held our own and have been competitive. We hope to do so again tomorrow night!
As far as conditioning goes, other than playing in summer league; I am working out with Raymond Cowles with a shooting machine. Other than that, I work out with my Uncle James Walker.
Hey Gopher fans, back again! Last weekend I attended the breakdown photo shoot which was really fun. It was a great opportunity to be able to take pictures and hang out with the other great players in the state; such as Rodney Williams, Mike Bruesiwitz, Hopkins very own Raymond Cowles and Mike Broghammer, along with fellow Howard Pulley teammates. 
Hey Gopher fans I'm back!!! Hopkins finished 2nd this past weekend at the Pacesetter. I had a great time playing with Hopkins for the first time. If you saw us play I think you'd see we had great chemistry. I had alot of fun playing against Mike Bruesiwitz and Henry Sibley, I look forward to our matchups this year and in the Big Ten.
This weekend I had the pleasure of playing against former Gopher, Sam Jacobson. He is sill a very skilled and savvy player who is trouble for anyone to defend. At the gym, he and I shared a basketball conversation and played competitively against each other. 
