Injury strikes McDowell-White's French campaign

• William McDowell-White signed a one-year deal with French club, JL Bourg Basket
• He last played in the NBL for the New Zealand Breakers in season 2023-24
• McDowell-White played for German club Alba Berlin last season

William McDowell-White's impressive season with JL Bourg Basket in France and the EuroCup has been dealt a major hurdle after the Aussie point guard was ruled out for at least eight weeks with a hand injury.

The former New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings guard suffered the injury in his team's 82-80 win over Chalon/Saone in the French LNB Pro A on December 20 with the club announcing the diagnosis on social media today.

It's tragic news for the 27-year-old, who was in the midst of an improved season. in Europe following the move from ALBA Berlin in Germany, averaging six points and 5.2 assists while shooting 37% from three in the French league as well as eight points and 3.3 assists per game in the EuroCup, where he was shooting 43% from beyond the arc.

He is an integral part of JL Bourg's roster, which sits second in the French league at 10-4 and first in Group B in the EuroCup at 9-2.

McDowell-White is no stranger to injuries throughout his professional career having dealt with a serious foot injury last season with ALBA Berlin and his last season at the Breakers in particular, riddled with issues including hand and shoulder injuries as well as knee troubles.

The son of three-time AFL premiership winner Darryl White and the older brother to Hayley and Jess McDowell-White, who both play in the WNBL, was coveted by NBL clubs during the offseason - especially by his hometown team the Brisbane Bullets before eventually choosing to remain in Europe.

McDowell-White caught up with Brayden Heslehurst from basketball.com.au in August and spoke about why signed in Europe and decided to pass on offers to return home.

"I still want to test my skills against the best teams around Europe and the opportunity with JL is the best chance to do that," McDowell-White told basketball.com.au.

"The team they've put together really suits my style as a point guard and someone, who likes to create for his teammates. There's a bunch of shooters on the team and so many talents I can't wait to play with.

"JL also has been a good team in the EuroCup and obviously that's one of the best competitions in the world, so I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing against some of the best teams in Europe.

"I had a taste of it last season in Germany and the EuroLeague with Alba Berlin and that experience is only going to help me in the upcoming season."

He has expressed his desire to finish his career with the Bullets in the future.