McDowell-White bounces back to form in return

• 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

Australian point guard William McDowell-White made a successful return from injury for JL Bourg in France after spending almost two months on the sidelines with a broken hand.

McDowell-White played 28 minutes and had eight points, six rebounds and three assists in his team's 87-83 overtime loss to Strasbourg in the French LNB Pro A League on Sunday morning (AEST) with the Brisbane product looking like he'd never left.

The 27-year-old suffered the hand injury JL Bourg's 88-75 win over Saint Quentin on December 23, adding another injury to his past few seasons, both in Europe in the NBL where he has spent time on the sidelines with foot, ankle, shoulder and knee issues.

The former New Zealand Breakers star, who also spent a season at the Sydney Kings, was in the middle of an impactful season in France after making the switch from ALBA Berlin in Germany last season.

Despite modest numbers of six points, 4.8 assists and 2.3 rebounds, McDowell-White was a significant piece for JL Bourg and was also shooting the three-ball at more than 35% this season.

McDowell-White was a coveted free agent during the NBL offseason, where teams including the Brisbane Bullets, made a significant play at earning his signature but the former G League guard opted to return to Europe.

However, in previous interviews with basketball.com.au, McDowell-White has said he wanted to finish his career with the Bullets in the NBL.

“I've already kind of thought about it. There's a high chance I'd like to end my career (in Brisbane) and just get set up with life after basketball as well,” White said in an exclusive interview with basketball.com.au last February.

“You know, I'd definitely like to end my career in Brisbane and just play where I grew up watching Derek Rucker and Sam Mackinnon and all these guys going to the bloody (Brisbane) Convention Centre every second week to watch the Bullets.

“That's probably where I'll end up living the rest of my life.

“So yeah, I'm sure I know there's people that would want me there right now in the prime of my career but, I think right now, (Germany) is probably the best place to be."

McDowell-White's two sisters, Hayley and Jess, are both playing in the WNBL while younger brother, Kobe, is a development player for the Illawarra Hawks.

In other Aussies in Europe news, NBA champion and former Melbourne United star Jack White continues to shine for Mersin BBGSK, winning game MVP after having 26 points and 11 rebounds in a 104-103 win over Aliaga Petkim Spor in Turkey.