Albany, GA— Every person has a story. For Adrian White, the assistant coach of the Golden Rams, his journey is an unexpected love story centered around the game of basketball. Growing up, he was a huge football fan with no aspirations in basketball. However, as he got older, his perspective changed; he started to play and study the game more closely. White played collegiate basketball at Florida Memorial University, and before joining Albany State, he was part of the coaching staff at St. Thomas University.
 
As the assistant coach for the Golden Rams men's basketball team, White has proven to be a valuable asset to the program. Recognized for his meticulous attention to detail and high-energy coaching style, he has significantly contributed to refining the team's defensive strategies and enhancing morale during challenging moments. His efforts have directly supported the team's success on the court.
 
We had the chance to catch up with Coach White:
 
Q: What's your fondest sports memory growing up?
A: I avoided playing football in HS and did not play varsity until my senior year. Started my first game and had close to 100 yards and a long receiving touchdown against one of the top-ranked teams (St. Thomas High School in South Florida)
 
Q: What motivated you to become a coach?
A: My love for the game motivated me. I tore my ACL a year after I graduated from college. I still am physically able to play, but at the time, I wanted to stay involved in the game and help players with the knowledge I have and am still gaining. It is fun for me to see guys buy into the process, see improvement and achieve their goals.
 
Q: Who was a mentor in your life, and how did they influence your approach to coaching?
A: My college coach, Kenny Bellinger was played a major factor in my life. He always spoke to me, coaching me into existence when I was a player. He felt that I had the knowledge and intangibles, and I tried to avoid it at all costs. He was always extremely detailed, hard-working, and was not afraid to hold others accountable, but cared about you. I carry a lot of his traits with me now, along my coaching journey
 
Q: What's the key to building trust with your players?
A: Consistency. Be the same person every day, an example that they can look at and follow without having to say a word to them.
 
Q: How important is the chemistry between the head coach and assistant coach?
A: It is extremely important. In the same way, there needs to be buy-in from the players, assistants have to buy in and embrace the head coach's vision for his program on and off the court. Assistants who have their agenda usually do not contribute to winning. Not being on the same page as your Head Coach is something that can be recognized right away by your players. You have to be a united front.
 
Now for a little fun,
Favorite Hobbies: Listening to music and watching movies
Three athletes you believe are the Greatest of All Time: Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders
If you weren't coaching, what other career would you pursue?Something in sports, possibly administration.
Favorite vacation destination: Anything in the Caribbean, love a good beach, and all-inclusive resort.
Favorite time of the year: Summer
 
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football. All teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.