Former Hawkeye standout Aaron White made a triumphant return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena, witnessing Iowa's thrilling upset over Nebraska. White, who left an indelible mark on Iowa basketball with 1,859 points and 901 rebounds, was back for the first time since his college days, bringing with him a sense of nostalgia and excitement.
White's journey post-graduation has been an international affair, with an 11-year pro career spanning Europe and Asia. But on this particular night, his focus was firmly on Iowa's rising star, Bennett Stirtz.
Stirtz, a player who impressed White both on and off the court, caught the former Hawkeye's attention with his maturity and presence. During a practice session, Stirtz's gesture of shaking hands with White and his children left a lasting impression, showcasing his character beyond the hardwood.
In a conversation with former WQAD sports director Mike Randazzo on "Off the Air," White shared his admiration for Stirtz. He struggled to find a current NBA player to compare him to, highlighting Stirtz's unique skill set and versatility.
White's visit seemed to bring a bit of luck, as Iowa secured a memorable win with him in attendance. With such high praise from a Hawkeye legend, it's clear that Stirtz and his teammates will be eager to have White cheering them on in future games.