Tennessee guard Naomi White is settling into her new world in Knoxville one meal, one scrimmage and one game at a time.
The Lady Vols transfer arrived after a huge freshman season at Northern Arizona, where she earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year honors and put her name in the record book by scoring 667 points and knocking down 92 three-pointers. That kind of production naturally raises the same question every time a standout from another level steps into the SEC: can it carry over?
So far, White sounds like a player who’s embracing the adjustment instead of fighting it.
“I’ve learned a lot,” White told Vols On SI Thursday. “I’ve definitely never played at this level before.
So I think the people we’ve scrimmaged have definitely helped me become better, learn new things and build my IQ up. I’ve also learned how to play defense more.
I’ve been better at my defense, been lower and been more focused on it. And just not being a one-dimensional player.”
That growth has shown up in practice, where her offensive rhythm has started to smooth out. The Lady Vols have also talked plenty about the press defense and the conditioning it demands, but White doesn’t appear to be having trouble keeping up. If anything, that part of her game should keep sharpening as she gets more comfortable.
Life off the court is a little simpler. White is still getting used to Knoxville, and when she’s not working, her habits are pretty easy to read.
“Around here I like to eat,” White said. “I like to eat a lot and I like to sleep.
So if I’m not eating, I’m definitely sleeping. Or I play my PlayStation.
I’m usually on Fortnite. I am a gamer.
Fortnite or Call of Duty.”
She said she usually plays online by herself, though she knows she needs to start logging in with her teammates more often. As for how she stacks up with a controller in her hands, White isn’t shy about her confidence.
The food tour has already produced a favorite. Like a lot of newcomers, she’s been trying spots around town, and one place near campus has impressed her more than she expected.
“I really like Brenz Pizza, which is very surprising,” White said. “It’s not a restaurant, restaurant, but I think it’s a very good pizza. I’ve never had pizza that good before, so I’m really liking Brenz Pizza.”
The early signs suggest White is adjusting quickly on both fronts. She’s still learning the ropes in Knoxville, but her scoring ability and comfort against higher-level competition have already shown through. Tennessee is looking for dependable shooting this season, and White has the kind of stroke that can give the Lady Vols exactly that.
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