McDowell-White out with torn ligament

Australian ALBA Berlin point guard Will McDowell-White tore a ligament in his ankle against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on November 8, 2024 and is out.

To make matters worse, Alba was crushed 92-71 and, as of December 21, 2024, are 3-14.

The 26-year-old Queenslander hasn't suited up for the German club in the EuroLeague since. He is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks.

McDowell-White is averaging 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in about 17 minutes per game over seven games to start the season.

He signed a two-year contract with ALBA Berlin in May 2024 after four seasons with New Zealand Breakers.

McDowell-White played with ALBA Berlin teammate Louis Olinde played from 2017 to 2019 in Bamberg and Baunach while Yanni Wetzell 21 games for the New Zealand Breakers in the 2021-22 NBL season.

When he signed with ALBA Berlin, McDowell-White said: "Ever since I played in Bamberg as a teenager, it has always been a little dream of mine to play for ALBA one day. I'm looking forward to being part of a club that competes for the German championship year after year. ALBA is also known for helping players reach their full potential.

"I have many former teammates with ALBA experience — especially Peyton Siva, Yanni Wetzell and Louis Olinde. All three have only said good things about the professionalism and culture of the club, the ALBA fans and the city of Berlin.

"I can't wait to come to Berlin."

ALBA Sports Director Himar Ojeda added: “Will is a very interesting player whose development I have been following for quite some time.

"He can shoot and defend — but above all he is a good passer and reads situations on the basketball court with high game intelligence.

"With this skillset, he fits very well into our concept."

McDowell-White was the second player in New Zealand Breakers history to record a triple double: 13 points; 14 assists; and 10 rebounds against the Brisbane Bullets on April 16, 2021.

William McDowell-White is of Arrernte descent. The Arrernte people are a group of First Nations Peoples living in the Arrernte lands, at Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and surrounding Central Australia. He is the son of former AFL legend Darryl White, who grew up in Alice Springs in the 1980s. William was born in Brisbane during his father's AFL career with the Brisbane Lions. McDowell-White's professional career began with the Sydney Kings in the NBL, where he joined as a development player for the 2016-17 season