NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich has announced the arrival of Philadelphia natives Devon White and Tahjere McCall to the Purple Eagles program.
Devon White | 6-8 | 240 | Forward/Center | Philadelphia, Pa. | LaSalle University
White comes to Niagara after playing three seasons at Atlantic-10’s LaSalle University where he played in 93 games while averaging 4.3 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game. During the 2011-12 season, White played in 32 games while starting six, for an Explorer squad that went 21-13 and advanced to the NIT First Round.
White, who averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.7 rpg during the season, was a defensive presence in the paint. White was second on the team in blocks (30) and in rebounds (149). White also fared well against Niagara’s common opponents last season – Rider, Central Connecticut State, Hartford and St. Bonaventure. White averaged 10 ppg and 5.5 rpg and scored in double figures in three of those four games, including scoring a career-high 17 points against Rider on Nov. 25.
“Devon White brings a wealth of battle tested experiences to this young team,” Mihalich said. “His productivity comes from his rugged, physical play. Devon has a chance to be the difference maker for us.”
White, who earned his degree from LaSalle this Spring, has one year of eligibility remaining and can play for Niagara immediately.
Tahjere McCall | 6-4 | 160 | Guard | Philadelphia, Pa. | Engineering and Science High School
McCall is the latest addition of Philadelphia-based guards to join the NU backcourt. McCall was a standout player for Carver High School of Engineering & Science where he averaged 15.4 points per game during the season and 16.5 ppg in 13 league games.
McCall led E&S to the Chris Smith Memorial Holiday Tournament in December and was named to the mvp of the two-day tournament after averaging 14.5 ppg and 4.5 apg. McCall helped lead E&S to a 21-2 record and league-best 12-1 mark en route to advancing to the Public League Class AAA Playoff Semifinals. McCall earned the Public League Division B MVP.
The Philly Daily News tabbed McCall as a “classic late bloomer” and ranked him as one the “best point guards” in the Philadelphia area. McCall was named to the Daily News’ All-Public Team and was on the Daily News’ All-City honorable mention team.
“Tahjere McCall has only scratched the surface of what he will become and with that comes in as one of the team’s best passers,” Mihalich said. “He just has that innate sense of when to pass, who to pass it to, and how to deliver the ball. He makes his teammates better and that is a special quality.”
