men's basketball head coach Dr. John Giannini has announced that DeSean White has transferred from Providence College and has enrolled in classes at La Salle for the Spring 2006 term.

 

"DeSean should be an outstanding player in our program and in the Atlantic 10," stated Giannini.  "He possesses the size, strength and skill we want to build our roster with."

 

White played one complete season with the Friars in 2004-05 when he averaged 5.5 points in 29 games.  He was limited to just six games this season after sustaining a broken bone in his left foot during pre-season work-outs.  He averaged 6.7 points and 14.8 minutes in those six games.

 

White played his high school ball at nearby Cardinal Dougherty where he was first team all-City and first team all-State while averaging a double-double (20-10) in his senior year.

 

White is the fifth commitment that Coach Giannini and staff have secured in was is La Salle's most productive recruiting class in the last 20 years.  Kimmani Barrett (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Catholic), Rodney Green (Philadelphia, PA/Prep Charter), Brian Grimes (Philadelphia, PA/Germantown Academy-Brewster Academy), Yves Mekongo-Mbala (Elizabeth, NJ/St. Patrick's) have already committed to La Salle in the early signing period.

 

"In our first full year of recruiting I feel we have added five individuals that will make important contributions to our team next year and beyond," said Giannini.

 

White will not be eligible to compete until the completion of the Fall '06 academic term.

The Explorers have opened the 2005-06 season 10-4 which marks the team's best start in 16 years.  Their next test will be an Atlantic 10 Conference match-up with Rhode Island today at 4:05 PM at Tom Gola Arena.