‘I’m a Hawkeye for life’ Aaron White returns to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for men’s basketball’s win over No. 9 Nebraska

IOWA CITY — The last time Aaron White was in Iowa was in 2015, during his senior night. Since leaving the basketball court floor that day against Northwestern in March that year, he’s watched Iowa men’s basketball from afar.

Until Tuesday night.

“When I looked at the schedule, I saw they played Nebraska, I was like, ‘I have to come,’ White said. ”Yeah, it worked out timing-wise, too.“

After 11 years away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena, White made his return to Iowa City during the Hawkeyes’ 57-52 win over No. 9 Nebraska. He was greeted with a video welcome and a standing ovation, while White’s wife and four kids watched from the stands.

“We were joking about the uniforms, they look dated,” White said, jokingly. “The shorts are so baggy, now my shorts are tighter. I’m happy to be back. There's a lot of emotions, obviously, because of all the memories I have here, but it's just a cool feeling to show my kids and to be back at a game.”

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White was a First Team All-Big Ten selection 2015, a two-time third team selection and a part of the 2012 Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He was the first Hawkeye to lead his team in rebounding for four-straight seasons and holds Iowa’s career free throws made record (618).

White also played 140 games in a Hawkeye jersey, and is second in program history for scoring (1,859 points).

“I really am a Hawkeye for life,” White said.

Since graduating in 2015, White has played across the globe. Most recently, he’s playing in Japan with the Mikawa SeaHorses. White’s been in Japan for three years, and is anticipated playing at least another year there.

White also had the chance to visit with the coaching staff prior to the men’s game against the Cornhuskers. White was one of former head coach Fran McCaffery’s first recruits, but had a chance to met current head coach Ben McCollum.

“They were very welcoming, and I’d love to have a relationship with the staff here,” White said. “When I’m done playing, I’m going to be back and come to games and bring my kids.”

After Iowa’s top 10 win over the Cornhuskers, White was one of many fans doling out high-fives in celebration, too. White knew the type of rivalry Tuesday night was, and believed the Hawkeyes to pick up a top 10 win.

McCollum made sure to recognize the idealistic timing of White’s return, too.

“I think he's going to come to every single game from here on out to make sure that we win,” McCollum said. “And he might be our good luck charm.”

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