BOASTING one of the most famous cross-code sporting names of the last 30 years, Kobe McDowell-White was impressive in the National Basketball League (NBL)1 North Men’s over the weekend.

Having just turned 20, McDowell-White is suiting up for the Sunshine Coast Phoenix for the 2024 season, and has booked himself a spot in the starting lineup with some strong play. Brother William has emerged as an NBL star, while sister Jessica has been plying her trade in the WNBL, and dad Darryl played 268 games in the AFL for Brisbane, so it is fair to say professional sporting success runs in the family.

McDowell-White’s Phoenix faced off against the Southern Districts Spartans at Rowland Cowan Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the final game of Round 3. In a game that could have gone either way at stages, it was ultimately the third quarter that proved the difference, with the Phoenix outscoring the opposition 24-12 in that time, and although the Spartans were much more competitive in the final term, it resulted in a seven-point win to the Sunshine Coast.

McDowell-White showed his NBL potential with an excellent all-around performance, showing traits of his sibling Will in a standout showing.

Southern Districts Spartans (73) def. by Sunshine Coast Phoenix (80)

Kobe McDowell-White – 18 points, seven rebounds, eight assists

In a stat-stuffing performance, McDowell-White played a key role in getting the Phoenix over the line despite a late push from Southern Districts.

18 points was the second most of any Sunshine Coast player (behind Jamaal Robateau‘s 27), with the youngster showing no hesitation to put up a shot when he got to his spot. It may not have been his most efficient performance – shooting 7/21 at 33 per cent – but his willingness to keep trying to generate offence paid off at a reasonable rate.

As a rebounder, McDowell-White was often in the right spot and timed his leaps to perfection, pulling down seven boards, with two of those coming on the offensive end.

Much like his brother, McDowell-White is a talented playmaker, setting up his teammates with well-timed passes coming off screens and making life extremely easy for his fellow Phoenix players. Eight assists was also a game-high total, showing his court vision could develop to an elite level.

McDowell-White was the standout youngster in the NBL1 North Men’s over the weekend, and is certainly capable of putting up performances of this calibre on a consistent basis.