Billy White III, a highly sought-after four-star small forward, has committed to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and will reclassify from the 2026 to the 2025 recruiting class. The announcement, made Saturday, marks a notable win for Head Coach Andy Enfield and the Mustangs’ program. White’s decision elevates him to one of the highest-ranked recruits in SMU basketball history.

The 6-foot-8 forward from Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, was previously ranked as the No. 40 overall recruit in the 2026 class by the Rivals Industry Ranking. His ranking is expected to be updated following his reclassification. White averaged 18.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game as a sophomore, showcasing his all-around abilities.

White chose SMU over a competitive field of offers, including prominent programs such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Stanford, Maryland, Virginia, and Texas A&M. The Mustangs’ vision for his development and the strong relationships he built with the coaching staff were key factors in his decision.enfield, who previously coached at UCLA, has quickly established SMU as a rising force in college basketball since taking the helm in April 2023.

White on his Commitment and Reclassification

“My relationship with every single coach is unmatched,from the head coach to the graduate assistants,” White told Rivals. “They see me as an NBA guy and they believe in my abilities and see the potential I have.”

Regarding his decision to reclassify, White stated, “I feel like my development will be so much better at a high-level program like SMU.” He believes the accelerated timeline will allow him to compete at a higher level sooner and refine his skills against stronger competition.

Describing his playing style, White said, “I am an interchangeable guy offensively and defensively. I can really shoot the ball and rebound. I have a high game IQ.”

White concluded with a message for SMU fans: “I’m ready to get to work and go win some big-time games!”

SMU’s move to the American Athletic Conference in 2013 and it’s recent investment in basketball facilities demonstrate a commitment to athletic excellence. White’s commitment signals a new era for the program, perhaps attracting other top recruits and solidifying SMU’s position as a contender in the conference. The Mustangs finished last season with a 20-11 record and are looking to build on that success.

Disclaimer: This article provides information on college basketball recruiting. It is indeed not intended to provide financial or legal advice.

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