DURHAM, N.C. _ With an up-and-down junior season behind him, Jack White went far, far away from Duke to recover.
A few weeks at home in Australia boosted the 6-7 forward's spirits. A bothersome hamstring injury healed, he played with his native country's entry in the World University Games in Naples, Italy.
By early July, White was back in the Triangle for offseason workouts with his Duke teammates.
Last season, he missed 28 consecutive 3-pointers and suffered a hamstring injury that limited him to just six minutes in Duke's four NCAA Tournament games. Now, however, White's mind and body have recovered enough for him to expect better things in his senior season.
"I definitely just feel refreshed coming back," White said. "Being with family and friends back home was a great few weeks. I felt really good about representing my country for those two weeks.
"I'm having a lot of fun playing. My body feels good. Been feeling good and healthy and in a good place mentally with everything. I'm looking forward to getting to work with this group."
White, who was a captain last season, started his junior year well, but his production fell as his 3-point shot failed him and his injury slowed him.
White's hamstring healed this summer, allowing him to play a key role in Australia winning a bronze medal at the World University Games.
Duke assistant coach Jon Scheyer said White's game clearly benefited from his summer work.
"Jack is in a great place," Scheyer said. "The experience playing in the World University games was really good for him. His confidence is at a really high level."
