It came about last year in conversation with a friend in Tassie, who is an assistant coach of a local basketball team. Somehow Kevin White's name come up in conversation.
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"He's just the ultimate glue guy isn't he?," my mate said. That comment has stuck with me. It is the perfect summation of what the outgoing Illawarra Hawks captain is and what he brings to a team.
The term "glue guy" in sport refers to the player in the team who keeps all of the pieces of the team together. They are the glue that binds.
Their personality, character and leadership ensures that a team of many different functioning parts moves together as one. And when cracks start appearing, they are the ones who usually pull things back together.
If a biographical movie was made about Kevin White The Glue Guy would be a fitting title.
This week the Adelaide 36ers announced they had secured White's services for the next two seasons.
It came after the Hawks indicated they would not be needing White's services for the 2019-20 National Basketball League season.
The club is clearly taking a youth policy, choosing to invest in the young players they already had signed and have signed to their roster.
Barring unsigned imports, the Hawks certainly have plenty of spots covered. Guards, forwards and a good Aussie centre. Question is: Who is the new glue guy? Who is the person on the young squad that will pull everyone together or into line as the need dictates. Time will tell.
What we do know for the fact is Adelaide 36er coach Joey Wright will be sleeping awfully damn good at night now knowing he has himself that guy. He's got the Glue Guy. Can almost see him sleeping with a smile from here. Sweet dreams Joey.
And happy travels Kev. It's just not gonna be the same without you.
Julian O'Brien is the editor of the Illawarra Mercury
Want something to do on Saturday other than to get along and vote? Get to the Snakepit on Saturday at 4 pm (women's game starts at 2) to see young Hawk Angus Glover's first home game back on the comeback trail for the Waratah Hawks against the Maitland Mustangs.
