Writer: Darryl Jacobs
ESPN & CBS Sports Networks
In the gritty gyms of Detroit during the early 1970s—a golden era when the city stood proudly as one of the true meccas of basketball talent—Benny Artis White Sr. carved out a name that demanded respect. His impact on the Detroit basketball scene was profound, standing shoulder to shoulder with giants at a time when the Public School League (PSL) was a breeding ground for future NBA stars like Eric Money, Bubbles Hawkins, Johnny Davis, and Larry Fogle. He proved that greatness isn’t measured in inches but in impact, a fact that Detroit basketball fans past and present can be proud of.
At 5-foot-9, White wasn’t the most physically imposing figure on the court, but his game spoke volumes. A floor general with a sharp mind and a fearless heart, he led Detroit Northern under legendary coach Harry Hairston and earned First-Team All-PSL honors. Despite the doubts about his future beyond high school, White’s resilience and determination silenced the skeptics. He took his talents to East Lansing—years before Earvin “Magic” Johnson turned Michigan State into a national brand. Benny White didn’t just play for the Spartans; he helped lay the very foundation for the program’s future success, captaining the team and leading them in assists in his senior season.
In a well-deserved recognition of his lifelong contributions to the game, Coach Benny White has been selected for induction into the 2025 class of the American Basketball Hall of Fame. It’s a fitting honor for a man whose impact has rippled far beyond the box score.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with the Detroit legend himself to reflect on his incredible journey—from the PSL to Michigan State to successful coaching tenures at both the collegiate and high school levels—and to hear how he continues to inspire the next generation, both on and off the court. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose—a blueprint for what it truly means to live a life in service of the game.
Where were you born and raised?
Detroit, Mi.
Talk about some of your biggest influences growing up
Mom always nurturing, Pops grinding and surviving. Grandmother praying and advising. Boys Club: Great mentors, exposure, and friends.
What was it like playing in the PSL during the 1970s, especially alongside legends like Bubbles Hawkins and Eric Money?
It was special. Sports (basketball) were everything to us. It was joy, expression, and a ticket out. Hooping in that era meant you had to have a game because dudes could get down from every end of the city.
As a 5’9″ point guard, what challenges did you face being underestimated, and how did you prove the doubters wrong?
I fell in love with the game at an early age and played anyway and everywhere I could: dresser draw, curtain rod, trash can, milk crate, bicycle rim, whatever. So, I don’t ever really remember thinking I was small. I loved to hoop; I always liked playing against the older guys. I had a neighbor, Thomas “Cookie” Marsh, who was an All-American at Detroit Northern High School. One summer, he took me to Dave Bing’s basketball camp in Pocono Pines, Pa. It exposed me to a different level and opportunity of what basketball could do.
Can you share a memorable moment from playing at Northern High under the legendary Coach Harry Hairston?
I have so many. Coach Hairston helped make me a Man. His commitment to exposing us to who we were as people, his demand for respect, punctuality, work ethic, and being physical centered around “The Wood.” He had no problem with being in your face and giving it to you when you deserved it. He would not accept anything less of me, especially regarding leadership and being vocal.
Detroit is one the best basketball cities in the country; who were some of the best players you competed against in high school? You named a couple. Bubble Hawkins, Eric Money, Corniel Norman, Joe Johnson, Lindsay Hairston, Larry Fogle, Mike Peyton, George Gervin, Bill Ayler, Cyrus Mann, Johnny Davis, Mike Robinson, Mike Weaver… I could go on and on. Like most big cities, the best players were in the hallways and streets.
What made you attend Michigan State University, and were other schools recruiting you?
Lindsay Hairston…Lindsay is Coach Hairston’s nephew. Summer going into my senior year of HS, Coach took us to MSU. I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I had very little interest from other colleges during my senior year, probably due to size. But they used to have this end-of-year All-Star game with the best 24 players in the State. My team won, and I was the MVP…Michigan State was there and offered me a scholarship.
You played during a pivotal era at Michigan State. What was it like playing at MSU, leading the team in assists, and serving as a captain your senior year?
Pivotal in many ways…1975, We had 15 scholarship hoopers…, and 12 were Black. Since then, there hasn’t been a Big Ten roster that has carried as many Black players. That year, we boycotted and walked out on the game against India, an attempt to bring a national spotlight on the discrepancies at MSU and programs nationwide. But, at the end of my time/career at MSU, I’m very grateful for them allowing me to earn a degree and help me live a quality life.
How did your time at MSU shape your coaching philosophy later on?
It helped me to want to be as fair as possible with student-athletes. In my fifth year at MSU, I was a graduate assistant coach under first-year coach Jud Heathcote. Jud was different, but his scientific approach to coaching was like no other I had/have seen. So, I could learn and have always carried that knowledge with me.
You coached at several colleges—Wayne State, Detroit Mercy, Albion, and San Jose State. What was the most significant difference in coaching at smaller programs vs. larger ones?
Big men (size), Budget, travel, facilities, etc.
Looking back, what was your proudest moment as a college coach?
I will say the opportunities. I made several stops, and I got out of the game a few times and was blessed to get back on. The real thrill for me was pouring into the guys on and off the court. Many who stay in touch today.
What motivated your return to Detroit to coach at Martin Luther King High School in 1995?
I was coaching at San Jose State when I returned to Detroit because of things going on with my family. My Mom told me to pursue my dreams, but I knew she needed me.
When I first returned, I worked at an elementary school before returning to the steel company with Dave Bing. Then, the following year, Perry Watson got the U of D job and brought me on. After two years, I got the itch to do what I constantly desired: to coach high school. Wooden was my example and hero.
You later served as Executive Assistant to Mayor Dave Bing. After serving in city government, you went back into coaching at Eastern Michigan and Birmingham Groves. What drew you back into coaching?
Always in my spirit. It is hypnotic when you are in the woods and with young people. You were inducted into the Detroit Public Schools Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007 and are now the American Basketball Hall of Fame class 2025. What does that recognition mean to you? It means that God has been so good that you’re still here, and people think you accomplished some things. Because I continue to fight to hear the Master say, “Well Done,”
Looking at today’s game, how would you compare it to the basketball you played and coached decades ago?
As is how the game is played and taught, things are constantly changing. It’s a different set of fundamentals in the game and life. It’s still the game I grew up loving, all kinds of like music and how it continues to evolve, different eras but still jazzy, funky, and good.
Since retiring, what are you doing now?
I’m not coaching with any title. I stop by practices, speaking, or demonstrate. Family – We have an 11-year-old that I spend most of my time with; he’s starting to take to hooping along with school and football. My oldest son, hoops, just finished at the University of Richmond completing his Master’s Degree. My daughter works in nursing and lives here. My wife keeps us all together. And I’ve been working on my golf game.
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