More Than Basketball
Bethany, W.Va – For sophomore Derek (DJ) White Jr. this basketball season has been more than just a game. On June 11, 2019, White Jr.'s life was turned upside down with the news of his mother, Janae Tyler, when she broke the news to her family that she had breast cancer.
"When I first found out she had cancer it made me very sad and I didn't really know what to think about the situation" described White Jr. "I kept it to myself and never really told anyone."
Despite the emotional roller-coaster both White Jr. and the Bison have been through this season, he continues to be a leader on and off the court leading the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) with 4.3 assists per game. White Jr. is also fifth in the conference with 1.2 blocks per game and ranks 14th with 1.2 steals per game.
On November 27, 2019, DJ and his family witnessed one of the best things anyone can accomplish while battling cancer. Janae Tyler came out and rung the bell, signifying that she fought and beat the battle. She was cancer free.
"The day she rang the bell was an amazing day for me, it took a lot of stress off my shoulders and I didn't have to worry about my mom anymore" expressed DJ.
Almost a month later, the Bison traveled to Christopher Newport for the Captains' Shootout, which turned into a homecoming for White Jr. The sophomore guard from Plymouth, Va. was able to play in front of his family and friends. Unfortunately, his mom didn't have the opportunity to make the two hour trip, but she has been able to catch all of DJ's games online to cheer him and the Bison on.
"Getting to play in front of my home crowd after she beat cancer was great, even though she couldn't make it that weekend, she was in the hospital with the flu, but she watched the live stream and I knew she was still there supporting me", expressed DJ.
"Derek has made me super proud in so many ways" said Janae Tyler. "He is a strong man on and off the court." She also said how much she loved DJ.
When asked how important basketball has been this year to White Jr., he expressed how much seeing his mom fight, battle, and beat cancer has helped him develop his leadership role on the court. White Jr. is using it as a motivator to keep fighting and win on the court.
"Seeing her beat cancer has motivated me to keep fighting to do the best I can to lead our team to some wins and eventually a PAC title." Said White Jr. "We really want to get our seniors, and coaches their first PAC title."
White Jr. values being able to play in front of his family and friends, and is hopeful that his mom can make the trip to Bethany before the season ends to cheer him on in the stands just like the old days. The Bison have 12 games remaining with seven home games.
This story was first brought forward by Bethany College student Lynnell Willingham.
