AS BRISBANE prepares to play its first final since 2009, Lions fans have something more to cheer about.

William McDowell-White, son of former Lions triple premiership player Darryl White, has signed with the Houston Rockets in the NBA.

McDowell-White trained with Brisbane's Academy from age 13, but decided to focus completely on basketball after turning 15.

After playing with the Rockets in the Summer League competition this year, McDowell-White was rewarded with a two-way contract.

It will be tough for the 21-year-old to get any game time as he'll be behind James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the rotation.

It's likely that McDowell-White will spend most of the season with Houston's development side, but he can spend up to 45 days with the Rockets due to his two-way contract.

Darryl White in 2003 with the cup and young William. Picture: AFL Photos