Jalen Green is a name that has been making waves in the basketball scene for quite some time now. He is considered to be one of the top high school players in the country and is making a name for himself as a top NBA prospect. At only 19 years old, Green has already achieved a lot and has a bright future ahead of him.
Green was born on February 9, 2002 in Merced, California. He grew up playing basketball with his brothers and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Green attended San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, California where he played for the varsity basketball team for three years.
During his final year of high school, Green was named the Gatorade California Player of the Year, the CIF Open Division Player of the Year, and was also named to the USA Today All-USA Boys Basketball First Team. He helped lead his team to a 30-3 record and a state championship title.
Green was a highly recruited player and had offers from many top colleges including Auburn, Memphis, Kentucky, and Oregon. However, he decided to take a different route and joined the NBA G League Ignite team. This team is made up of top high school prospects who are looking to jump straight to the NBA instead of attending college.
Green joined the Ignite team alongside other top prospects such as Jonathan Kuminga and Daishen Nix. The team played in the NBA G League bubble in Orlando, Florida during the 2020-2021 season. Green was a standout player on the team and averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
In addition to his impressive G League stats, Green also participated in the 2021 NBA Draft Combine where he showcased his skills in front of NBA scouts and executives. He impressed in the physical testing portion of the combine, recording the second-highest max vertical jump at 41.5 inches.
On July 29, 2021, Green was selected by the Houston Rockets with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. He became the highest-drafted player to come straight from high school since 2005 when the NBA implemented their age limit rule.
Green made his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played 28 minutes and scored 12 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and had 3 assists. Green has continued to impress in the early stages of his NBA career and has shown flashes of the potential that made him such a highly touted prospect.
Green is a 6’6″ shooting guard with a great ability to score the ball. He is known for his athleticism, explosive first step, and ability to create his own shot. He has also shown flashes of being an above-average defender, which will only improve with time and experience.
Off the court, Green is known for his humble personality and work ethic. He is dedicated to improving his craft and becoming the best player he can be. He has also shown a desire to give back to his community and has participated in various charity events.
In conclusion, Jalen Green is a basketball phenom on the rise. He has had an impressive high school career, made a name for himself in the G League, and is now taking the NBA by storm. He has a bright future ahead of him and is sure to be one of the NBA’s top players in the years to come.