Green Rising to the Top
Prior to this year's AAU circuit, Gerald Green was a virtual unknown - even in
his home state of Texas. But the long 6-foot-7, 185-pound junior swingman from
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Houston has quickly burst onto the scene this summer in spectacular fashion,
and the number of schools that are paying notice to his versatile skills is
growing by the minute.
"It's been going pretty good," said Green when asked about how his recruiting
has been moving along. "Baylor is looking at me, and I've been getting letters
from Kansas State, Colorado State, and Nebraska."
The Bears have definitely caught Green's attention so far in the process.
"I've been looking at Baylor, but I'm not making my decision yet," said Green.
(Note: Green’s interest in Baylor remains strong despite the current situation involving Patrick Dennehy’s disappearance. Green recently told Andy Katz of ESPN.com that the recent events at the school do not affect his recruiting.)
Green finished last season at Dobie High School in Houston classified as a
junior. However, Green is young for his class and the decision was made to
transfer to Gulf Shores Academy and repeat the 11th grade.
"He just turned 16 and he was out there playing against 18 and 19 year-olds,"
said Gulf Shores Academy head coach Ken "Juice" Williams. "He's a little ahead
of his time. So his parents wanted to hold him back."
If you want a description of Green's game in combination with his long,
athletic frame, think of Antoine Wright, last year's Big 12 Freshman of the
Year at Texas A&M. Green has a sharp shot from beyond three-point range, and
when he gets hot from the outside, he can really put on an exhibition. But
Green also has the athleticism to create off the dribble and finish at the rim
in spectacular fashion.
"My strength is shooting and I can jump real high," said Green. "Right now I'm
working on my handles and my dribbling so I can take it to the basket a little
more."
In fact, Green's ball-handling has improved to the point where Williams is
contemplating completely working over Green's role from what it was at Dobie.
"The last school he was at they had him with his back to the basket," said
Williams. "I want him to handle the ball. I'll have him playing point
sometimes."
What's also notable is that Green's work ethic is refreshing. He is constantly
looking to improve himself on the court.
"He's a blessing in disguise," said Williams. "He's one of those guys who
wants to learn. He's so concentrated on developing his game and he's been
asking me about what he needs to work on. And whatever you tell him to do
he'll do it."
Green will be starring this July in several events with John Eurey's Houston
Superstars Three Stripes AAU squad, including the Great American Shootout in
Denton, Tex., and the adidas Big Time in Las Vegas. Green just returned from
adidas ABCD camp where he caught the attention of many coaches in attendance.
But everything seems to be a blur for Green right now as he's just out on the
court doing what's natural for him.
"He's just out there having fun right now," said Williams. "It hasn't dawned
on him yet what kind of talent he has."
Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com