April 4, 2010
Time to go Green
Castlemont High’s John Green cooly and calmly had his way in the tough as nails, otherworldly competitive Oakland Athletic league this season to the tune of 23 points, seven boards, three assists, two steals and a shot block per game. At 6-foot-5 and still inching upward, he displays range facing the hoop and excellent footwork with his back to the basket. His college suitors are finalizing their most-wanted lists, as is the Green family, while the April signing period draws near. However, time remains for those desiring to take an initial look plus those wanting a repeat viewing.
Green will decide soon
In an interview prior to league play, Green said one of his 2010 goals was to help Castlemont win the championship. Come the end of the season, the Knights did just that, topping Oakland Tech, McClymonds and then Oakland. Add to that a win against Turlock before the season came to an end versus state champion runnerup Newark Memorial.
"I’m elated about us taking the OAL championship," Green said.
In the Mack contest, Green notched a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds in a 68-53 victory.
Versus Oakland High for the OAL championship, Green went 10-10 on free throws while totaling 25 points.
Against Turlock, Green erupted for 27 points, including 7-7 from the foul line and a pair of treys.
Green also earlier commented on his skills set, saying his best talents are "my basketball IQ, plus my versatility, leadership and decision-making." Possession of an 83-inch wingspan also helps. Asked what he demonstrated differently this season, Green replied, "a lot of areas -- I’ve improved my athleticism to become more bouncy, I dropped 20 pounds, the accuracy with my jumpshot improved and I got experience playing all five positions." He also took 26 charges this season and was awarded 206 free throw attempts, making close to 90% at the charity stripe. Combine that with a 3.4 grade point average and the package is even more attractive.
Not one to rest on any laurels, Green is currently working on further skill development with Phil Handy, coach of Team 94, longtime Bay Area basketball fixture Raymond Young and also Darnell McCullough, the former Fresno State player now playing overseas. Hoosier coaches Rob Jones and Phillipe Doherty will also be finetuning Green’s game.
The recruiting attention directed towards Green is coming from Big Sky Conference champ Weber State, Big Dance participant Murray State, Northeastern, Cal Poly, Oregon and Cal. "I’m being told I’ll play on the wing at the next level because of my versatility."
Here is Handy on his protégé: "John Green is probably the most underrated player in Northern California and arguably the best player in the OAL this past season. His skills are very impressive inside and out, he displays great footwork and is a very good passer. Many coaches have overlooked him as they think he is not athletic enough or quick enough to play the wing but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I have known John since he was a little baby and to see him now as a 6-foot-6 wing really blows my mind. There is no doubt that he is a D-1 kid who is being grossly overlooked on the west coast. He is not the first and probably wont be the last but wherever he lands at the next level that university will get a very good player and great kid."
Bay Area Hoosier CEO Aalim Moor II added this about Green: "Any school not in the mix will rue the day they slept on John Green. He enjoyed an extraordinarily successful season. John possesses a great basketball IQ and was, pound for pound, arguably the most complete and productive player in Northern California."