Wendell Green: Evolution of impact freshman

Michigan native and Eastern Kentucky freshman Wendall Green.

Before finishing his career at LaLumiere, Wendell Green was one of Michigan’s top prospects in the 2020 class from the time he first stepped onto the floor at Detroit Country Day. He’s hit the ground running as a freshman at Eastern Kentucky, where the 5-11 point guard has already played extensive minutes for the Colonels in their first two games. Green has seen the floor thanks to his two-way play. He came off the bench to score 12 points with six assists in his college debut, an EKU win over North Florida, then he stuffed the state sheet with and nine points, six boards, four assists, four steals and a dozen deflections in a defeat of Charleston Southern. He’s the kind of high-usage, competitive die-hard guard who could dominate as an upperclassman at the mid-major level. Those who followed his high school and AAU career with the Playmakers, saw it coming.

2018 Brawl for the Ball: Seems to convert coaches and win over more fans every time he goes out there. High-major point guard prospect and a top 5 overall in Michigan’s 2020 class. Plays with a chip on his shoulder which smaller guards have to possess. Hard to find more competitive kids in Michigan, which came out as he led the Playmakers to the 17U platinum final. Smart in pick-and-rolls because he forced the man guarding the screener to come out on him or he’d pull the jumper. He also hit the roll man for a number of good shots opportunities. Does little guard things, like when he big tries to bring the ball up the floor Green will come and take it.

2018 Next Level Invitational: He can handle with either hand and attack either direction, then is fearless going at bigs once he gets there. Used head and shot fakes to get them in air, then jumped off too feet to keep his balance and maximize his strength Villanova-style. If not at the bucket, Green has a smooth, quick pull-up jumper. Between hesitations and shut fakes putting the onus on the defense to picks its poison. Competes defensively in the full court, getting steals both there and doubling down to swipe bigs.

2017 Chicago Summer Jam: He showed the full offensive repertoire as the tournament went on and was the Playmakers’ leading scorer in their last two games. Can trend towards average when settling for jumpers, but can be special when they’re not just dropping but he’s also creating for himself or teammates going to the basket. Highly skilled, ambidextrous finisher with deceptive athleticism that defenders realize too late when he’s already on top of them.

2017 Warriors Jamfest: Really tightened and elevated his game when it mattered most. He scored nine points in overtime as the Playmakers finally pulled away from Sporting U in the 17U semifinals. Then in the the championship game, over a five-second stretch with under a minute to play against REACH, Green made two free throws, stole the in-bounds, and made three more free throws. Volume shooter bit retro in how he can dominate the ball with the dribble, but also gave a different look when Green went to the wing to playoff the ball. Fearless driver who as a legit threat to finish was able to suck in REACH’s backline defenders and get easier shots for what in many cases were his physically overmatched teammates. Talented enough to play in the MAC or Horizon, with high-major potential with the right system fit.