“But it was just cool to be there and experience it. We really like Milwaukee; AJ has family there.” This is what AJ Green’s father, Kyle Green, said about Milwaukee and their love for their son. AJ’s journey in basketball has shaped both his career and his family. His father is someone who understands the game’s demands, which led to his son’s amazing career. His guidance has been a key influence on AJ’s rise.
Off the court, his life revolves around family, loyalty, and mentorship. So, let’s focus and dive into his off-court life.
Where is AJ Green from? What is the Bucks’ star’s nationality?
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AJ Green was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa on September 27, 1999. Thus, making his nationality American. But, details about his ethnicity are unknown, so it’s safe not to assume anything. And talking about his religion, he follows Christianity. In his Instagram, many of his post’s captions often reflect his religious belief.
For example, Green once posted a picture of his college days captioning, “It’s been a long time coming 🐛. Proverbs 12:24.” And another post from on-court which he captioned, “Year 1. Colossians 3: 23-24.” With this, it’s known that he is a pretty religious guy. So, now let’s explore about his family.
The Bucks guard grew up in a family deeply immersed in basketball, where he learned the game early. His father, Kyle Green, was an associate head coach at Iowa State and has played NCAA Division III basketball for Hamline University. His mother, Michele, played basketball for Hamline University and is now a chiropractor. Both parents had a significant influence on AJ’s growth as a player.
The Green family’s basketball connection goes beyond just their son. His younger sister, Emerson, is also an accomplished player for Cedar Falls High School and now she plays at Northern Iowa. The family’s love for basketball is a constant theme in their lives. “It’s really neat how our community has kind of bonded around, actually, both of our kids,” said Michele Green in one of her interviews.
The family has become a local symbol of success, and the 25-year-old’s journey has inspired many in their small Iowa town. But did you know the Bucks’ guard was once the highest-ranked recruit in Northern Iowa’s history? Yes, he was, which led him to quickly become their star player.
AJ Green led the Panthers with an average of 16.6 points per game during his time there. His rise to prominence wasn’t just about his basketball skills, he credits his family’s influence, especially his mother’s constant support, for helping him reach this level. “I have this little routine every game — I send him a little text message. Like a funny little rhyme,” Michele said, sharing how she kept her son grounded.
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However, back to their home stories. Growing up in Cedar Falls, AJ developed a close bond with his community. His decision to stay local and play for Northern Iowa meant a lot to the town. “He just truly the whole time wanted to go with his heart and he knew he was a Panther,” Michele added. His success was a reflection of his roots, both in basketball and in the values his family instilled in him.
His mother also played a significant role in shaping AJ Green’s work ethic and competitiveness. While she jokingly admits that AJ is the best player in the family, the entire Green family shares a love for the game. The young guard’s dad, who played professionally overseas in Denmark, where he also began his coaching career, and his mom, a former player herself, both contributed to his drive. “Everybody in the family can hoop a little bit,” AJ said.
Beyond basketball, the hooper remains close to his family and values their support. When he’s not on the court, he enjoys spending time at home during holiday breaks, where he’s always welcomed with home-cooked meals. His mom’s influence goes beyond her cooking—her messages before each game keep him centered and motivated.
However, the Green family inspires not only their hometown but anyone who has followed their basketball journey. AJ’s humility, work ethic, and dedication to his craft have made him a role model for many. As he continues to shine on the court, let’s go back to his college stories.
Which college did AJ Green attend?
AJ Green attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he became a basketball star. Born to a basketball family, Green’s connection to Northern Iowa ran deep. As we already know, his father was on the coaching staff there. He helped him commit to the Panthers in 2017. This decision was significant. Green became the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. His four-star commitment drew attention from bigger schools, but he chose loyalty to his roots.
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As a freshman, the hooper showed immediate promise. Here’s how: he averaged 15 points per game, enough for a freshman to prove himself. Yet, there were struggles. His turnovers were high, but his talent shone through despite the rough spots. By the end of the season, he achieved some rare. Do you know he was named MVC Freshman of the Year? Yes, he was.
The hooper was not only a key player, but one of the league’s brightest stars. His sophomore year was even better. He was unstoppable at times, hitting career highs and leading the Panthers to crucial wins. His scoring ability was undeniable, especially when he put up 35 points in a victory against Bradley. His efforts earned him MVC Player of the Year honors, and he seemed destined for great things. He even declared for the NBA draft, considering leaping.
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But injuries derailed his junior season. A hip injury required surgery, ending his season early. It was a tough blow, especially after such a promising start. Green’s numbers were still impressive in his limited games. He averaged over 22 points per game, showing that he could come back stronger. When he returned the next season, he was back to his best, winning MVC Player of the Year for a second time.
However, in 2022, Green took another bold step. He declared for the NBA draft, making the hard decision to leave Northern Iowa behind. It was the end of an era for the Panthers.
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