Jalen Green is the talk of the town after he made a huge decision regarding his basketball career. The 18-year-old has decided to forego college and join the NBA G League instead.
The 6-foot-5 guard announced on Tuesday that he would not be spending his time at college. He wants to join the G League where he can earn his trade by competing with professionals.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a player and a person of Jalen’s caliber to the NBA G League,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim the league’s President.
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blessing from the man above🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/TItfZTSX85
— Jalen Green🤍 (@JalenGreen) April 16, 2020
Green will reportedly be earning around $500,000 a year according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Adrian Wojnarowski. Moreover, he is also reported to be signing a shoe deal which has not been confirmed yet.
Furthermore, the NBA’s developmental league is linked to signing other high-school prospects as well. A few talents like Greg Brown and 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto are also considering cashing in on the G League.
Green was ranked as the No.1 basketball recruit by ESPN and many others are likely to follow his footsteps in earning a contract right after completing school. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports even projected him to be the No.1 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
NBA Players react to Jalen Green and his decision to forego college
A lot of NBA players seem to welcome Jalen Green’s decision to turn pro after high-school. Lakers player Jared Dudley tweeted a positive message about his decision and expects the G League to get him into the Top 3 spot in the 2021 draft.
It’s important for the G league that this kid goes top 3 in next year draft, also that they do a great a job of marketing so he can get top dollars from shoe deals so other top high school kids have another viable option instead of college.. https://t.co/QecFnQMR5d
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 16, 2020
Dudley’s teammate Kyle Kuzma also shared Green’s photo on his Instagram account. He captioned the post “Might be over for college hoops.”
Similarly, NBA’s rising star Ja Morant praised Green for his decision to forego college and take up a professional contract.
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Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins gave the best reaction of them all. He said “Jalen Green said he’s signing with the University of Cash! I love it young fella. Go be great.”
With a lot of positive messages for Green from the top stars in the NBA, he is sure to make his mark felt with his new team. He had also mentioned earlier that he feels confident about the decision and thinks he can handle the pressure that comes with it.
Jalen Green isn’t fazed 😤 @brhoops pic.twitter.com/KQHyWLu2ov
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2020
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Other high-school players who would have struggled in contemplation can look at these messages and take it as a step to move forward towards a professional career.