JALEN Green continued to show maturity beyond his years with his impressive play for Team USA in the ongoing Fiba Under-19 World Cup in Greece.
One of the youngest in the tournament featuring the best 19-year-old cagers in the world, the 17-year-old Filipino-American wingman has been outstanding, averaging 11 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in 22 minutes through four games for the Americans.
Green is picking up from where he left off after leading the US to the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup title on the way to being named tournament MVP.
"I think it's good to come out here and get that competition. You are playing against college guys and older guys and older pros. You come out and hold your own," the 6-foot-5 shooting guard said in a story on Fiba.com.
According to the article, Green, who turned 17 last February 9, is one of 17 players in the tournament born in 2002 or later - in an tournament for the year 2000 age group.
Green has helped the US win its first four games in the tournament – the latest a 116-66 blowout of Latvia in the Round of 16 – to set up quarterfinal matchup against Russia later in the day.
The Gilas Pilipinas Youth team, though, has already bowed out of contention after falling short in their first three assignments.
Making highlight-reel plays whether it’s a rim-rattling dunk or a well-timed block has earned Green praise from his teammates apart from fans.
"He's becoming a more complete player,” teammate Jalen Suggs attested. “He's doing it on the offensive end like he's always done but he's growing on the defensive end as well.”
So expect to see more of his progress as Team USA moves along in the tournament.
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