The Next Wendell Green Jr.

<p>I knew years ago that someday I’d be writing this article. Wendell Green Jr. is a freshman point guard at Eastern Kentucky  and a Detroit native. If you’ve been a reader of mine for a while, you know how highly I’ve thought of Green Jr. I’ve seen him showcase his skills and dominate games from Detroit to Dallas, and many places in between. There have been a lot of predictions made for him on my part. Star. Fan favorite. All-Conference. All-American. Those are all words I’ve typed or spoken about Wendell Green Jr.</p> <p>Green Jr. has had a terrific start to his freshman season at Eastern Kentucky. He’s currently averaging 10.2 points per game and dishing out 5.2 assists per game. Green Jr. has started 7 of his teams 9 games, while averaging 27.1 minutes a game.</p> <p>Who will follow in the footsteps of the player that will someday be a legend in the city of Detroit? Are there any point guards that remind us of him? Are there players that share the same traits that lead to success? </p> <p>Let’s look at some Michigan players that I think could be the next Wendell Green Jr.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="811108" first="Bennie" last="Crenshaw"] (2021, PG, Waterford Kettering)</strong></p> <p>Wendell Green Jr., while highly ranked, was ALWAYS underrated here in Michigan. Crenshaw has been an underrated player as well. Just like Green Jr., Crenshaw will have an excellent college career. Ferris State is getting a gutsy floor general built in his mold.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="811093" first="Legend" last="Geeter"] (2021, F, River Rouge)</strong></p> <p>One word that I could always use to describe Wendell Green Jr. is "selfless". I felt like he could put up 30 points every game and pad his stats. But he didn’t. He did what his team needed to win. Sounds a lot like Legend Getter doesn’t it? Plus, mark my words, Geeter has star potential at the next level. Truth be told, I was recently on the phone with an NBA executive, and I brought up [player_tooltip player_id="811093" first="Legend" last="Geeter"] a couple different times.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="811109" first="Keyon" last="Menifield"] (2021, PG, Flint Beecher)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/27_Keyon-Mayfield-JrPrepHoops-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1061823" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/27_Keyon-Mayfield-JrPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p> <p>I love the quiet confidence that these 2 players share. They walk on the basketball court, and really have to say very little. Menifield let’s his game do the talking, and it speaks loud.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863922" first="Brady" last="Titus"] (2022, PG, Tri-Unity Christian)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/177_Brady-Titus-2PrepHoops-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1061942" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/177_Brady-Titus-2PrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p> <p>I always got phone calls - "Why do you have Wendell Green Jr. ranked so high?" Well, you’re seeing why now. I’ve gotten those same questions about [player_tooltip player_id="863922" first="Brady" last="Titus"]. Instead of looking at what he may not have, look at what he offers as a next level player. Titus is a D1 talent at the point guard position. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787685" first="Kyler" last="Vanderjagt"] (2022, SG, Northview)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Untitled-1.gif"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1059625" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Untitled-1-300x300.gif" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p> <p>One thing that I’ll always remember is what a respectful and excellent all around kid Green Jr. was. And the same for his family and the people in his circle. These things are a huge part of reaching a high level in any part of life. Vanderjagt has this area of basketball, and life, mastered. If he keeps on this track, he’ll be a fan favorite at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="987274" first="Jordan" last="Briggs"] (2023, PG, Muskegon)</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/168_Jordan-BriggsPrepHoops-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1061936" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/168_Jordan-BriggsPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p> <p>I loved watching Wendell Green Jr. work his opponents of the dribble and his body control when finishing at the rim was an art form. Sure sounds like I’m talking about [player_tooltip player_id="987274" first="Jordan" last="Briggs"] doesn’t it? I can’t wait to see Briggs continue to develop his game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"] (2023, PG, Grand Blanc)</strong></p> <p>Green Jr. is a classic point guard at heart. He’s a natural leader that makes his teammates better. I think I’ve said the same thing a thousand times about [player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"]. Watch Green Jr. set the offense and find his teammates, and you’ll realize that you’ve seen the same thing from Taylor at Grand Blanc.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>