AJ Green, the two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, has announced that he will transfer from Northern Iowa but is also testing the NBA Draft waters.
A message from AJ Green… pic.twitter.com/kqdKYIYh1Z
— UNI Basketball (@UNImbb) April 20, 2022
“After talking with friends and family I have decided to enter the NBA Draft with full intent to pursue my childhood dreams playing professionally,” wrote Green. “I will also be entering the transfer portal. This will allow me to gather as much information as I can in order to make the best decision for my future. Returning to UNI will remain an option for more as well.”
It’s a pretty smart move for Green, who can now see whether or not he’s getting enough hype to be drafted and, if not, whether or not he might be able to find a Power 5 opportunity where he can showcase himself for the next year.
Green is a four-year starter for UNI, garnering 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 99 games. He’s also done that while shooting 4.14% overall and 37.8% from the three-point range. Not only was he named MVC newcomer of the year in 2018-19, but was named conference player of the year in 2019-20 and 2021-22. He missed most of the 2020-2021 season due to an injury.
While speculation is going to run rampant about where he might transfer to if he doesn’t go pro, it’s worth noting that Green’s dad, Kyle Green, is an assistant coach for the Iowa State Cyclones. The elder Green was previously an assistant on the UNI staff.
However, for the time being, there were plenty of reactions to the news that Green would be transferring.
Don’t worry about the forecast today. The rain in central Iowa is our Panther alumni tears. Both good for him tears and sad tears. Do work AJ! Show the world what scared away power 5 teams from scheduling @UNImbb. #EverLoyal https://t.co/oRxzbfnfss
— Justin Surrency (@JustinSurrency) April 20, 2022
Dad coaches at Iowa State, but #Badgers loved him in high school. https://t.co/xjDqtSv679
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) April 20, 2022
There's no denying it. This one hurts. https://t.co/vVFL8VFFqS
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) April 20, 2022
AJ Green in the portal and the draft. I've thought all along that Iowa State made the most sense, especially now that Tyrese Hunter is in the portal. #MVCHoops https://t.co/PiWJZ0hP5U
— Paul Oren (@TVBOren) April 20, 2022
Two-time Missouri Valley Player of the Year is going to the draft … or the portal … or back to Northern Iowa. https://t.co/qi79UZEKHC
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) April 20, 2022
38% 3-PT shooter who has scored nearly 1,800 career points in 3 years at Northern Iowa https://t.co/O1X0zVq2XX
— Nick Coffey (@TheCardConnect) April 20, 2022
