Jalen Green has decided to walk the road less taken.
The Filipino-American swingman has decided to be the first-ever high school prospect to enter the NBA G League’s select program.
Green made the announcement through IGTV.
“At the end of the day, it was exciting for my family. But the ultimate goal is the NBA. That is why I decided to go join the NBA G League select program,” declared the 6-foot-5, five-star recruit.
Back in 2018, the G League introduced the Select Contract, which allows prospects who are 18 years old but not yet eligible for the NBA, to play in the developmental league.
The program will pay Green $500,000-plus while providing a one-year development program outside of the minor league’s traditional team structure, according to ESPN.
“I think the main reason for this is I want to be better and be able to work on my skill and be stronger. I want to be ready when that time comes,” continued Green as he is set to face players much older and have more experience than him.
The past few months have been a ride for Green.
A hotly-recruited player, Green was recruited by topflight programs like Auburn, Memphis, Oregon, Fresno State, and USC. He also entertained the thought of playing in Australia’s NBL.
“It’s been crazy but it was not agonizing. It was exciting,” Green said.
Ultimately, the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup Most Valuable Player decided to test his mettle against players who are either aspiring or who want to return to the big league for the next few months.
