As noted in the recruiting news update last weekend, coach Steve Lavin has guard Phil Greene's official Letter of Intent. Greene originally committed in January to the Red Storm. The guard has been training at IMG Academy in Florida, but hails from Chicago - Julian High School, on the South Side. Phil Greene had recruiting interest from West Virginia and Arizona State, among other schools.
From the Red Storm Sports press release:
A smooth, deft lead guard, Greene scored 23.5 points per game with 6.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 3.0 steals to lead IMG Academy to a 35-16 record as a senior in 2010-11 and take squad MVP honors. Noted for his quickness and playmaking skills on offense and in transition, the floor general/shooting guard has the ability to get into the lane and pull up, or dish and create for others. A hard-nosed defender, Greene adds length and speed to "Chicago toughness" which gives him the ability to guard perimeter players.
From all accounts, he's a combo guard learning to transition to being a lead guard. He's 6'2", 170 pounds, and he is long, lanky, even skinny. Will he be a backup immediately? Will he redshirt? Will he become the starting point guard?
Time will tell. Some video interviews - and the IMG short video on him - below the fold.
IMG video. "I kinda compare myself to Rondo, but with a better shot."
Interviews with Daniel Poneman (@HSbball on Twitter) in Chicago from August - on the players he grew up around in Chicago:
Part 2 with Poneman:
Part 3:
Mixtape/ highlights: