It is rare a play is able to fall under the radar in a big city. However, 6’8” 2016 Tajh Green was able to do just that as he goes to CA Johnson High School, right in the heart of South Carolina’s capital city, Columbia.
The first time Phenom Hoops laid eyes on Green was at Presbyterian’s Team Camp, in June. After watching Green in this event, we wrote, “Green switched between the high post and the low block. At the high post, he was patient. He squared his man up and was able to make the jump shot, deliver a low post entry pass, or take his man off the bounce. When Green played on the low block, he was equally effective. He showed great hips and feel, as he sealed his man. He provided a big target and caught absolutely everything. Green, was able to finish the ball with great touch. He finished at the rim with both hands, contact didn’t seem to bother him. He got to the free throw line where he showed good form and a nice release. Green was able to attack the basket, off the bounce and threw down a few dunks in traffic. Defensively he was able to challenge everything within 15’ of the basket and secured rebounds in and out of his area.”
Fast forward to July. Green had develop a bit of hype and had multiple coaches that came to watch him play at the Phenom Champion Showcase. There, Green did not disappoint. His AAU team, the Carolina Wolves, was full of Division 1 players, namely Top 30 national talent Seventh Woods. However, Green was able to push his will on the game even without offensive touches and plays.
Green plays with a long, explosive frame. While standing 6’8” he also carries a 7’ wing span. He runs very fluidly and carries a set of broad shoulders that will take on weight easily. Green was able to play in only the first July Live Weekend due to an ankle injury.
However, that ankle injury did not prevent him from showing his talent during that week. Green plays on both ends with an elite motor. He chases the ball both on defense and off the boards. Green’s game is filled with deflections. Offensively, he attacked the rim, thrived in transition.
Green has showed that he is a high level player when he is a focal point of the offense as well as when he is a role playing big. He is raw, with a bright future, and gets better each time out. Green is rated as the number 5 player in South Carolina’s 2016 class. Make sure you come and see Green at the South Carolina Top 80 on September 26.