Radford University alum Javonte Green has earned a spot in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.
Former Radford University men’s basketball standout Javonte Green has earned the Boston Celtics’ final 15-man roster spot. Green thus becomes the first Radford men’s basketball player in program history to make an NBA roster.
“I am beyond excited. First and foremost for Javonte and his family,” Radford men’s basketball head coach Mike Jones said. “It is a testament to his work ethic, drive and determination. Javonte’s career at Radford was filled with records and firsts, and to be the first Radford player to make an NBA roster is the icing on the cake,” Jones continued. “I am also excited for the Radford basketball family. He is a stellar example of what it means to be a Radford Highlander, and the whole Highlander family is rejoicing with him. We are so proud of who he has become, and we are excited to follow him as a member of the Boston Celtics.”
First impressions are everything, and Green immediately had the attention of the fans – and clearly the front office – when he scored 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting in the team’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Petersburg native didn’t miss a shot in the preseason until the team’s third game. In the preseason finale, Green delivered a 16-point, nine-rebound performance in 30 minutes of playing time. He ended the preseason with 9.3 points per game, shooting 80 percent from the floor (16-for-20). He also averaged four rebounds per contest.
It was a battle between Max Strus and him for the final roster spot. The duo signed partially guaranteed deals, meaning their rights will be retained by the team. In the preseason, Green separated himself with superior bounce combined with a 3-point shot and stellar defense.
The former Radford standout has a chance to establish himself as a rotational option on the wings. He will be competing with Semi Ojeleye for the minutes that don’t get divvied up to Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart.
Green got a shot with the C’s when he competed with the team in the Summer League. He helped guide the Celtics to a 4-0 record and the No. 1 seed in the Summer League Bracket before the tam lost to eventual champion Memphis. Green appeared in five games and averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists during summer league play. The former Highlander also shot 50 percent from the floor, going 19-for-38.
While at Radford, he averaged 14.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game over a four-year career. He was tabbed as an All-Conference selection all four years and was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year for the 2014-15 season.
Following his stint in a Highlander uniform, Green earned his bachelor’s degree in 2015 and embarked on a journey playing basketball overseas with stops in Spain and Italy before landing in Boston.
Fans can see Green and his new squad take on the Philadelphia 76ers on tonight, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m., on ESPN.
–RU Athletics
