JaMychal Green Anchors Alabama As a Premier Freshman

Following in the footsteps of Richard Hendrix is no easy task—a statement that McDonald’s All-American selection JaMychal Green easily condones.

However, if his high school numbers have any voice in the matter, he should be fine.

Hailing from serene Saint Jude High School in Alabama (145 kids), Green averaged 25 points, 16 rebounds, and eight blocks as a junior and 26-17-8 as a senior.

His battue quest to be incorporated into a game is another one of his best traits. Mychal is an excellent leaper, which allows him to levitate in the air to convert on putbacks, alley-oops, and offensive rebounds.

The 6'9" cyborg pitched in 12 points in the East’s win over the West in the McDonald’s All-American Game. JaMychal displayed post moves, and his most exciting moment of the game came when he vaulted from the baseline (off a Kemba Walker pass) and executed a one-handed thrashing on the rim.

Though the dunk was air-opposed and zapped his teammates with adrenaline, I’m convinced it was only a pint of his athleticism.

He also notched a double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds) in Team USA’s U-18 win over Canada.

His scorched earth policy on the rim will create a conundrum for opponents forced with the unforgiving task of guarding Green. A strong, agile, and explosive specimen—similar to an ogre in strength and ferocity—JaMychal will benefit from star distributor Ronald Steele, who is returning from an injury that forced him to miss all of his junior season in '07-08.

With former SEC stars Anthony Randolph and Marreese Speights gone, the conference is exposed and is longing for the next great freshman forward. Last year it was Patrick Patterson at Kentucky.

In Bama’s first two exhibition games, Green has averaged 11 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG, and 4.5 SPG in only 18.5 minutes per game.

On Wednesday, JaMychal posted 14 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and five steals in the Crimson Tide’s bashing of Belhaven.

Alabama finished 17-16 last season and went 37-28 during Richard Hendrix’s two-year reign. However, if Green continues his brutish play, he may not stick around long enough to contest it.

Bama also hasn’t reached the NCAA Tournament since Rajon Rondo still graced the hardwood and was coached by Tubby Smith at Kentucky (2004-05).

JaMychal Green and the Crimson Tide host Mercer on Sunday in their home and season opener.