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Five-star prospect Jalen Green announced on Instagram Live Thursday afternoon with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that he will bypass college basketball and will instead opt to play in the NBA G League next season.
Green was weighing offers from several schools, including Auburn, Memphis and Oregon, and was initially expected to commit to one of those programs. However, speculation began to swirl over the past week that Green may decide to play professionally.
To add fuel to the ongoing speculation, Green began teasing on social media that he narrowed his three options down to Auburn, Memphis and the professional route. By Thursday morning, Green started informing college suitors that he was going to play in the G League.
“I think the main reason for this is I wanted to get better, I wanted to develop a better game so that way I can be ready for the NBA,” Green said. “I think this is the best route to prepare myself to get one step closer so I can be ready when that time comes.”
Green will be the first player to enter into the G League professional pathway program, a plan introduced in October 2018 as an alternative to playing collegiately. Players will earn $125,000 in the program under the new “Select Contract” worth up to $125,000 though Green could reportedly earn as much as $500,000 next season.
Green is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Several of the top high school prospects have recently opted to bypass college recently and play professionally, including LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton. They each spent the 2019-20 season in the National Basketball League in Australia and are expected to be first-round picks in the NBA Draft.
Green turned 18 years old in February.
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