MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Watching Tre Green compete in the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center, the summer home of Blue Raider basketball during camp season, the skillset that made him the only high school recruit for Nick McDevitt's staff in 2022 is evident.
A smooth jumper, relentless defensive effort, great leaping ability for his size as a 6-3 guard that averaged over 20 points a game as a senior at Glenelg Country School outside of his hometown in Baltimore, Md. Even how he says his name to a reporter comes off as charming.
"The name Tre comes from being a 'III'," Green relayed after practice. "My real name is Calvin Green III, but you get Tre from the III."
Green chatted with MT Staff Writer Sam Doughton about some of his goals for his freshman season, his adjustment to being a collegiate athlete, and what's his strategy on NBA 2K.
Why did you pick Middle Tennessee when you were making your college decision?
It was one of the main colleges that stood out to me. I didn't have too many offers, I had about two other ones besides this one. And this was the one that was the highest level for me. I don't really know how they found me (in Maryland). They said they were looking for guys who they thought would fit the program well.
Who is a player you model your game after?
I love explosive, Ja Morant and Russell Westbrook type players. People might say Russell Westbrook really struggled this past season, but I still really admire the way he plays. He gets after it.
What was your first impression of the team when you got to Murfreesboro?
Pretty much the comradery. Everyone knows everyone, everyone is close. We all live in the same apartment complex. Its given a chance to get to know the guys.
Who's someone in your life that's taught you the most about basketball?
I've had a lot of influences; I can't really say one person. My dad, he's always been in my corner, looking up stuff, trying to make my IQ higher, broaden my horizons and my game. My AAU coach, Kendall Francis, in second grade, I played with this guy's son. He ended up being my high school coach last season. He's been in my life basically my whole basketball career. So if I had to pick someone, I would say him.
Off the court, what's your favorite thing to do?
A guy's got to love 2K. When I was home, I loved playing with my brothers. I play MyCareer, with my own player. He's a pass-first wing, but I basically built him like me. He's just 6-foot-7 *laughs*
What are some of your goals for the next year?
That's a great question. I want to see the type of minutes that I end up getting and just provide for the team and help us win. In the long run, each game, I just want to do what I need to do to help the team win.
If you could pick any moment in basketball history that you could go back in time and witness in person, what moment would you pick?
Ray Allen's shot against the Spurs (in the 2013 NBA Finals). I was nine or ten, I knew how big that was. That was a crazy shot, forced a Game 7 and they ended up winning. I'd definitely want to witness that.
You're the only guy on this year's roster coming in from a high school setting. What's it been like being one of the younger guys around the gym this summer?
Everyone has shown me what I'm supposed to do. They've been great models, showing me the ropes, making sure that I have what I need and looking out for me. It's been a great experience so far. I start summer school classes next week, though, so that's going to be a new experience *laughs*
