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Jalen Green becomes highest drafted player from Central Valley


FILE - Jalen Green unveils newly renovated basketball court (Photo: City of Fresno)
FILE - Jalen Green unveils newly renovated basketball court (Photo: City of Fresno)
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On Thursday, July 29th, 2021, Adam Silver granted Green's childhood wish of making it to the NBA.

In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Jalen Green from Merced, California.

A memorable moment for multiple reasons; Jalen Green now holds the record for highest draft pick from the Central Valley.

[RELATED]Top NBA draft pic Jalen Green renovates childhood basketball court in Fresno

The 6'6" guard is also the highest draft pick since 2006 to go to the NBA without collegiate experience.

The Houston Rockets selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick in the NBA draft.


Green opted out of multiple scholarship offers to gain experience in the G-league.

Brad Roznovsky, head coach for San Joaquin Memorial boys basketball, was in the crowd at the Barclays Center to cheer on his former player.

"He's the number two pick in the NBA draft; it's surreal for everybody right now. I'm just so proud of him, he put the time in and he's such a humble kid." Roznovsky beamed on a Facetime call from Jalen's afterparty.

"To see them go from stage one to growing up and fulfilling some of their lifelong dreams and taking on that next step is always a blessing for us to see." Frank Herrera, assistant coach of SJM boys basketball said.

Green adds to an impressive list of 2021 accomplishments for Fresno athletes.

"Aari McDonald getting drafted first, then Brook Lopez winning an NBA Finals ring, and now Jalen getting drafted, " Jaden Geron, Jalen's friend & former teammate reflected.

Memorial definitely puts out a lot of pro's and Fresno produces a lot of pro's as well so it's just great to be a part of the city and just keep representing Fresno and the Valley.

Geron will start his freshman year of college basketball in the Fall for Rice University in Jalen's new home city of Houston.

The two played against each other in elementary and middle school before joining forces for the Panthers in high school.

The multitude of professional basketball players from Memorial continues to inspire current SJM players.

"I'm trying to make it to the NBA, and seeing somebody else do it, it's inspriing and I just want to be determined, he (Jalen) is my motivation, " SJM forward Michael Davis said.

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