There’s a new sheriff in town.
He would have been an unlikely hero at the beginning of the season, but LSU junior forward Garrett Green has led the LSU men’s basketball team with authority as of late.
Green has led the team in points (10.6) and rebounds (6.75) per game in LSU’s past eight contests. The 6-foot-11-inch forward forced fans to their feet by patrolling the paint against Arkansas, grabbing 10 rebounds, and added a spark off the bench with four rim-rocking dunks against Auburn.
Even so, newfound glory is a drastic change for the California native.
“If you got out and just think about scoring, you’re going to become selfish,” Green said. “I’m not that type of player. I’m not out there to get my points and rebounds. I’m out there to win.”
Green’s previous career-best was seven points in a game last season against McNeese State. This season, he is averaging nearly seven points a game.
“He’s developing some consistencies,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson. “He’s got some teammates that are doing a good job putting the ball in a position where he can score.”
The biggest change in Green’s play may have come with help from his family. Garrett’s brother James moved to Baton Rouge in December — around the same time Garrett began putting up double figures on a nightly basis.
“James is out there helping [Garrett] with his shots,” said Deborah Green, Garrett’s mother. “His brother just challenges him more.”
The brothers have always shared a passion for basketball and other sports, according to Deborah.
Garrett was a high school jack-of-all-trades athlete, playing volleyball and track and even earning a black belt by the age of 13. Garrett focused on basketball at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Calif.
“At that point I didn’t know he would develop into a college-level player, but I’m not totally surprised,” said Marvin Alfonso, Garrett’s coach while he played for the Blue Eagle Force traveling team.
Around that time he was discovered and later recruited by then-LSU basketball coach John Brady.
“I was playing in the Superstar All-American Camp in Atlanta,” Garrett said. “[Brady] saw me when I was playing [current Minnesota Timberwolves forward] Michael Beasley at the time. I had a really good game there, and after that [LSU] started following me.”
Garrett, the final player from the Brady era at LSU, picked the Tigers because of their high rankings before the 2006 Final Four season.
Ron Green, Garrett’s father, and Deborah had a special request before Garrett signed with LSU — the No. 3 jersey.
“We have a major heart for God, so he plays for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Ron said.
His first year was productive for a freshman, averaging 9.6 minutes per game, but a lower-back injury spoiled a potentially improved season the following year.
Garrett used his redshirt season and came back for his sophomore campaign last year. The lingering effects hindered his back, and he only averaged 2.1 points per game.
This year has been a coming out party for Garrett.
“I’m the healthiest I’ve been at LSU,” Garrett said. “I feel like I’m not limited in what I can do. I don’t have any problems or stress to worry about.”
Garrett’s best overall game came against Wichita State, in which the forward scored 15 points, landed 13 rebounds and blocked two shots in 33 minutes of play.
 
—
Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]