Trial run for Green and Love

SPORTS

A couple of hoopsters with local ties are hoping their time in the Orlando Summer League paves the way for a future pro career.

By Joseph Myers

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 8, 2010

Jason Love, in center, looks to follow up a fruitful college career with equally as impressive professional experience.

As college opponents, Rodney Green and Jason Love squared off four times in four seasons, with Love’s Xavier University Musketeers topping Green’s La Salle University Explorers each time.

Now it’s all about making it as a pro, either in the NBA or overseas. After being passed over in last month’s draft, both athletes are hoping to catch the attention of one of the scouts or general managers in attendance at this week’s AirTran Airways Pro Summer League taking place in Orlando, Fla. Eight teams are competing, including Green’s Boston Celtics and Love’s hometown Sixers.

Though their high school and collegiate backgrounds differ, the area products hope their summer sojourn will lead to autumn acceptance. Green, a Southwest Philadelphia native and Prep Charter, 1928 Point Breeze Ave. alumnus, completed a distinguished career for the Explorers in March. Though his teams managed only one winning season in his four years, the point guard achieved individual success.

This past season, he averaged career highs of 18.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, nabbing second team all-Atlantic 10 honors. The 22-year-old athlete concluded his career as the ninth-best scorer in La Salle’s meritorious history.

His draft preparation included June workouts for the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks, as well as two group sessions in conjunction with the New Jersey Nets.

Love, 22, an Abington Friends star and a resident of 22nd and Tasker streets, tasted more collegiate success than Green. His Musketeers qualified for the NCAA Tournament all four years, amassing eight wins in 12 games.

In 35 games this season for the Cincinnati-based school, he averaged career highs of 11.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His statistics landed him a third-team all-Atlantic 10 selection. His June treks also included stops in Miami and Charlotte. The forward/center showcased his skills for the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards.

On draft night, however, neither Green nor Love heard his name called. In fact, of the 60 draftees, only 16 were seniors, and none went off the board at Madison Square Garden until the Minnesota Timberwolves took Clemson University’s Trevor Booker with the 23rd pick.
On June 26, the Celtics added Green to their summer roster, allowing the 6-foot-5 player at least five more chances to dish and defend.

Four days later, the 76ers announced that Love would be filling the post with his 6-foot-9 frame in their five contests.

Play began Monday, with Green’s team falling to the Thunder, 87-82. The guard played 12 minutes, tallied five points. Love’s team fared better, earning an 84-74 win over the Nets. In six minutes, Love scored two points.

Green and Love renewed acquaintances Tuesday, with the Sixers blitzing the Celtics, 86-69. The former player played 15 minutes, scoring three points yet committing four turnovers. The latter logged 11 minutes, accumulated eight points and a rebound. Wednesday’s games ended after press time.

The NBA has yet to release the schedule for the 2010-’11 season. However, if Green and Love impress this summer, the undrafted free agents will play in the same division and have a quartet of attempts to top each other.

Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.