If you’re a Golden State Warriors, you should know how much Draymond Green loves his alma mater, Michigan State. There, Green played four years, something that’s rare nowadays and his blood runs green as much as it does blue and yellow.
In 2009, Green was a freshman as he carved his role on the team that went to the National Championship with his energy and defense. With the Player’s Tribune, Green writes about 2009 and how he remembers gaining his confidence and realizing he can play at the highest level:
My assignment that game was to guard Earl Clark, and anyone who remembers him knows that he was a beast at Louisville. It was no secret that he was leaving early for the NBA, so there I was, a freshman, thinking, I’m pretty much playing against an NBA player. And judging by some of the moves he made while I was guarding him, I could see why he was going pro.
That’s when I first realized that I had a chance to be really good. I played a season-high 24 minutes in that game, and playing in those big-time March Madness moments against NBA-caliber players, and having success, builds your confidence like nothing else.
I knew after that game that not only could I play at the collegiate level, I could thrive.
In 2012, the Warriors selected Draymond Green with the 35th pick in the NBA Draft. Today, Draymond is considered one of the league’s best players.. Not only does he play with passion and heart, he is always up for a challenge. His size has always been questioned, but his heart and hustle make up more than enough.