Mike Green: A Collegiate Basketball Standout
Michael Kenneth Green, distinct from the NBA player of the same name (August 6, 1951 - September 25, 2018), carved a notable path in college basketball. While the latter Mike Green was a 6'10" center who played in the ABA and NBA after a successful career at Louisiana Tech University, this article focuses on Mike Green's college basketball stats and accolades, particularly during his time at Butler University. This Mike Green first made his mark at Towson University before transferring to Butler, where he achieved significant recognition.
Early Career at Towson University
Prior to his celebrated years at Butler, Mike Green was a two-year starting guard at Towson University. He quickly became a key player, demonstrating his versatility and skill. In his freshman year (2003-04), Green set a Towson school record for minutes played by a freshman, logging an impressive 985 minutes. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.4 assists per game, showcasing his ability to both score and distribute the ball. He became the first player in Towson basketball history to start every game at point-guard as a freshman.
As a sophomore (2004-05), Green continued to improve, averaging 11.9 points and 4.3 assists. He led the Tigers in assists for two consecutive seasons, highlighting his role as a primary playmaker. Green also led the Tigers in three-point field goals with 40 in 2004-05. He scored in double-figures in 36 of 58 games over two seasons.
Green's impact extended beyond scoring and assists. He led the Tigers in steals as a freshman and finished second on the team in steals as a sophomore. He was also a strong defensive presence, leading the team in defensive rebounds in his first season. Additionally, Green excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean's List in the spring of 2004, distinguishing himself as one of two Towson basketball players to achieve this honor.
Transfer to Butler and the 2005-06 Season
After two seasons at Towson, Green transferred to Butler University. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he sat out the 2005-06 season. This period allowed him to acclimate to his new team and prepare for his impactful contributions in the following years.
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2006-07 Season: A Stellar Debut at Butler
Green's first season playing for Butler, 2006-07, was nothing short of exceptional. He started in all 36 games, tying a Butler single-season record for games played. Green quickly established himself as a leader, earning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year honors and a spot on the second team All-Horizon League and the league All-Newcomer Team.
He showcased his all-around game by averaging 13.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Green's efficiency was also notable, as he finished among the league leaders in multiple statistical categories, including defensive rebounds, assist/turnover ratio, steals, and free throw shooting. He tied for second in the Horizon League in assists (4.00). He finished fourth in defensive rebounds (4.89), eighth in rebounding (6.0) and in assist/turnover ratio (1.41), ninth in steals (1.25), 11th in scoring (13.9) and 12th in free throw shooting (.742).
Green's scoring ability was on full display throughout the season, with several standout performances. He led the Bulldogs with a career-high 24 points in Butler's victory over Florida Gulf Coast. He also tallied 18 points and played all 40 minutes in Butler's victory over Purdue in the Wooden Tradition. Green demonstrated his clutch performance by hitting 10 of 11 free throws and scoring 23 points against Loyola at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
His playmaking skills were equally impressive, as evidenced by his first career double-double with 19 points and a career-high 12 assists in Butler's victory over Notre Dame. He became just the fourth player in Butler basketball history to record at least 12 assists in a game. He also had 16 points and eight assists against Evansville.
Green's contributions were crucial in Butler's postseason run. He recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds against Old Dominion in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He led the Bulldogs with eight rebounds and five assists against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament. Even in the Sweet Sixteen against Florida, he had 12 points and team-highs of six rebounds and three assists.
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His outstanding performance earned him second team NABC All-District 10 honors and solidified his place as a key player in Butler's success. He set a Butler single season record for free throws made (196). He was also one of nine men's basketball players named a 2006 Josten's Scholar Student-Athlete (3.25 grade point average or higher).
2007-08 Season: A Year of Accolades
Mike Green's senior season, 2007-08, was the pinnacle of his college career. He was named the Horizon League Player of the Year, a testament to his outstanding performance and leadership. He also earned first team All-Horizon League honors and was selected to the league's All-Defensive Team, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.
Green's exceptional play extended into the postseason, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player and selected All-Tournament at the 2008 Horizon League Tournament. His contributions were vital in leading Butler to the championship.
His stellar performance garnered national recognition. Green was named Honorable Mention A.P. All-America and chosen first team Mid-Major All-America by CollegeHoopsNet.net. He also received Honorable Mention on the overall All-America team and was named first team Mid-Major All-America by CollegeInsider.com.
Further accolades included being selected to play in the NABC All-Star Game at the Final Four and receiving the Chip Hilton Award at the Final Four. He was also named recipient of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, further highlighting his exceptional collegiate career. Additionally, he was named first team NABC All-District 10 and to the USBWA All-District 5 team.
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Green's consistent performance was a hallmark of his career at Butler. He was a starter in 70 consecutive games, representing every game of his Butler career. He also left his mark on Butler's all-time assist chart, tying for sixth with 316 assists in just two years. Green became Butler's single-season record-holder for assists (172) and free throws made (196), demonstrating his ability to both create opportunities for his teammates and score efficiently.
Throughout the season, Green consistently delivered impactful performances. He was named Carrs/Safeway Player of the Game for his performance against Michigan in the Great Alaska Shootout and again after leading Butler past Texas Tech for the championship of the Great Alaska Shootout. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2007 Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout and National Player of the Week by Sporting News for his performance at the tournament.
Green was also recognized as a Horizon League Player of the Week after leading Butler to the championship of the Great Alaska Shootout and again later in the season (Feb. 18). He was among the top players in the nation, being named one of 30 finalists for the Naismith Trophy, given to college basketball's outstanding player, and one of 16 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation's outstanding point-guard. He was also a finalist for the Wooden Award All-America Team/Player of the Year.
Some of Green's standout games during the 2007-08 season include:
- Against Indiana State: 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
- Against Michigan: 14 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.
- Against Virginia Tech: A career-high eight field goals and 23 points.
- Against Texas Tech: A career-best four of four three-point field goals and 23 points.
- Against Ohio State: 15 points (all in the second half), four rebounds, and eight assists.
- Against Florida State: 20 points, hitting 10 of 11 free throws.
- Against Bradley: 17 points, a season-high nine rebounds, six assists, and a blocked shot.
- Against Florida Gulf Coast: 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
- Against Southern Illinois: 19 points and four assists.
- Against Valparaiso: Topped all scorers and tied his career-high with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a career-high five steals.
- Against Loyola: 15 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
- Against Green Bay: 18 points and nine rebounds.
- Against Cleveland State: 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in 28 minutes.
- Against Youngstown State: Narrowly missed his first career triple-double with 16 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Against UIC: 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
- Against Green Bay: 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
- Against Milwaukee: 24 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
- Against Youngstown State: 17 points and five rebounds.
- Against Wright State: 15 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, helping Butler win the Horizon League regular-season championship.
- Against Detroit: Narrowly missed a triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
- Against UIC in the Horizon League Tournament: 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
- In the Horizon League championship game: Matched his career-highs with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
- Against Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Tournament: 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
High School Career
Prior to his college career, Green was an All-City performer at Franklin Learning Center in Philadelphia. He scored 1,045 points during his high school career. As a senior, he averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, earning first team All-Public League honors in 2003. He helped FLC to a 22-4 record as a senior, including a 13-0 mark in the Philadelphia Public League. Green also earned three varsity letters on the high school cross country squad.
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