ZAGS on NYC: Big Man with Big Goals

Adam Zagoria
NYCHoops.net


Kareem Green is a big man with even bigger goals for his senior season.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound senior power forward at Thurgood Marshall Academy believes his team can compete with any squad in New York.
"I want a City Championship," Green said. "I feel we can compete with Lincoln, Kennedy, Cardozo."
Green, a four-year starter, is currently averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Panthers to a perfect 7-0 record enteringThursday's game against DeWitt Clinton.
"I feel like we're playing pretty good," said Green, who had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards in a recent win on Manhattan Center. "I have a good supporting cast. Everybody helps everybody else out."
The supporting cast includes senior point guard Sean Corley, senior forward Justin Peaker, junior guard Trevor Dillard, senior guard Rudy Macedon, junior guard/forward Jason Givens, senior guard/forward LennyMcNeil, senior guard Kaseem Carr and junior guard Daniel Berroa.
The Panthers are coming off an 18-11 season (7-7 in PSAL play) in which they reached the Manhattan Borough finals and the Sweet 16 of the city playoffs.
This year's team returns four starters and a deeper bench of talented seniors and juniors. The Panthers' non-league schedule features several competitive events, including the Albany High School Classic, theBirmingham Basketball Classic, the Salisbury Lion's Club Holiday Classic, the MLK Classic, the Battle at The Beach and the Cougar Classic in Paterson, N.J., where they will take on Paterson Kennedy.
A lefty, Green should be a major factor for opposing teams to handle. Panthers coach Abdu Torrence compares him to Knicks big man Zach Randolph, high praise indeed.
"He's a skilled power forward with an adept shooting touch," Torrence said. "He has a soft touch for a big guy. He makes good decisions passing the ball and has worked hard to keep his weight down since his freshman year."
Green, who lives in Harlem with his mother, said Torrence has been a "father figure" for him.
"My dad died when I was 5," Green said. "(Coach Torrence) has always been a father figure for me since Day One. I don't really have a lot of people looking out for me as far as males. He's really looking out for me."
Torrence is involved in Green's recruiting process and said Iona, Norfolk State, East Stroudsburg, Main, St. Peter's, Central Connecticut, St. Francis (NY), John Jay and High Point (N.C.) are among those interested.
"I'm really interested in Iona and Norfolk State," Green said. "I can compete there. I have a chance of producing and really helping the team win a championship."