Will Josh Green follow Ben Simmons' footsteps and make his Boomers debut as a teenager?

PHOENIX (USA) - Back in late July of 2018, there was light rumbling in the Australian basketball circle when the 24-player pool was announced for the following window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers. Way below at the end of the list of names was “Joshua Green”.

Aside from being only one of two players not listed as a member of an Australian National Basketball League (NBL) team, Green was also only 17 years old at the time the roster was announced. Green didn't make the final cut, hindered by a torn labrum in his right shoulder but 2019 just might be a good time for him to make his grand debut for the Green and Gold.

"No matter how far away I am, I always want to make sure I’m representing Australia." - Josh Green

The 1.98 M (6.’6”) wing man will potentially get his first shot in the national team program with the U19 national team or the “Emus”. On February 6, Green was named to the 23-man squad that will be selected to represent the country at the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. The Sydney native has more than earned his call up after a spectacular senior year at IMG academy which has already placed him among one of the top high school prospects all over the United States of America. Green is a terror in the open court, no matter who ends up scoring on the play.

"I love to get in transition and either score or make plays. It's a team game, so I love to make plays and get my teammates involved." Green told ESPN in a feature story.

"He's the best transition player I've ever been around - absolutely unbelievable," Green’s head coach at IMG, Sean McAllon added. "People don't realize that he's a really good passer. He sees things that other people don't see."

Green’s transition game and overall high-level of talent has made him a prized recruit for the University of Arizona, where he will be studying at later this year. It has also led him to be recognized as one of the top 24 high school players in America by being named to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American to be played later in March. This leads to the inevitable comparison to another former McDonald’s All American who also happens to be Australian: NBA All-Star Ben Simmons.

"It’s something that continually comes up," Green said of the comparisons to Simmons in a feature story on nine.com.au. "My biggest thing is to keep my mind on the present and focus on the future when it comes. Ben and I started chatting about a year or two ago. I talk to him a lot. It’s great to have that connection. I really respect him and for reaching out. He didn't have to. He has a very busy lifestyle so just him reaching out is really good."

One of Green’s main goals is to follow in Simmons’ footsteps by making his Boomers debut as a teenager. Whether it will be at the FIBA Basketball World Cup or maybe during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers later this year, Green is determined to get there soon.

"Obviously, it's a really big goal," Green added in his feature story for nine.com.au. "But at the same time, I feel like it's doable. There's a lot of talent in Australia, but I'm willing to put in the work to be able to make that team and be able to play with some of the greatest players in Australia."

"No matter how far away I am, I always want to make sure I’m representing Australia."

Though Green has spent most of the past 4-5 years in the United States, he was born and raised in Sydney to a basketball family. Both of Green’s parents met while playing professional basketball in Australia and both his older brother, Jay, and younger brother, Ky, are skilled ballers in their own rights. Green will mostly be spending a majority of his time in the near future in the United States, but Australia will always be close to his heart.

"My goal is to represent Australia and show up-and-coming kids that anything is possible," Green said in his ESPN feature. "I never thought I would have the opportunities I have now, so I just want to make sure I take everything the right way and make the most of the opportunities that have been given to me."

"The biggest thing I want to be known for is for influencing a lot of up-and-coming Australian kids - just show anything is possible - that’s the stuff I want to be remembered for," Green added in his nine.com.au feature story. “I was born and raised in Australia. I lived there my whole life and it’s a big part of me and I need to make sure I keep representing Australia as best as I can."

There is no doubt that Green is on the right path towards the targets he has set. Whenever Green will be able to make his Australia national team debut - whether it will be at the World Cup or the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers or the Olympics – his determination can assure Boomers fans that he will make them proud when that time comes.

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