Draymond Green is making the most of his summer, playing for the USA in the World University games in China. The Stars and Stripes have won all three games in pool play so far by wide margins: 108-67 over Mexico, 102-53 over Hungary, and 112-68 over South Korea. Green has received significant playing time in all three games so far:
- GAME THE FIRST -- MEXICO. Green came off the bench and played 17 minutes, contributing 10 points, three rebounds and an assist on 3-4 shooting including a three. He went three of five from the foul line, shooting more free throws than all but one American player (that player? Trevor Mbakwe. I am not going to enjoy seeing him this winter). Not the stat line we're used to seeing from Draymond...yet.
- GAME THE SECOND -- HUNGARY. Green got the start in this one, and his stat line was similar to the Mexico game: 17 minutes, nine points, two rebounds and two assists on 2-5 shooting (1-2 from three). Once again Day Day was second in free throws attempted with six (making four), once again behind Mbakwe.
- GAME THE THIRD -- SOUTH KOREA. Draymond came off the bench, but had the most Draymond-like line of the tournament: 12 points on 5-8 shooting (1-1 from three), 12 rebounds (six offensive), three assists, four steals, and zero turnovers in a little over 15 minutes.
I'd say Mr. Green's having quite a good tournament so far after a few games. He's not sitting on the bench for long periods like Keith Appling did at the U-19 world championships -- head coach Matt Painter seems intent on giving everyone at least 10 minutes of playing time per game, and no one much more than 20-22 minutes. The U.S. finishes up pool play against Finland tomorrow and Israel the day after.