Green Anxious to Get Started at Cal

A month ago today, high-scoring Lakeside (Lake Elsinore, CA) High School guard Jazlen Green made the call for Cal, committing to play for the Bears in the 2019-20 season.

“It all started in my sophomore year of high school,” said Green. “Cal came down to see my first playoff game.

“I ended up hurting my knee and couldn’t play my junior season, but after that first game, they kind of lost contact. Then this last season at the Nike TOC, they were able to see me play and were able to see a few of my games once they knew I was playing again.

“That really got things going again.”

Green’s relationship with the Cal staff went a long with with being comfortable in her decision to commit to the Bears last month.

“I love my relationship with them,” said Green. “It can only get bigger and better from here on out.

“Immediately, I was comfortable with every single one of them, from Coach Lindsay (Gottlieb), to Coach Kai (Felton), to Coach Charmin (Smith) to Coach (Wendale) Farrow. Just an amazing staff. Everyone in general, I just felt at ease. It was just easy to connect with them so I’m definitely looking forward to that part.”

Green’s official visit came on January 4-6 and was her second trip to the Bay Area, though her first on Cal campus.

“I’d been up to the Bay Area earlier when I played in the San Francisco West Coast Jamboree, where Coach Lindsay got to see me play,” said Green. “I’d never been to Berkeley but I loved it there on my trip. Great atmosphere and lots of sports. Just beautiful scenery and a great vibe at Cal. I loved it.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be so beautiful at Cal but that just made things even better in my mind.”

On her visit, Green also had a chance to get comfortable with her future teammates, spending a lot of time with the players.

“I got to spend time with all of them on my visit,” said Green. “From the seniors to the freshmen, I got to meet every single one of them.

“The vibe was easy. I can honestly say it didn’t feel like an official visit. It just felt like I was going there to hang out.”

Academics also played a big role in Green’s decision to commit to Cal.

“Academics are a very big factor for me,” said Green. “What made me choose Cal over the other programs recruiting me was Cal’s academic prestige.

“This is a Cal-Berkeley degree. Not many people can say they have a degree like I can get from Cal. A degree from there holds so much power to it. When somebody sees you graduated from Cal, they automatically open those doors.

“When I got that opportunity, I couldn’t miss it. Academics are very important in my family, so to get a great education at the number one public university was something I needed to do.”

As a senior, Green estimated her stats so far are around 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the 24-6 Lancers, who are in the Southern Section 2A finals. They square off against 29-3 Oxford Academy on 2/23.

Sophomore highlights: