Neumann-Goretti's Green bound for Kentucky

Neumann-Goretti's Quade Green, one of the top senior guards in the country, announced his commitment to play at Kentucky in a "Hoops Madness" ceremony at the school Saturday night.

The 6-foot, 170-pounder had recently narrowed his choices to Kentucky and Syracuse. Early on, Syracuse seemed to be the favorite to land his commitment. That was due in part to a pair of former Saints, Rick Jackson and Scoop Jardine, having played for the Orangemen.

Kentucky made a late push for his services, with Wildcats boss John Calipari twice coming to South Philly to visit him.

"Kentucky makes a lot of sense," N-G coach Arrigale said. "Two of their freshmen guards will probably be top-10 picks in the NBA draft. They'll need somebody to drive the car."

The Wildcats are expected to lose three underclassmen, including freshmen guards De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk to the draft. That would open the door for immediate playing time for Green.

Last season, in leading N-G to its sixth PIAA Class 3A state championship in seven seasons, Green averaged 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals. The five-star prospect was an Inquirer first-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania selection.

Arrigale was impressed with Calipari during his visits. "I was blown away with how honest he is," he said. "He's a straight shooter. He basically tells you like it is."

Green,  the No. 22 player in the ESPN 100 for the class of 2017, impressed over the summer while playing AAU ball for the New York-based PSA Cardinals on the Nike EYBL circuit. He averaged 14.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.2 steals.

Green and 6-8 senior center Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, who is ticketed for Villanova, will be the cornerstones of this year's N-G squad.

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