UNI’s AJ Green enters NBA draft, transfer portal

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa junior guard AJ Green announced Wednesday he’s declaring for the NBA Draft without an agent to maintain his collegiate eligibility while also entering the transfer portal.

Green issued a statement regarding his future via Instagram.

“After talking with friends and family I have decided to enter the NBA Draft with full intent to pursue my childhood dreams (of) playing professionally,” he wrote. “I will also be entering the transfer portal. This will allow me to gather as much information as I can in order to make the best decision for my future.

“Returning to UNI will remain an option for me as well.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me, coached me, and impacted my life to make me into the player and person I am today. I trust God’s plan for my future and I’m excited for the next step in my journey!”

A two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, Green led UNI to a 20-12 season in 2021-22 that saw the Panthers win the MVC regular-season championship. Green averaged 18.8 points per game.

Hopes of an NCAA tournament berth — which would have been the first of his career — were dashed in the semifinals of the MVC tournament when the Panthers lost, 66-43, to eventual champion Loyola-Chicago.

Green’s entry into the transfer portal was necessary by May 1 to maintain eligibility and play immediately should he choose to stay in college and play elsewhere next season.

It’s likely any decision will not come until late May at the earliest after the bulk of the NBA’s pre-draft evaluation process has taken place.

Throughout a four-year career at UNI — that included a lost season in 2020-21 due to reconstructive surgery on both hips — the Cedar Falls native ranks fourth in school history in total points (1,769), second all-time in made 3-pointers (266) and first in free throw percentage (90 percent).