Mike Green Interview

                       By: Aaron Fischman

 

An Interview with Mike Green of Butler

Mike Green is a senior guard for the Butler Bulldogs, currently ranked as the #10 men's basketball team in the country. Green starts for the 20-2 Bulldogs and currently leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. He is averaging 15.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 4.8 apg while shooting 43.8% from the field and 39.6% from three-point land. In addition to putting up great statistical numbers, Green also led Butler past Ohio State on December 1 (a game which could potentially be the defining regular season moment for this ambitious team). Weeks before the Horizon tournament, Green took time to field questions from our own Aaron Fischman about Butler's dominance at home, the difficulty of conference games and his own goals for the season (and beyond).

Aaron Fischman: Butler is still relatively unknown, despite being ranked 10th in the nation. What do many people not know about your school/team?

Mike Green: There are many people who do not know where Butler is located.

AF: Butler has only lost twice so far, by a combined total of 5 points. How has your team been able to dominate this year?

MG: I wouldn't say we have dominated thus far this year. We have struggled in a lot of games. However, we have had many different contributions this year.

AF: The Bulldogs are undefeated at home. What makes it so difficult for opponents to win in your arena?

MG: Our fans bring tons of excitement to home games and we feed off of them. In any sport protecting your home court is vital to being successful. But winning on the road seperates teams.

AF: Your team is perceived to play a weak schedule. Talk about strength of schedule. Is it as important as "experts" say?

MG: I do not think we play a weak schedule at all. Most people say that because [of] their unfamiliarity with the teams in our conference. But I believe conference games are by far the most difficult to win.

AF: Towson was only 13-45 in your two years there. What, if anything, did you learn from those losing years?

MG: I learned that winning is so much more fun than losing and there is no substitute for hard work.

AF: What is your best memory of your basketball days at Towson?

MG: My best memory would have to be beating UNC-Wilmington on a last-second shot my first year. I had 1 point, 8 assists and 9 rebounds.

AF: What is your individual role on the team [at Butler]?

MG: My role is to lead, first and foremost.

AF: Four seniors in the starting lineup (including yourself) appear to have taken the ambitious freshman, Matt Howard, under their wing. What is the learning curve like for him? How good can Matt Howard be?

MG: Matt, in my opinion, will be a 1st team All-League guy throughout his career at Butler.

AF: What is your ultimate goal for this year's team?

MG: Our goal is to win our conference championship and get better every day.

AF: What are your favorite memories of your time at Butler?

MG: I hope my favorite memory is yet to come. But winning the preseason NIT and Great Alaskan Shoot Out was great.

AF: Your statistics have risen every single year. What does that say about your work ethic and ability to improve on your game?

MG: I guess it says I worked hard to improve. I believe I am still getting better.

AF: What are your personal career aspirations?

MG: I want to play basketball. Since a child, that is all I ever wanted to do. With God's grace and will, I want to play as long as possible.