Alonzo Green Signs with the Carolina Cougars

Alonzo Green Signs with the Carolina Cougars

Carolina Cougars President Johnny Ray Noble, Alonzo Green, Carolina Cougars Coach Marcus Reese.

Alonzo Green (center) at a CIU signing ceremony with Carolina Cougars President Johnny Ray Noble (left) and Cougars Coach Marcus Reese

By Mitchell Strauser

CIU Sports Information Director

Less than a year ago Alonzo Green was playing in his last game as a CIU Ram, but that game would not be the end of his basketball career.

Green signed a contract on Sept. 22 with the Carolina Cougars of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the first CIU graduate to play at a higher level.

The ABA, a professional basketball league that first formed in 1967 to rival the NBA, lasted 10 years. It was revived in 1999 and concentrates on franchises in smaller markets forming strong bonds with communities and encouraging family-friendly entertainment. The Cougars are based in the Columbia area and will begin their first season in October.

For Green, playing with the Cougars is a lifelong dream.

“It feels good to be the first player from CIU to sign a contract, but I give God all the glory for giving me this opportunity," Green said. "I've been working out all summer and doing everything I can to get ready for this so it's go mode now and I'm ready to do whatever the coaches ask of me."

In his last season as a CIU Ram, Green played in all 26 games, averaging 8.5 points per game. He hit 32 three pointers with 18 steals.

CIU Men's Basketball Head Coach Marshall Tague says Green is a hard worker who inspires others.

“He loves to be in the gym and is always looking for ways to get better and push himself,” Tague said. “Seeing him finish his education and sign with the Cougars is great and I'm really proud of him.”

The Cougars head coach, Marcus Reese says Green’s attention to detail gives him the ability to be a coach on the floor.

“Signing Alonzo was a no-brainer for us after seeing him workout he was the perfect fit for the team,” Reese said. “When it comes to the first season I'm excited for all the guys as they get to have this experience. This will be a fun time for these guys and we will challenge them, but also grow them."

The Carolina Cougars will play their home games at Brookland Baptist Convention Center in West Columbia.