Green was thrice voted all-conference in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU), including a first-team selection.

[3] As a senior at San Fernando High School in 1958, the center-forward led the Valley League in scoring with 184 points and an 18.4 per game average, despite being double teamed by most opponents.

[7] He then went to Pierce College and earned player of the year honors in the Western State Conference as a freshman after averaging close to 25 points per game.

[13] The team grew adept at handling sophomore guard Walt Hazzard's incredible passes, which they initially thought were impossible and were not expecting.

[15] They clinched the title against Washington after coming back from 12 points down with 12 minutes remaining, winning the game on a driving layup by Green.

[15][16] Green finished the game with a team-high 27 points,[18] including 19 in the second half and two free throws to tie the contest with 1:34 remaining.

[2] He was impressive at their rookie camp in June, when Lakers coach Fred Schaus said that "Green's good collegiate background is evident here" and he "can probably make the squad".

[32][33] Schaus was satisfied with his backcourt of Barnett and Hot Rod Hundley as backups to starters Jerry West and Frank Selvy.

[34] Later that year, Green played in the San Fernando Valley Municipal Sports Association's preseason basketball tournament,[35] and won the championship with Goddard's.