George Mason second-year head men’s basketball coach Dave Paulsen announced the signing of two National Letters of Intent this afternoon. Joining the Patriots will be guard Javon Greene (McDonough, Ga./Henry County High School) and forward Goanar Mar (Mankato, Minn./DeLaSalle).
“We’re excited to welcome Goanar and Javon into our basketball family,” said Paulsen. “They both bring with them a winning pedigree, a competitive spirit, an advanced skill level, and great offensive and defensive versatility. More importantly, they will both be excellent additions to the Mason community as students and ambassadors for our University, and are great embodiments of the team-first culture we are striving to build.”
Javon Greene (McDonough, Ga./Henry County High School)
6’2” – Guard
Greene is ranked by Hoopseen as the No. 18 overall player in the state of Georgia’s 2017 class. As a junior, Greene earned Second Team All-Region for Henry County High School after averaging 19 points, five rebounds and four assists per game, including a career-high 38 points. The 6-foot-2 guard dunked in a game as a sophomore, starting five games before he earned a permanent role as a starter his junior season. The Warhawks are preseason No. 1 in Georgia State 4A. He plays AAU for the Atlanta Allstars.
Greene’s parents John and Nicolette run an AAU program, 94 Feet, and began coaching Javon when he was five years old. He played soccer, baseball and football until committing to basketball during high school.
“Javon had a great summer as he transitioned to being a full-time point guard,” commented Paulsen. “He has excellent size for a guard, with the ability to score at all three levels. He also has the potential to be an elite defender at the college level. Javon’s best days are ahead of him, as he is still continuing to grow, fill out, and master the mental aspect of the game. He has a relentless work ethic and engaging personality, and I can’t wait to get him on campus.”
Goanar Mar (Mankato, Minn./ DeLaSalle High School)
6’7” – Forward
Mar is a three-time Minnesota Class AAA State Champion at DeLaSalle High School. The 6-foot-7 forward enters his senior season with a 76-11 overall high school record. As a junior, Mar averaged 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 2.6 steals per game. He was tabbed Northstar Hoops Class AAA Player of the Year. He also earned Tri-Metro Conference MVP and Star Tribune All-Metro Second Team accolades. Selected as team captain, Mar’s Islanders are poised to repeat as state champions going into the season with a No. 1 ranking in the state.
Mar is one of nine children raised by mother Elizabeth, with five brothers; Kan, Gach, Griffin, Murphy, Camden and three sisters; Nyakobo, Nyamuch and Nyaluak.
“Goanar is a winner,” remarked Paulsen. “From winning multiple state championships in high school to the leadership he provided his D1 Minnesota team this summer, Goanar always makes his teammates better. He is an extremely versatile offensive player, and will have the ability to effectively guard at least four positions defensively. He has an incredibly mature understanding of the game, and a natural charisma that is sure to make him a fan favorite.”
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