BROOKLYN, N.Y. — R.J. Greene had to learn how to contribute quickly during his first season with LIU men's basketball.
 
One thing Greene had to learn was playing point guard, the same position his head coach, Rod Strickland, played during his 17-year NBA career.
 
"I didn't play point guard in high school," Greene said, smiling. "I played the three and the four, so now I'm playing a whole different position. It's a big learning experience."
 
Growing up in New York City, he took notice when the Sharks hired Rod Strickland as their next head coach.
 
"When I heard that he was going to LIU, I thought it was a great thing," Greene said. "I thought it would be great to play for him. He's an NBA legend, and I would get to learn from him and translate his knowledge to my game."
 
Greene was a 1,000-point scorer at Iona Prep and garnered interest from multiple mid-majors. Ultimately, he felt comfortable playing for Strickland just a few miles from where he grew up.
 
"I felt like playing under Coach Strickland would be a better fit for me because I could learn a lot," Greene said. "He told me I would play as a freshman. A lot of freshmen don't get that chance, so that sold me."
 
Greene, a Bronx, N.Y. native, has been an early contributor in his first season with LIU.
 
The 6'6" freshman is averaging 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He played all 40 minutes in each of the last two games vs. Towson and UMass Lowell.
 
He currently ranks 80^th in the NCAA in min. per game (34.2), something he was unaware of until now.
 
"That's crazy," Greene said. "I had no idea until you brought that up. I can't believe that."
 
Greene and the Sharks will continue their non conference slate at No. 5 UConn on Saturday.