Q&A With Draymond Green’s Mom, Mary Babers-Green

BlueManHoop had the honor and pleasure of asking Warriors’ All-Star Draymond Green’s mom, Mary Babers-Green, a few questions.

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Few players in the NBA have more fun than Draymond Green. Few players play as hard as he does on a nightly basis. Few players are as vocal and passionate on the court as him either and even less can actually back it up.

The overlooked 35th overall pick in the 2012 Draft was considered a “tweener” with “minimal upside.” Instead, he’s (improbably) become a leading figure in the NBA’s latest revolution, dominating as a small-ball power forward and center. Green played an integral in helping the Warriors secure their first title in 40 years. He established himself as one of the league’s top defenders and best power forwards. He currently leads the league with 10 triple-doubles and was selected to his first All-Star team by the coaches.

As I said, few players are as vocal and passionate as Green. But there might be one person who’s got him beat there: his mom. Mary Babers-Green is one of the Warriors’ most fiery supporters and harshest critics. She has 13.1 thousand followers on Twitter that go along with her as she virtually screams and cheers while live-tweeting Dubs games.

We here at BlueManHoop want to thank Mary for answering some questions for us. Below she assesses Draymond’s play, his character, and her experiences as one of DubNation’s most valued figures. Make sure to give her a follow on Twitter as well.

BMH: What was your initial reaction when the Warriors drafted Draymond?

Babers-Green: My initial reaction was “where is that?!?” Then I thought about geography class growing up and they said California was going to fall in the ocean. And I was like “OH MY GOD!”

BMH: What do you think has been the biggest reason for Draymond’s growth and success? What part of his game has evolved the most since his rookie season and what’s the next step you’d like to see him take?

Babers-Green: Dedication and determination. Draymond has always persevered above any challenge or obstacle that was placed before him. So his determination has been the motor that drives him. His entire game has evolved with the exception of his free-throw shooting. I would like to see that get to around 70% and I know he can do it. He needs to count to 7 (fundamentals) and relax!

BMH: In your GQ interview you said you don’t like to say that you’re “proud” for spiritual reasons. In that case, what would you say has made you the happiest about Draymond and the Warriors this season?

Babers-Green: Just seeing them come together as a team–the unity, the brotherhood which, in the world we live in, has become a lost art. Having your brother’s back. GSW does that well. They ride for each other and for that I am most happy!

BMH: Draymond made a record-setting $3.1 million donation to Michigan State University. His fiery, competitive side gets all the attention, but underneath it he’s a very grounded, humble person. How were you able to teach him that balance of being passionate and confident while staying true to his values and respecting where he came from?

Babers-Green: It’s really where he came from–everyone that has had an instrumental part of Draymond’s life has poured into him and that has given him the insight into how important giving back is. He grew up with his grandfather, Ben Babers, who was a very giving man and instilled that value of “just because you make it out, always remember to grab a hand behind you and pull someone else up out of the mud!”

BMH: You became somewhat of (an even bigger) viral sensation a few weeks ago by crashing Draymond’s interview to let him know that he was going to be a first time All-Star. How did that come about and what was that experience like for you?