Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks continue to receive positive news. Following commitments from AJ Storr and Zeke Mayo, they have now secured the services of Alabama sophomore guard Rylan Griffen, arguably one of the most sought-after prospects remaining in the transfer portal.
In his previous season with the Crimson Tide, Griffen showcased his prowess, averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in roughly 26 minutes of play. Notably, his ability to shoot from long range stood out, boasting a 39.2% accuracy from beyond the arc. His contribution played a pivotal role in Alabama’s journey to the Final Four. With a majority of his shot attempts coming from three-point range, Griffen is poised to bolster the Kansas offense alongside Hunter Dickinson and other perimeter players.
Beyond his shooting prowess, Griffen’s versatility extends to his ability to drive to the basket, capitalizing on openings created by his outside threat. Standing at six-foot-five, his speed and agility allow him to effectively maneuver past defenders. His swift transitions and defensive contributions were notable at Alabama, qualities that are expected to enhance Kansas’ performance on both ends of the court.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Griffen’s defensive potential, acknowledging his quick reflexes and adeptness at intercepting passes and navigating through screens. Paired with Dajuan Harris, Griffen could form a formidable defensive guard duo, a rarity for Kansas in recent times.
Rylan Griffen demonstrated his mettle on the grandest stage of college basketball. Despite Alabama’s exit from the NCAA Tournament in their fifth game against eventual champions UConn, Griffen showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 12.4 points per game throughout the tournament. Particularly noteworthy was his standout performance in Alabama’s upset victory over top-seeded North Carolina, where he contributed 19 points, sinking five of eight three-point attempts, and securing four rebounds in the Sweet Sixteen matchup. In the Elite Eight game against Clemson, Griffen continued to shine, scoring 13 points while connecting on three of six shots from beyond the arc.
Transitioning to Kansas, Griffen is expected to receive ample opportunities to showcase his scoring ability. His proficiency in long-range shooting is anticipated to create space on the court for his teammates. This acquisition marks a significant coup for the Jayhawks as they aim to move past the memories of the 2023-24 season swiftly. Bill Self’s astute recruitment, securing three adept shooters from the transfer portal, underscores his commitment to revitalizing the team.
