Alan Griffin will not return to Syracuse next year after declaring for the 2021 NBA draft. Griffin is also expected to signed with an agent, according to Adam Zagoria.
Last year, Alan Griffin transferred to Syracuse after a pair of seasons in the shadows at Illinois. Griffin averaged nine points in just 18 minutes in the ’19-’20 season before taking his talents to Central New York.
In ’20-’21, Griffin started every game, besides the season opener. The junior scored 13 a game, paired with six rebounds and two assists. He was 6th in the ACC in blocks, swatting two a game (averaged 0.2 blocks in his first two years for the Fighting Illini). Griffin shot 43% from the field and a 36% clip from distance, while leading the Orange at 90% from the free-throw line.
His lone season with the Orange ended with an awful tournament stretch. Griffin scored five points in three NCAA tournament games, while only seeing the floor for a total of 39 minutes. But, he was an integral piece in the regular season, eclipsing 20 points in eight games. The New York native had five double-doubles as well.
It has been said all season: Alan Griffin has the skill to succeed in the NBA. We’ll see if this past season caught the attention of any teams around the Association.
For Syracuse, in all likelihood, this means an open slot at the forward position and a possible starting job for incoming four-star Benny Williams.
