It might seem like a long shot, but there’s a chance. After one rollercoaster year at SU, Alan Griffin turned pro, signing with an agent and forgoing his college eligibility. All of the 315 did a double take, for good reason.
Griffin averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in his one season in Orange, but was plagued by inconsistency. He practically didn’t see the floor in the NCAA tournament because of his tendency to jack shots, playing 15 minutes or less in Syracuse’s last four contests. Jim Boeheim criticized his lack of attentiveness on defense and shot selection, and favored Robert Braswell instead.
While there are plenty of downsides to Griffin’s mercurial game, he still could be a late second-round upside grab for an NBA team. Here are three reasons why Griffin could get drafted
Hot Streaks
Griffin might’ve struggled at the end of the year, but at times, he couldn’t miss. He scored 20+ points in eight games, and shot over 50% from the floor 11 times. Against Georgia Tech, in a do-or-die game for SU, the Illinois transfer scored 20 of Syracuse’s 39 first half points. He blitzed Clemson in the Dome with 6 made threes, including a ridiculous corner stepback that had no business of going in. Griffin’s scoring ability is volatile, but it’s worth a gamble to let him develop in the G-League.
Athletic Ability
It seems like eons ago, but remember the Buffalo game? When Griffin put the team on his back, and sent it into OT with a chase-down block a la Game 7 LeBron James?
NBA scouts might raise an eyebrow at Griffin’s play in the zone, and his questionable rebounding ability, but you can’t discount his physical gifts.
NBA Connections
Speaking of NBA scouts, they could be swayed because of Griffin’s basketball background. His dad Adrian is an assistant for the Toronto Raptors and his brother AJ is a potential lottery pick in the 2022 Draft. Alan might not be fully developed basketball-wise, but chances are he understands what the pro lifestyle entails and has made some connections with various NBA teams through his dad.
This situation might scream undrafted Summer League contract, but you never know… A lot of things can change between now and draft day.
