Gavin Griffiths is the second highest rated recruit to ever sign in the modern era with Rutgers men’s basketball. The 6’7″ wing is an elite shooter from West Hartford, Connecticut and joins the program as an incoming freshman this summer. Griffiths held offers from UConn, Alabama, Creighton, Xavier, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and Providence among others. He is ranked in the top 35 nationally by two recruiting services, On3 and Rivals. Both praised Griffiths on Monday.
Jamie Shaw is a national basketball recruiting analyst for On3. Griffiths has moved up the charts and received a final national ranking of No. 32. Shaw highlights his ability with the clip below.
The Rutgers site for Rivals, The Knight Report, had national recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy on their latest podcast episode on Monday. Griffiths has climbed their national rankings as well and landed at No. 22 overall. Cassidy spoke about Griffiths’ potential impact from day one and how close he came to being a 5-star.
“We are so excited to welcome Gavin Griffiths into the Scarlet Knight family,” head coach Steve Pikiell said after he signed back in November. “Gavin is truly one of the most exciting players in the whole country. He has athleticism and an ability to shoot the basketball at the highest level. Gavin is another great, hardworking basketball player from an unbelievable family. We are all are looking forward to the bright future he will have at Rutgers.
My take is simple. The upside that Griffiths is bringing to Rutgers is more than just elite shooting. He’s an unselfish passer and fundamentally sound defender. While Griffiths needs to add muscle to his 6’7” frame, he plays with a toughness and attacking mindset. It’s a lot easier to get stronger than it is to completely change a player’s mentality. In this case, Griffiths’ potential is greater because once his body fully develops, his game will only improve based on his competitiveness and team first attitude.
In addition, his shooting ability will help space the floor for Rutgers in the halfcourt. His confidence will allow him to contribute immediately. Playing off of another great shooter in Cam Spencer, along with creators Noah Fernandes and Derek Simpson, will help Griffiths establish himself within the offense without having to force the action.
“I can do a lot of things on the court,” Griffiths said when he signed. “I can shoot, dunk and pass, but I mostly pride myself on playing hard. I’m going to be one of the guys always in the practice facility. Winning games for Rutgers is what I really want to do.”
The arrival of high 4-star wing Gavin Griffiths this offseason is a major development for Rutgers men’s basketball. It’s another step forward for the program both in recruiting and in raising the potential for the team on the court. Steve Pikiell continues to raise the bar of the program and Griffiths is the latest example.
You can watch senior season highlights of Griffiths here.
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pj43
May 9, 2023 at 1:38 pm
What’s not to like?! And, how about this, “…Winning games for Rutgers is what I really want to do.” Amen! And, if that wasn’t enough, that distinctive look wearing spectacles is sure to be a crowd winner. Half of the student body at the RAC will wear some version of the new “look”. Some fun, eh?!
RU858
May 10, 2023 at 4:54 pm
Another great example of Coach Pikiell’s ability to grow, evolve the identity of Rutgers basketball. Next step is for Paul to move on to the next phase of his life, free up another scholarship.
Aaron Breitman
May 11, 2023 at 7:11 am
I would say the odds of Paul returning are favorable at this point. His potential in a different role offers upside in my opinion. It’s all about how he embraces the opportunity.
thevinman
May 16, 2023 at 6:12 pm
Paul seems to be better and happier as the someone who helps others play better than being the star himself. Having Derek as the primary ball handler will help him.
Aaron Breitman
May 16, 2023 at 8:55 pm
I don’t think that will be the case though. I think they’ll both have the ball a lot.