A key part of recruiting is investing time and developing a relationship.
That’s exactly what Jeff Capel and his staff are attempting to do with some of the top talent in the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
The latest example of that is with 2021 shooting guard Adrian Griffin, Jr, who’s rated as one of the top sophomores in the country. Earlier this week, Griffin Jr. received an offer from Capel and Pitt.
Griffin Jr. (6-4, 160) is from White Plains, New York and rated as a 5-star recruit and one of the top 15 sophomores in the country.
This super sophomore also has some good blood lines as his father is former NBA player Adrian Griffin.
The 9-year NBA veteran (1999-2008) played with Boston, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Seattle. Griffin has been an NBA assistant coach since retiring in 2008 and is currently with the Toronto Raptors.
Pittsburgh Sports Now caught up with Griffin Jr. and talked to him about all the attention he’s getting already at such a young age.
”I just use all the attention and praise that people are giving me as motivation to keep getting better,” said Griffin Jr. “At the same time, it is exciting but I know I have to stay focused on what I need to do.”
”My dad told me awhile ago that this would be coming because of the talent he saw and the work I’ve been putting in to get better. He always told me that if I worked hard enough that my dreams would come true.”
Speaking of his game, I asked Griffin Jr. what his biggest strength is at this point of his young career.
”Probably the versatility in my game,” said Griffin Jr. “Plus, the way I’m able to communicate on the court with teammates and making the smart play in the course of a game.”
Since he’s only a sophomore and likely to hold offers from every major program within the next year, are there things that are important to him now as his recruitment gets underway?
”Yes, the relationship that I’m able to develop with coaches and the interest that they show in me the person, like asking how my family is doing and getting to know me personally.”
As far as Pitt goes, Griffin says at this point he doesn’t know a bunch but that he’s getting a good vibe from Capel.
I’m sure over the next year, Capel and his staff will do their best to get to know Griffin Jr. better and to get him familiar with their program.
