Griffin described the experience as “a dream come true.” “My experiences have aided in my preparation for this moment, and I am happy to know that I will always be a Blue Devil.” Griffin joins 7-1 sophomore Mark Williams, 6-10 star freshman Paolo Banchero, 6-5 wing Wendell Moore Jr., and 6-5 guard Trevor Keels in making their NBA debuts. Griffin is regarded as ESPN’s No. 8 draft prospect. He is a member of one of the nation’s finest recruiting classes out of Ossining, New York.
He averaged 10.4 points per game while offering the Blue Devils with stature, outside shooting, and defensive potential on the wing. That productivity occurred despite the fact that he missed the majority of his last two high school seasons due to knee and ankle problems, as well as a preseason knee issue that hindered his return to rhythm following long absences.
His role expanded as he gained confidence in his return to full-time action. By mid-January, he had moved into the starting lineup and never left, starting Duke’s last 25 games. He scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting in his first start against Wake Forest, the first of five 20-point performances as a starter – the best being a 27-point star-making performance in an early February win over rival North Carolina.
