Rylan Griffen, a standout basketball player from Alabama, known for his sharpshooting skills, has decided to transfer to Kansas, as he revealed to ESPN. The Jayhawks wasted no time in making Griffen feel at home, hosting him for an in-home visit before inviting him to their campus last week.
Griffen shared his excitement about joining Kansas, citing Coach Bill Self's reputation for pushing players to reach their full potential. He believes his shooting prowess will be a valuable addition to the team, especially in improving their perimeter defense and maintaining their winning tradition.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6, Griffen showcased remarkable improvement during his sophomore year at Tuscaloosa, increasing his scoring average from 5.9 points to 11.2 points per game. His three-point shooting also saw a spike, hitting 39.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The shooting guard's performance peaked in the middle of the season, where he averaged nearly 14 points over 17 games. He maintained his form during the NCAA tournament, shooting an impressive 48% from three-point range. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Alabama's success, scoring 19 points and sinking five three-pointers in the Sweet 16 victory against North Carolina and contributing 13 points and eight assists in the regional final against Clemson, leading the Crimson Tide to their first Final Four appearance.
Griffen's decision to join Kansas adds to the team's impressive roster of transfers this offseason, including Zeke Mayo from South Dakota State, Riley Kugel from Florida, and AJ Storr from Wisconsin. The addition of these players addresses the team's previous issues, as they ranked low in three-point percentage and attempt rate in the Big 12 last season.
Furthermore, Kansas boasts a strong returning lineup with Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams as starters. The team's potential is further enhanced by the uncertainty surrounding All-American center Hunter Dickinson's decision regarding his final season of eligibility. If Dickinson chooses to return, the Jayhawks could start the 2024-25 season as the top-ranked team in the country.
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