John Griffin returns for his third season on the men’s basketball staff at Rider University. Griffin, who played in the second most games than any player in the history of Bucknell basketball, was named an assistant basketball coach for the 2013-14 season after spending the 2012-13 as Rider’s Director of Basketball Operations Griffin’s responsibilities include off-campus recruiting, guard development, game scouting, practice and game coaching and assisting in coordinating the team's academic program.
A 2008 graduate of Bucknell, Griffin’s responsibilities in 2012-13 included on-campus recruiting, film exchange, coordinating team travel, community outreach, practice scheduling and serving as director of the Kevin Baggett Court Vision Boy's Basketball Camp. During his first year with Rider, the Broncs finished as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference runner-up, posting a record of 19-15. Before arriving at Rider, Griffin spent four years playing professionally in Europe and then spent a year as a video coordinator for the Indiana Pacers during the 2010-11 season.
"As the son of a former college head coach and a former collegiate and professional player himself, John Griffin brings an extensive basketball pedigree to Rider," said Rider head coach Kevin Baggett. "He's been a winner at every level and his energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the game will definitely have a positive impact on our program."
At Bucknell, Griffin is currently 27th in career scoring (1,084 points) and made 220 three-pointers, third most ever among Bison. He played in a then team-record 127 career games and was the team's MVP and earned All-Patriot League honors as a senior. As a freshman, he was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie team. During his time at Bucknell, he was a valuable member of two Patriot League Championships and participated in two NCAA Tournament wins, beating Kansas and Arkansas.
He played the first year of his professional career in Germany with the Crailsheim Merlins whom he led to the championship and was voted the Most Valuable Player in the league. After knee and thumb injuries, Griffin played in England, Slovakia, and Italy.
“I couldn’t be more excited and appreciative for the opportunity given to me by Coach Baggett,” Griffin said. “I am looking forward to helping continue the growth both on and off the court of our student-athletes. We have a great staff along with a group of young men with tremendous character and the will to succeed.”
Griffin led Saint Joseph's Prep to the Philadelphia Catholic League championship as a senior captain in 2004. His father, John, served as head coach at Saint Joseph's and Siena. His younger brother Matt played at Rider and at Boston University, helping the Terriers to the NCAA tournament.
Griffin is maried to the former Brianna Gauthier, a former women’s basketball player at Mount St. Mary’s and current assistant coach for the Manhattan women’s basketball team.
