John Griffin stands as a prominent figure in Bucknell University’s basketball program, embodying a rich history both as a player and a coach. His journey with the Bison spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions to the team’s success in the Patriot League and on the national stage of the NCAA Tournament. This article explores the multifaceted career of John Griffin, highlighting his achievements and lasting impact on Bucknell basketball.
Griffin’s deep-rooted connection with Bucknell began during his own collegiate playing career. As an All-Patriot League guard, he was instrumental in leading the Bison to two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2005 and 2006. His on-court prowess and leadership qualities were evident even then, setting the stage for his future coaching endeavors. Returning to his alma mater in April 2015 as an assistant coach under Nathan Davis, John Griffin brought a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the Bucknell basketball culture.
Alt: Bucknell assistant basketball coach John Griffin instructing players during a game, showcasing his leadership and expertise.
Upon his return to Lewisburg, Griffin played a pivotal role in maintaining Bucknell’s dominance in the Patriot League. The Bison secured regular-season titles in each of his first four seasons, a testament to the coaching staff’s effectiveness and Griffin’s contribution to player development and strategic planning. The 2017 and 2018 seasons were particularly remarkable, as Bucknell clinched both the Patriot League Tournament titles and subsequent berths in the NCAA Tournament. This back-to-back achievement marked a significant milestone, echoing Griffin’s earlier playing days when he helped the team reach similar heights.
The 2016-17 season saw the Bison achieve an impressive 26-9 overall record and a 15-3 conference record, culminating in an 81-65 victory over Lehigh in the Patriot League championship game. Their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance that year pitted them against fourth-seeded West Virginia, where they fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in a close 86-80 contest. The following year, 2017-18, Bucknell continued their strong performance with a 16-2 league record and another Patriot League Tournament triumph, defeating Loyola, Boston University, and Colgate. This consecutive NCAA Tournament qualification was particularly special, representing the first time Bucknell had achieved this feat since Griffin’s freshman and sophomore years as a player in 2005 and 2006.
Alt: John Griffin, Bucknell basketball coach, celebrating a Patriot League championship victory with raised arms and enthusiastic expression.
John Griffin’s coaching acumen is further highlighted by his success in nurturing top talent within the Patriot League. He played a key role in developing the team’s backcourt, mentoring standout guards such as Stephen Brown and Kimbal Mackenzie. Brown’s performance reached new heights in the 2017-18 season, earning him First Team All-Patriot League honors and the prestigious Patriot League Tournament MVP award. In the 2018-19 season, Griffin’s guidance helped Mackenzie achieve First Team All-Patriot League recognition and become the league’s third-highest scorer. During this period, Bucknell secured their fifth consecutive Patriot League regular-season title and their eighth in the preceding nine years, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the conference.
Nathan Davis, who now benefited from Griffin’s coaching expertise, had previously been an assistant coach during Griffin’s successful playing career at Bucknell. As a player, John Griffin amassed 1,084 points over four years, showcasing his scoring ability and consistent performance. His senior year was particularly notable as he captained the team and earned First Team All-Patriot League honors, averaging 13.1 points per game. Griffin’s sharpshooting is evident in his Bucknell record, ranking third in career 3-point field goals with 220. His durability and commitment were also notable, as his 127 games played were a school record at the time of his graduation. A significant highlight of his playing career was being a key reserve on the 2005 Bison team that achieved the historic upset victory over Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Alt: John Griffin in his Bucknell Bison jersey dribbling the basketball during a college game, demonstrating his skills as a former All-Patriot League guard.
After graduating from Bucknell in 2008 with a degree in economics, John Griffin embarked on a professional basketball career overseas. He played in Germany, Slovakia, England, and Italy, gaining valuable international experience and broadening his basketball perspective. In 2008-09, he was recognized as the Player of the Year in the German Pro B division while playing for Crailsheim. However, his professional playing career faced a setback due to a torn ACL injury, demonstrating the challenges and resilience required in professional sports.
Transitioning from playing to coaching, Griffin gained experience with the Indiana Pacers in 2010-11 as a video coordinator. This role provided him with insights into the operations of an NBA team, involving him in video analysis, team practices, pregame preparations, and statistical analysis for scouting reports. Following his final professional playing season in Italy in 2011-12, Griffin officially moved into collegiate coaching. He was hired as the director of basketball operations at Rider University in June 2012 and quickly advanced to assistant coach in 2013, serving in that role for two seasons before his return to Bucknell.
Coach Davis emphasized Griffin’s value to the program, stating, “John was a great player at Bucknell and is obviously familiar with what it takes to excel as a student-athlete here. Above all else, he just has a passion for the game of basketball. When he was at Bucknell he was a captain and a leader, and he is the son of a coach. He was part of some of the greatest victories Bucknell has ever had, and now he wants to pass along his knowledge and experience to the guys in the program now. He did a great job at Rider and will be a valuable addition to our staff.”
Beyond his professional life, John Griffin is married to Brianna Gauthier, who also has a background in college basketball as a former student-athlete at Mount St. Mary’s and an assistant coach for the Manhattan women’s basketball team. They reside in Lewisburg with their two sons, John Joseph IV and Charles, further embedding the Griffin family within the Bucknell and Lewisburg communities.
In conclusion, John Griffin’s journey from a celebrated player to an accomplished coach at Bucknell University showcases a dedicated and impactful career in basketball. His commitment to Bucknell, his expertise in player development, and his deep understanding of the game make him an invaluable asset to the Bison program and a respected figure in the Patriot League and college basketball landscape. His legacy continues to grow, influencing future generations of Bucknell basketball players.
