Kevin Griffin (basketball)

Kevin Griffin (born June 3, 1975 in Mississippi, United States) is an American professional basketball[1] Shooting guard/Small forward, currently playing in Nicaragua South America for Costa Caribe HEMCO.

A graduate of Lynn University, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) Griffin started his pro career with the USBL team Tampa Bay Windjammers in 1998, where in 18 games he averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds per game, while shooting 47 percent from the floor and over 39 percent from the three point range. In 1999 he averaged 19 points and 5 reounds per game. Two years later, he made his first move into European basketball, by signing for British Basketball League club Derby Storm in 2001, making his debut against the Chester Jets on September 1, and eventually being named in the 2001 All-Star game.

After one season at Derby, where he averaged 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Griffin transferred to Midlands rivals Birmingham Bullets, a powerhouse in the league at the time for the 2003-2004 season. Where he was voted team "Offensive Player of The Year, he averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while helping the team reach the BBL Trophy Semifinals. However, with off-court disputes and distractions aplenty at the Bullets, Griffin did not return for a second year, instead opting for a move to Irish team UCC Blue Demons for the 2003-04 season. In just one season in Ireland, the guard helped his team to an appearance in the Playoff final, earning runners-up spot, while averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds.

Yet with just one season away from the BBL, Griffin found himself back again in 2004 when he signed for the Milton Keynes Lions, where he averaged 14.8 points and 5 rebounds per game during the 40-05 season, helping his team to the playoff first round. During the 2005-2006 season, Griffin posted point averages of 17.6 points along with 5.3 rebounds per game. But the team could not manage a playoff spot. That season he recorded a 41-point game against his former team the Birmingham Bullets in which it saw Griffin notch a league record of 10-three pointers. After long debate, MK Lions had made coaching changes and brought in new head coach Tom Hancock. With much strategic and game calling changes, MK Lions were a well balance attacking team in which Griffin saw his scoring lowered, but was more effective in other areas. Kevin recorded averages of 9.81 points and 1.61 rebounds, while shooting 37.39% beyond the arc.

Witnessing another coaching change, the 2007-08 season saw owner Vince McCauley taking over the helm and coaching the team. Recording a franchise best 25 wins(19 league wins) Griffin, who averaged 13.8 points and 4 rebounds per game, helped manage to lead his team to the BBL CUP Finals win and earning MVP honors, top scoring with 26 points on 5-7 three-point shooting, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Ending the season on a high note, MK Lions also reached the Playoff Finals which resulted in a defeat.

In June, 2009, Griffin had moved his career in another direction, signing up with the Nicaraguan League (ACB) Jaguares De La UAM. In regular season action, Griffin averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the floor, and over 40 percent behind the three point arc. Once the playoff semifinals started where the Jaguares faced defending champs U de M, Griffin averaged 28 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from the floor and over 62 percent from three point land. However, his side lost the playoff series 4-3.

Kevin is now currently back in Nicaragua playing for Costa Caribe HEMCO.

Career history

References

  1. ↑ Taylor, Richard (December 23, 2002). "Basketball: Worst losing run leaves Riders reeling". The Independent. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
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