Nanook Basketball Fills Need with California Big Man

Submitted by Scott Wilson
Phone: (907) 474-6807
08/06/03

With the loss of big man Jason Williams to graduation last season, Al Sokaitis knew part of his time recruiting this year had to be spent on post players. Well, his time certainly paid off as the University of Alaska Fairbanks mentor announced today that Anthony Griffin, a 6-10, 200-pound center from Mt. San Jacinto (Calif.) Community College, has signed to play basketball next season with the Nanooks.

"Well, we first saw Anthony two years ago when we were recruiting his teammates, Jocquis Sconiers and Marquis Revels. We noticed he was very quick to the ball and liked to run the floor," said Sokaitis, entering his eighth year with the Nanooks. "He has a long reach and rebounds very well. Anthony can also score in transition. There’s no doubt in my mind he can play at a high level."

"Two of my teammates went there and they told me a lot about what it was like. They talked about the program and the coach, and said that UAF would be a good place for me to get my degree and better my game," said Griffin, who was also recruited by Southern Illinois and Boise State University.

Griffin flew under the radar after finishing up a fine prep career in the basketball-rich state of California. So, the post player with potential went the junior college route and signed to play with Mt. San Jacinto. Griffin certainly made the most of his time playing JUCO basketball. He helped lead his team to a record of 50-20 over two years, averaging 4.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game his senior season.

"Anthony has a lot of upside. He runs the floor well and rebounds on both ends very well," said John Chambers, head coach at Mt. San Jacinto. "He plays well in transition and has an excellent touch around the basket. Anthony can post players up, but he can also turn around and hit the mid-range jumper. You guys got a good one."

Griffin is excited about the opportunity to play at the Division II level and thinks he will fit in perfectly this season with the style of play Sokaitis employs with the Nanooks.

"UAF likes to run the floor and I think that’s exactly what I do well. I’m very quick for a big man, and I can rebound and play defense," said Griffin. "UAF should be a perfect fit for me."

And Sokaitis agrees. "One of the best things about Anthony is that he wants to be coached. He talked to us about wanting to get better and we can do that for him," the coach said. "I will be very surprised if Anthony isn’t a factor for us next season."

That’s just fine with Griffin. He’s eager to get on campus and get to work. Griffin wants to come into camp in shape and ready to fight for a starting role with the Nanooks.

"Just like every other guy, I would love to come in and earn a starting role. However, I really just want to do whatever I need to do to contribute to the team and help the team win," said Griffin. "That’s the important thing and I’m going to do the best I can."

The Nanooks are coming off one of their best seasons in history. UAF finished the year with a 20-8 overall record and a 13-5 slate in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Nanooks became the first Division II team to win a Division I tournament when they knocked off Weber State to win the 2002 BP Top of the World Classic. UAF also captured the Glacier Classic last year in Anchorage and advanced to the NCAA playoffs by winning the 2003 conference tourney.

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