Every now and then, a school goes under the radar, and offers a player. Johnathan McGriff
is not the highest ranked player, nor does he get the biggest marketing boost in the social media realm. But the 5-foot-11 point guard from Huntington Prep has been consistently recruited by Minnesota since the spring.
McGriff got an offer from UNLV last winter when Rob Jeter was on the Running Rebel staff. Much like with several other prospects, Jeter didn't forget McGriff when he moved to the Twin Cities. Shortly after his arrival, Minnesota offered McGriff during the first week of live period in April.
The Gophers joined UNLV, Kansas State, Rutgers, VCU, Howard, Iona, Kent State, and Hampton.
McGriff has battled some nagging groin and toe injuries since the offer was extended, the Gophers interest hasn't waned.
"Minnesota and UNLV are currently recruiting him the hardest, " Darren Clark of Team St8ment told The Gopher Report Thursday afternoon. "Johnathan is enjoying the process. he doesn't have any favorites right how, but if I had one, I might go with Minnesota. They have pushed him the hardest."
In today's game of positionless basketball, McGriff is a throwback. He is a point guard in the traditional sense of the word.
"He is a pass first point guard, " Clark said. "He keeps his teammates happy, but he can score as well. If he is playing with a seasoned big who can catch the ball, he will love Johnathan. He is a great post feeder. But he can score more now. He is playing above the rim, and he can stop on a dime and finish his shot."
"Johnathan is the extension of the coach on the floor," McGriff continued. "We can count on him to make the right decision. I would like to see him shoot more. HIs jump shot has improved, but there are times when I have to tell him to look for his shot. He just loves to pass the ball."
Clark went on to describe the rising senior's game.
"He is a hard worker. He displays all the work he is doing when he gets on the court. You can tell that he works out a lot. A lot of player are mechanical. They can't do a whole lot more than what they practice on. Johnathan has natural instincts. He does some things that you can't coach, and it amazes us when we see it."
In our opinion, McGriff is lightning quick with the ball. He constantly changes directions with crossovers and behind the back dribbles, and changes speeds with stop and go moves, as well as hesitations.
Clark also went on to compliment McGriff's mental makeup and toughness as well, as he has tried to stay healthy.
"He had had some nagging injuries. He has not been one-hundred percent. He has had a turf toe, as well as a groin injury, which has hampered his explosion. He has had to sit out some, but not for an extended time. He has just had to let the injuries run their course."
Clark also added that his positive personal attributes are not surprising. He has a very solid base at home.
"Johnathan is a good kid. He has a solid mother and father. He comes from a Christian home. His dad is a pastor, and Johnathan is heavily involved in the church. He has a strong faith in his process. Johnathan is also academically sound."
McGriff and Team St8ment are currently closing out the July live period in Las Vegas at the Fab 48, and Minnesota coaches have and will be courtside evaluating him throughout the event.
is not the highest ranked player, nor does he get the biggest marketing boost in the social media realm. But the 5-foot-11 point guard from Huntington Prep has been consistently recruited by Minnesota since the spring.
McGriff got an offer from UNLV last winter when Rob Jeter was on the Running Rebel staff. Much like with several other prospects, Jeter didn't forget McGriff when he moved to the Twin Cities. Shortly after his arrival, Minnesota offered McGriff during the first week of live period in April.
The Gophers joined UNLV, Kansas State, Rutgers, VCU, Howard, Iona, Kent State, and Hampton.
McGriff has battled some nagging groin and toe injuries since the offer was extended, the Gophers interest hasn't waned.
"Minnesota and UNLV are currently recruiting him the hardest, " Darren Clark of Team St8ment told The Gopher Report Thursday afternoon. "Johnathan is enjoying the process. he doesn't have any favorites right how, but if I had one, I might go with Minnesota. They have pushed him the hardest."
In today's game of positionless basketball, McGriff is a throwback. He is a point guard in the traditional sense of the word.
"He is a pass first point guard, " Clark said. "He keeps his teammates happy, but he can score as well. If he is playing with a seasoned big who can catch the ball, he will love Johnathan. He is a great post feeder. But he can score more now. He is playing above the rim, and he can stop on a dime and finish his shot."
"Johnathan is the extension of the coach on the floor," McGriff continued. "We can count on him to make the right decision. I would like to see him shoot more. HIs jump shot has improved, but there are times when I have to tell him to look for his shot. He just loves to pass the ball."
Clark went on to describe the rising senior's game.
"He is a hard worker. He displays all the work he is doing when he gets on the court. You can tell that he works out a lot. A lot of player are mechanical. They can't do a whole lot more than what they practice on. Johnathan has natural instincts. He does some things that you can't coach, and it amazes us when we see it."
In our opinion, McGriff is lightning quick with the ball. He constantly changes directions with crossovers and behind the back dribbles, and changes speeds with stop and go moves, as well as hesitations.
Clark also went on to compliment McGriff's mental makeup and toughness as well, as he has tried to stay healthy.
"He had had some nagging injuries. He has not been one-hundred percent. He has had a turf toe, as well as a groin injury, which has hampered his explosion. He has had to sit out some, but not for an extended time. He has just had to let the injuries run their course."
Clark also added that his positive personal attributes are not surprising. He has a very solid base at home.
"Johnathan is a good kid. He has a solid mother and father. He comes from a Christian home. His dad is a pastor, and Johnathan is heavily involved in the church. He has a strong faith in his process. Johnathan is also academically sound."
McGriff and Team St8ment are currently closing out the July live period in Las Vegas at the Fab 48, and Minnesota coaches have and will be courtside evaluating him throughout the event.
