John Griffin III will be joining the Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball program as an assistant coach, it was announced by new head coach Billy Lange.
Griffin comes to SJU after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Bucknell University. During his time on the bench, the Bison made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2017, 2018), captured the 2017 Patriot League title and compiled a 58-14 record in conference play.
He started his collegiate coaching career on the staff at Rider University, working as the director of operations until he was promoted to assistant coach, serving for two seasons from 2013 to 2015. Griffin was the Indiana Pacers’ video coordinator during the 2010-11 season, in between a three-year professional playing career in Europe.
His ties to Saint Joseph’s are lengthy as his father, John, was Saint Joseph’s head basketball coach from 1990 to 1995.
“John is a natural fit for our program. The son of former coach John Griffin, he understands the passion of Saint Joseph’s basketball. I have known John since his playing career at St. Joe’s Prep and Bucknell and have developed a strong connection with him over the past six years as we discussed his professional and career aspirations,” said Lange. “He brings great energy to the court, a diverse skill set and the desire to help young student-athletes chase their dreams. We welcome John and his family home to Hawk Hill.”
Griffin had an outstanding playing career at Bucknell, being part of two NCAA Tournament teams, including the Bison squad which upset Kansas in the 2005 First Round. He averaged 13.1 points and earned All-Patriot League First Team honors as a senior. A 2008 graduate, he scored 1,084 career points and still ranks third on Bucknell’s list for career three-point field goals made (220).
“Saint Joseph’s has always been important to my family and I welcome the chance to be a part of the proud basketball tradition. Billy and I have developed a relationship over the past few years and I’m excited for the chance to now work with him on the court,” said Griffin. “I’m grateful to everyone at Bucknell who allowed me to grow as a coach but am excited about the opportunity to be back in Philadelphia and the Big 5.”
Lange was named Saint Joseph’s head coach on March 28, bringing more than 23 years of coaching experience to the Hawks.
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