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One on One with Blake Griffin

By: James Mulcahy

Oklahoma’s Coach Capel has a star in his 2007 recruiting class.  6’8 Blake Griffin is one of the top power forwards in the country and he’s staying in-state to play for the Sooners.  Griffin is a beast down low where he uses his strength to dominate the boards and his athleticism to finish dunks in traffic.  He is also one of the most skilled forwards in the class, and handles the ball and shoots well enough to be a perimeter threat.  Expect him to make an immediate impact in the Big 12. 

We recently caught up with Griffin and got an update on his senior season and his thoughts about making the next step in his basketball career.

Why did you choose to play ball at Oklahoma?
“I chose Oklahoma because it was close to home and I believe in Coach Capel and his staff and I get along with the players very well.”

Was Oklahoma always on the top of your list?
“Not necessarily on top but they were pretty much always in the top 5.”

Did Coach Sampson recruit you before he left for Indiana?
“Yes, he recruited me for almost a full year before he left. He was the first coach to offer me a scholarship.”

Your older brother Taylor is a sophomore at OU this year, what is it going to be like playing with him next year?
“It should be a lot of fun, I got to play with him 2 years in high school so I’m looking forward to being able to play with him again.”

How do you feel about your #17 ranking in Hoops Report’s 07’ class?
“I’m happy with it.”

What do you feel are the strength’s of your game?
“Finishing down low, rebounding and running the floor.”

What part of college life are you looking forward to most?
“Just being able to go up to the gym and shoot and work with all the coaches whenever I want.”

How is your senior season going and what are your stats?
“Were doing really well so far this season, we are 19-2, my stats are 28.2ppg, 14.4rpg, 4.7apg, and 4.2bpg.”

Is there a certain game in your high school career that sticks out to you as your best game?
“Probably when we played Southeast high school I had 43 points, 28 rebounds, and 9 assists.”

What would you say is your best accomplishment in your basketball career so far?
“Getting a scholarship to play basketball and so far winning state championships freshman, sophomore and junior year.”