Griffin McKenzie (COMMIT XAVIER)

[DC Muskie]

We've seem to have success with guys from Moeller. Welcome!

[Xman95]

I'm here waiting for everyone!

Way to be, BJ!

[wkrq59]

A happy time for all Xavier basketball fans. Welcome McKenzie, Latham, Canty and Martin.
But please can we get rid of the term "presser" ? Please?:D:D:D

[Steve A]

Interesting perspective from the Wake point of view, a few of them seem to have some pretty high expectations for the X men.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=192&f=1118&t=4678917

[Cincy Muskie]

It is nice to see the overall respect between the two programs. I think we have that 'respectful' rivalry vibe with Butler and Miami as well. Once again I think that 10 year 'Skip Prosser Classic' will be great for both schools. Griffin made the right choice.

[Pablo's Brother]

Interesting perspective from the Wake point of view, a few of them seem to have some pretty high expectations for the X men.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=192&f=1118&t=4678917

Wake fans seem much classier than other local idiots. I wish them well and cannot wait for the Skip Classic. I think it will beneift both schools who do "it" the right way. Welcome to Xavier Griffin!

[X-man]

I see that Big Griff didn't play yesterday in the tournament that Moeller is participating in in Atlanta. Any word as to why?

[ballyhoohoo]

I think we have that 'respectful' rivalry vibe with Butler and Miami as well.

f*ck those A**clowns and there out of date technology. I will not respect Matt Howard and his floppy sock tee shirt wearing nose picking a**

[X-man]

I see that Big Griff didn't play yesterday in the tournament that Moeller is participating in in Atlanta. Any word as to why?

I love quoting myself, but I did want to add that McKenzie also missed last night's game. Moeller really needed him, but they pulled out the win. They are now in the title game. I still can't find out why McKenzie is MIA in that tournament.

[gladdenguy]

Does anybody know why Griffin is not playing? Anybody, Bueller?

[xavierj]

Ask Brian Snow

[shock3]

being from Indiana...I liked Mckenzie over Erik Fromm (Butler) and both of them over Donnie Hale (Purdue). just throwing that out there

[xsteve1]

Griff had 19 and 15 tonight in a 54-41 win over elder. Looks like he is starting to get healthy again as his numbers to date haven't been what they should be.

[PM Thor]

Griff had 19 and 15 tonight in a 54-41 win over elder. Looks like he is starting to get healthy again as his numbers to date haven't been what they should be.

High school numbers don't equate over to college. Many times a high school player will get over inflated numbers, or under inflated numbers.

Trust in a coaching staff to review a players skill set, not numbers.

I HATE dayton.

[sash19]

Another thing to consider is that Moeller averages about 50 points per game. That is LOW and considering most HS kids want to take as many shots as they can, he averages about 20% of their scoring. That is pretty good with his team.

[kyxu]

High school numbers don't equate over to college. Many times a high school player will get over inflated numbers, or under inflated numbers.

Trust in a coaching staff to review a players skill set, not numbers.

I HATE dayton.

What Thor said.


Another thing to consider is that Moeller averages about 50 points per game. That is LOW and considering most HS kids want to take as many shots as they can, he averages about 20% of their scoring. That is pretty good with his team.

Bingo.

[drudy23]

Yeah...because that guy averaging 3 points a game is getting looks from UNC because he's "fundamental".

Stats don't matter, huh?

Huh?

[Cheesehead]

No one said stats don't matter. They don't always translate to the next level. I haven't sean Griffin play but I know several Moeller alumni who wonder what he will be able to do in D-1 ball. They like the kid but they openly wonder how he will help X. He's not a post player as he likes to play away from the basket but he's not super quick either.

But maybe he can be another Doellman. I would take that in a heart beat.

[Muskiefornia]

Stats are like a bikini, they reveal a lot but often not the most important factors.

[bobbiemcgee]

Jmart's tweet in Nov:


Practice in a bit! Won last night I had 35pts 11rebs 6ast 2blks!

[kyxu]

Yeah...because that guy averaging 3 points a game is getting looks from UNC because he's "fundamental".

Stats don't matter, huh?

Huh?

Sure, just misinterpret and run with that.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah...because that guy averaging 3 points a game is getting looks from UNC because he's "fundamental".


This thread isn't about Jeff Robinson.

[Juice]

All GCL teams are low scoring so Moeller's output isn't surprising. And Elder is not very good this year but 19 and 15 against Alex Welch is always a nice night.

[machine7]

No disrepsect to Elder but they are not good this season. Moeller does look to Griff inside as well as looks on the wing. How Griff fares against Princeton or Winton Woods in March will be a barometer of speed that Griff must get accustomed to.

[drudy23]

I watched Elder last week, and honestly, they looked like a JV team.

But anyway, I hope this dude is good at X.

[pizza delivery]

I think we've seen other 6'9" outside shooters learn how to be tough, rebound, finish, defend, and drill 3's.

[muskienick]

I think we've seen other 6'9" outside shooters learn how to be tough, rebound, finish, defend, and drill 3's.

Kind of a staple at "PF University."

[awayfan]

McKenzie had a game winning tip in to beat St. X on friday night plus had 15 points and 5 boards

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100205/SPT0301/302050101/Moeller+outlasts+St.+Xavier

[Juice]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2010/02/09/mcdonalds-all-american-nominees/

McKenzie was a nominee for the McDonald's All-American game. He obviously won't be selected but it is cool to see him nominated.

[Cheesehead]

I hope Griffin becomes a Doellman type of player but the kid has a lot of work to do. He is not a dominant HS player. He will need to work on his ball handling and post moves. He can shoot if left alone but I worry about him creating his own shots. I was at the St. X game and cam away not overly impressed but perhaps Mack and co. see the potential in him. I am not trying to blast the kid but I guess I expected more.

[rhyno2110]

I hope Griffin becomes a Doellman type of player but the kid has a lot of work to do. He is not a dominant HS player. He will need to work on his ball handling and post moves. He can shoot if left alone but I worry about him creating his own shots. I was at the St. X game and cam away not overly impressed but perhaps Mack and co. see the potential in him. I am not trying to blast the kid but I guess I expected more.

That's the exact player who I thought Mckenzie might be like. I would love to have another Doellman on the team. I'm sure Mack and his assistants made a good choice with Mckenzie. I know he doesn't put up big time numbers, but he can't be that bad if a school like Xavier got a commit from him.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Wake Forest also wanted him so he's obviously got talent. I'm hoping that he's a very good defender already and can just come in and defend big versatile Gordon Hayward type guys. His offense will come over time but he does need to add a lot of muscle or he'll get shoved around a lot.

[SixFig]

I want 2 things from freshmen: the ability to make free throws and work ethic.

The rest will take care of itself.

[boozehound]

Wake Forest also wanted him so he's obviously got talent. I'm hoping that he's a very good defender already and can just come in and defend big versatile Gordon Hayward type guys. His offense will come over time but he does need to add a lot of muscle or he'll get shoved around a lot.

This is a very good point. Hopefully he hits the weight room hard and is able to defend enough to see the floor next year, even if in limited minutes. From what I hear it sounds like he might be the least 'D-1 ready' of our incoming Forwards. That being said, Brian Walsh was supposed to be the most 'D-1 ready' player in his class and that hasn't really been the case so far, although he did have injury issues last year, and I am by no means giving up on him.

[xavierj]

That's the exact player who I thought Mckenzie might be like. I would love to have another Doellman on the team. I'm sure Mack and his assistants made a good choice with Mckenzie. I know he doesn't put up big time numbers, but he can't be that bad if a school like Xavier got a commit from him.

They are not really all that similar in my opinion. Justin played a lot of the point on his team in high school and he was very skilled. Justin did not play a bunch with his back to the basket. Griffin seems like he is a decent shooter but I have not seen him handle the ball all that much and Griffin seems to play a lot with his back to the basket. Maybe in college he will play more facing the basket and maybe he is more comfortable doing that which would be a good thing.

[PMI]

They are not really all that similar in my opinion. Justin played a lot of the point on his team in high school and he was very skilled. Justin did not play a bunch with his back to the basket. Griffin seems like he is a decent shooter but I have not seen him handle the ball all that much and Griffin seems to play a lot with his back to the basket. Maybe in college he will play more facing the basket and maybe he is more comfortable doing that which would be a good thing.

I got the impression through what I've read that he was more like a Josh Duncan. Is that accurate?

[Cheesehead]

That's a pretty fair assessment, although near as strong as Duncan. In the St. St. X game, Griffin had (3) three-pointers one short jumper in the lane and one post move for the 13 points, he then put a stick back in on a missed shot at the buzzer to finish w/ 15 points.

So, most of his points were on the perimeter. He does not have the overall skill set of Doellman as far as passing and handling the ball. They obviously see something in him.

[danaandvictory]

Probably worth noting that McKenzie made his push in the recruiting rankings in AAU ball, not in high school ball. Given that GCL basketball games are always low-scoring heavyweight bouts (and I say this as a Moeller alum), maybe the high school game doesn't favor Griff's game. He seems like a very skilled player with good court vision, like Duncan he needs to crush it in the weight room, but I bet he ends up a very productive player for X.

[The_Mack_Pack]

His skill set reminds me of Robbie Hummel who is also a thin big guy who can shoot threes. I can't wait for next year's class to come in, especially if Crawdaddy stays for next season.

[Cheesehead]

Hummel seems much more aggressive to me but time will tell. If he's like Hummel, then I will be pleasantly surprised.

[moepvc04]

Griffin had a big game against Aiken in the state tournament last night. I don't have exact stats but he had at least 24 point and a good amount of rebounds. He has a nice outside shot. He obviously has a good amount to learn as far as being a physical inside presence, but the potential is there. The amount of time he has lost to injury over his high school career has set him back a little bit, so he seems like a good RS candidate.

[JAX 3758]

All i know is that he was at danas last night at 2 am...not sure this is a good thing for people to see

[SixFig]

All i know is that he was at danas last night at 2 am...not sure this is a good thing for people to see

Shhhhhhhhhhh

Whatever happens at Danas stays at Danas!

[principal]

All i know is that he was at danas last night at 2 am...not sure this is a good thing for people to see

I find it somewhat ironic that you, finding his attendance at Dana's last night at 2am questionable, would post the news in a public forum. Is it that you want to cast him in a negative light for some unknown reason, or were you not thinking when you made this post?

[bobbiemcgee]

He was @ Dana's fundraising for disallusioned UD fans selling watermelons.

[danaandvictory]

No one who was actually at Dana's at 2 a.m. would be sober enough to identify any other patrons.

[moepvc04]

It's legal for an 18 year old to be at a bar at 2 AM. Let's just leave it at that.

[CinciX12]

All i know is that he was at danas last night at 2 am...not sure this is a good thing for people to see

I can't deal with another Kenny Frease. I won't do it. My blood pressure can't take it.

[wkrq59]

Aren't all bars in Ohio required to close at 2 a.m. on the dot???Why else would there be a last call????:p:p

[flatspat]

2:30 am is closing time

[Murph85]

Went to the Cintas Center last night and caught 1/2 of the Princeton Moeller game and the entire LS /St X game.

Moeller pulled out the game against Princeton in typical GCL fashion. Excellent team ball movement and tight defense. Some short kid was deadly from three.

If there is a player on Moeller worthy of D-1 scholarship, it certainly eluded my eye for talent. I hope Mack sees something I do not. While you can't teach height, you also can't teach foot speed or vertical jump. I counted one rebound in the second half for our recruit and that is with a 4 inch height advantage. ( maybe more) The outside shot was not falling but it appeared to have just been an off night. Form looks real good but I just don't see the overall attraction and I certainly wish I did. The UC faithful were real happy about this as I was in a box and they were all over it.

Oh well, it is March, we are playing and Mack has been right on about everything so far.

[joe titan]

This is a bit OT; was there for both games. Princeton's Jordan Siebert did nothing to impress either and Moe really stunk until 4th Qtr. But XU was not the sole school recruiting Griff, and if you would have seen DBrown at C-J in his senior year you would have passed on him as well. GCL coaches rarely build their team around a single player.

BTW, the "little kid" who made the shot...makes lots of those.

[gladdenguy]

GCL basketball is the worst basketball to watch if you are looking to recruit talent.
Fundamentals and coaching win in high school. That is why the GCL comes away with so many state championships when the Withrows, Woodwards, Aikens, and Princetons have more talent.....GCL usually prevails. Once in awhile (Princeton last year) this is not the case. But, in a regional final the GCL represents with 3 out of 4 schools. WOW.

[Murph85]

What number was Siebert?? 21 looked pretty quick and athletic.

[Juice]

GCL basketball is the worst basketball to watch if you are looking to recruit talent.
Fundamentals and coaching win in high school. That is why the GCL comes away with so many state championships when the Withrows, Woodwards, Aikens, and Princetons have more talent.....GCL usually prevails. Once in awhile (Princeton last year) this is not the case. But, in a regional final the GCL represents with 3 out of 4 schools. WOW.

Completely agree, which is why St. X beat Winton Woods two rounds before. St. X is an above average team at best and Winton Woods was 3rd in the city and X still won.

[gladdenguy]

I remember in 2001, Columbus Brookhaven (Lavender's sophomore year) Elder had no business beating them but in the State semis they whooped em by 18 points. Not even close.

[Juice]

I remember in 2001, Columbus Brookhaven (Lavender's sophomore year) Elder had no business beating them but in the State semis they whooped em by 18 points. Not even close.

Another example is when Roger Bacon beat Lebron and St. Vincent St. Marys in the state finals.

Or when St. X beat North College Hill with OJ Mayo and Bill Walker. Granted NCH got revenge and killed them the next year but still a huge mismatch of talent either year.

[CinciX12]

What number was Siebert?? 21 looked pretty quick and athletic.

21 definitely did look like the best player on the floor to me.

Unfortunately for Siebert, and hopefully Matta and the rest of the OSU nation he wasn't wearing that number last night;)

Siebert was #23.

[danaandvictory]

A belated note: went to the Moeller-LaSalle game Friday night for the regional final. I'm guessing Griff had a line something like 4-10 from the field, 2-5 from 3, and 1-2 from the line for a game-high 13 points.

He's going to be a project. Still seems to be growing into his body, and had no real back-to-the-basket opportunities against LaSalle (who were overplaying all day inside). But there were some really promising signs. The kid has great rebounding instincts and always seems to be in the right place on the glass. He's unselfish almost to a fault (a characteristic shared by his Moeller teammates). But most importantly, he loved having the ball in his hands in critical spots. With Moe down 1 with less than a minute to play, Griff drifted out and drilled an aboslutely nails corner three to retake the lead.

UD idiots who pleasure themselves to Jesse Berry's box scores probably can't understand why we're excited to see this kid in blue and white.

[boozehound]

A belated note: went to the Moeller-LaSalle game Friday night for the regional final. I'm guessing Griff had a line something like 4-10 from the field, 2-5 from 3, and 1-2 from the line for a game-high 13 points.

He's going to be a project. Still seems to be growing into his body, and had no real back-to-the-basket opportunities against LaSalle (who were overplaying all day inside). But there were some really promising signs. The kid has great rebounding instincts and always seems to be in the right place on the glass. He's unselfish almost to a fault (a characteristic shared by his Moeller teammates). But most importantly, he loved having the ball in his hands in critical spots. With Moe down 1 with less than a minute to play, Griff drifted out and drilled an aboslutely nails corner three to retake the lead.

UD idiots who pleasure themselves to Jesse Berry's box scores probably can't understand why we're excited to see this kid in blue and white.

UD fans don't understand a lot of things. Like winning in the NCAA tournament.

[Muskie73]

UD fans don't understand a lot of things. Like winning in the NCAA tournament.

Or winning to get into the NCAA tournament:shield:

[moepvc04]

One thing that I haven't seen anyone mention on here is that griffin is the only player on Moeller's team over 6 feet that gets significant playing time. This means he's likely facing constant double teams down low. One thing you know when your getting a GCL kid is that he is going to have defensive fundamentals and play with intensity on the defensive end.

[Masterofreality]

Moeller beat Mentor this evening 66-59. Griffin had 9 points and was the leading rebounder with 10.

They play tomorrow night at 8:30pm.

[Cincypunk.org]

Moeller beat Mentor this evening 66-59. Griffin had 9 points and was the leading rebounder with 10.

They play tomorrow night at 8:30pm.

In the state finals!

[Juice]

Moeller beat Mentor this evening 66-59. Griffin had 9 points and was the leading rebounder with 10.

They play tomorrow night at 8:30pm.

Moeller owns the state of Ohio in basketball and its frustrating.

[chico]

Moeller owns the state of Ohio in basketball and its frustrating.

Not if you're a Moeller alum.

These guys are unreal. McKenzie and a bunch of guys 5'11". They're the Mite-y Crusaders.

[danaandvictory]

If I wasn't a Moeller guy, I think Alex Barlow would be the most obnoxious basketball player since Wojo. I love his energy.

[Masterofreality]

Holy crap.

Please, somebody. Tell me that Griffin McKenzie can play. I'm seeing nothing in this State championship game.

2 points, 3 rebounds and matador defense. Massillon Jackson is pole-axing Moeller 44-20 after 3 quarters.

The most disturbing thing to me is that we need another guy on XU who goes after the ball on the glass. McKenzie isn't showing me that. He's hanging around the 3 line. The kid Henninger from Massillon is beating McKenzie in every facet.

Maybe it's Kremer's "pattern offense" but Moeller looks slow and stagnant. Massillon is just playing basketball. Moeller is playing patty-cake.

I'd better see a whole lot more than this or we've wasted a scholly.

[Masterofreality]

Henniger is going to Akron. He's got 21 points. Mckenzie 7.

This is very ugly. Masillon 55 Moeller 26. 2 minutes to go.

[rhyno2110]

I can't say I'm impressed with Mckenzie at all. As MOR said, he hasn't shown nuthin' tonight. Although, his shot looks pretty nice, they just aren't falling tonight. But he definetly needs to work on post play because I haven't seen much in that facet of his game. I'm sure he will put on some more weight before his freshman year, because he needs it.

[Masterofreality]

Both coaches have cleared the benches. McKenzie had 9 points but 7 were in garbage time late inthe 4th quarter. Henninger played with a lot more energy and passion and had 21 points 12 rebounds.

Final score: Massillon Jackson 57 / Moeller 34.

Not impressed.

[The_Mack_Pack]

He could be redshirted next season to bulk him up a bit, wouldn't shock me. I'm sure he's better than what it sounds like he looked like tonight.

[waggy]

Some people need to get ahold of themselves, or maybe get away from the computer for a day or a year. Searsly.

[KC4X]

Some people need to get ahold of themselves, or maybe get away from the computer for a day or a year. Searsly.


Agreed... Embarassing.

[SixFig]

You should go back and read some of the earlier posts on this thread. Everyone was in love with this kid. There were almost 200 people on Xavierhoops waiting for news from his presser.

My how things can change.

[rhyno2110]

Some people need to get ahold of themselves.

I'm guessing that I am one of the people you are directing that statement too because I somewhat negatively replied about Griff. Let me say that I fully believe in Mack and his staff's recruiting abilites. The main point I was making was, after tonight, which was the first time I have ever seen Griff play, I wasn't jumping for joy. That doesn't mean that he won't become a solid player or maybe more, it just means that I feel he needs to work on some things. I know that if Mack and staff recruited him, then he must be pretty darn good.

[Masterofreality]

Some people need to get ahold of themselves, or maybe get away from the computer for a day or a year. Searsly.

Why, wags?

Because some of us weren't impressed with the performance in a big game from a heralded kid? Look, some people have been pumping him up as a second coming of Justin Doellman. This was a big stage and he and his team didn't handle it very well- and he would probably be the first to admit it.

You want me to just blindly lie and say that he played great? He didn't and the Henninger kid did what I hoped to see from Griffin. 21 points, 12 rebounds.

As I said eariler. Maybe it was due to Kremer's "structured offense" which looked more like overly controlled robot basketball rather than a free-flowing game. Maybe Griffin was held back by that style and maybe when he gets to XU he'll fit better into CMack's style. We'll see. I just never like it, though, when I see 6:9 kids fading out to the 3 point line rather than going strong inside. I don't want to see what Aaric Murray from LaSuck was allowed to do this year- stand out and jack 3's all day. We've got plenty of guys who can knock down the 3 already. We need strong inside front line guys.

Hey. Griffin's a Xavier recruit and I hoping for the best, but last night, once again, was not impressive. That is reality.

[MADXSTER]

While I have not seen Griff play, my question is this.....Why did Griff excel soo much in AAU ball and was soo stagnant in his overall HS ball??

His AAU team played against tougher players/teams.

[Juice]

While I have not seen Griff play, my question is this.....Why did Griff excel soo much in AAU ball and was soo stagnant in his overall HS ball??

His AAU team played against tougher players/teams.

The GCL makes the Big Tenn look like Don Nelson ball.

[Xman95]

We also have to remember that not all recruits are brought in with the thought that they're going to be 35-min. per game players. Some guys are brought in because they'll be great pieces in practice and, if put into action, would be able to give a handful of decent minutes. I think Andrew Taylor is a good example of this.

I have only seen clips of McKenzie, so I'm not saying this is the case with him. But, if the reports on him are accurate (and not just due to style of play), then maybe it's part of the reason Mack & Co. wanted him. Plus, I could think of worse things than having a 6'9" kid with the ability to shoot from the outside.