Rylan Griffen Q&A

Credit: Eliza Biglete

To conclude the summer AAU cycle, The Circuit Championship at the Fantastic 40 brought together elite sneaker-affiliated and independent programs under one roof. Taking place at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, Pro Insight was on hand to cover the four-day event. In between games, we caught up with Rylan Griffen of Richardson High School (TX) and Team Trae Young (OK).

Griffen put together a strong summer on the adidas 3SSB Circuit and capped it off with an explosive performance at the Circuit Championship. A diverse scorer, Griffen is able to generate points at all three levels in seemingly effortless fashion. He plays with a competitive edge which rubs off on his teammates, as well.

As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Griffen discussed his background, advice he’s received, his recruitment update, his mentality, and more.

For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2022 prospect Rylan Griffen, from Richardson, Texas:

Pro Insight: Talk a bit about your background.

Rylan Griffen: I’m from Richardson, Texas. I go to Richardson High School, I play with my coaches and team over there. They are a good academic school and I enjoy going over there.

PI: Are there any other athletes in the family?

RG: Yeah, my dad played basketball as well as my cousins and uncles all play basketball. It kind of runs in the family. (Note: Rylan’s younger brother Rustan is a 2024 basketball prospect)

PI: Any D1 or pro players?

RG: I have a cousin in the pros playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL, but as far as basketball they all went to D1 colleges, but they’re all done right now.

PI: Did you play football?

RG: I played football in middle school for two years, but stopped after that.

PI: You seem to play with a chip on your shoulder — where does that come from?

RG: Yeah I’ve just always played like that. Nobody really has to motivate me to work hard, play hard, or win the game. I always come on the court trying to win.

PI: What are some things that motivate you?

RG: Just everything, really. I see people talking, when people tell me I’m not good enough it really motivates me; when people make me mad it motivates me. I can take my frustration out on the court and that’s just great for me. Basketball is a great escape to let all of my stress and stuff out.

PI: When did it click that you could be a real high-level basketball player?

RG: It clicked really freshman year — a bunch of people told me I had the talent and ability to be good. They told me that I have to keep my head down and work hard. Just keep working — that’s what I’ve done and I’m going to continue to do it.

PI: Describe your game — what are your strengths?

RG: My strength is really my pull-up and getting to the basket. I shoot the 3-ball at my school and I’ve been shooting a lot of 3s out here, as well. It’s something that I can really do. On offense, I can do everything from all three levels and on defense I try to be a pest and get steals and blocks.

PI: What are some areas of improvement?

RG: My handles, definitely. More consistency on defensive rebounds and on defense, in general. In the pick-and-roll is what I really need to work on because that’s where the game is going, nowadays. That’s what I really need to work on right now — being more of an all-around offensive player, not just a scorer.

PI: What are some underrated aspects of your game?

RG: I think it’s my passing. When I drive I try to get the big the ball so he can finish. I try to kick to the open corner for my teammates to hit 3s. So I would say that.

PI: What’s the latest with your recruitment?

RG: I’ve been talking with a bunch of schools — like Big 12 and SEC schools. I haven’t set up any visits yet for the fall, but I’m going to work on getting those after this tournament.

PI: Any schools staying in touch with you more than others?

RG: Yeah, the schools I’ve already visited. Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, etc.

PI: What are you looking for in your school of choice?

RG: Where I can go make mistakes because I don’t know nobody that can just play freely when they have to think about not making mistakes. Most people like to play with a free and open mind, so that’s what I’m thinking about when I’m making the decision. Just a family atmosphere. Confidence is a big deal to me...stuff like that.