"AJ is obviously an elite student-athlete with unbelievable skills and talent,” says Archbishop Stepinac High School Coach Patrick Massaroni. | Unsplash
"AJ is obviously an elite student-athlete with unbelievable skills and talent,” says Archbishop Stepinac High School Coach Patrick Massaroni. | Unsplash
When Archbishop Stepinac High School Basketball Coach Patrick Massaroni first met AJ Griffin four years ago, he knew the youth would be a winner.
“He has and continues to put in the time and effort day in and day out,” Massaroni told the Durham Reporter. “That's what differentiates the good to the great. AJ always puts in extra work. Whether it's 5 in the morning or 10 o'clock at night, he goes above and beyond what the team or the program requires.”
That dedication landed the Griffin a scholarship to play for the Duke University Blue Devils basketball team as a student at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York.
"AJ is obviously an elite student-athlete with unbelievable skills and talent,” Massaroni said in an interview. “He’s been a pleasure to coach.”
The 6'7" and 200-pound Griffin is the sixth-best player and the second-best small forward in his class, according to 247 Sports, and could potentially be an NBA Draft Top 10 pick in just two years.
“He has the ability to score the ball, rebound the ball and planning positions one through four,” Massaroni said. “He's also going to be somebody who’s liked, personable and well-respected.”
Griffin announced his commitment to play for the Blue Devils on Nov. 4, 2019, and signed last week.
“His skill set obviously will allow for him to be successful at the next level and beyond and just his ability to want to get better is important,” Massaroni added.
Off the court, Griffen’s nickname is Smiley.
“He loves to give back to younger kids and try to be motivational for them,” Massaroni said. “He’s respected by his peers, teachers and coaches. He’s one of those good kids who has put himself in a spot to be really successful in life if he continues to stay focused.”
Regarding Duke's basketball future, Massaroni said Blue Devil fans are securing a special talent in Griffin.
“He is somebody that they'll like on and off the court,” he said. “AJ has a chance to be very successful in this game, beyond Duke, and in the professional ranks as well.”
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