Griffin grabs boards, praise

Junior-college transfer gives Indians more than they bargained for.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Brandon Griffin has delivered what was expected and plenty more during the first seven games of his Southeast Missouri State University basketball career.

When the Indians (3-4) recruited Griffin out of Southwest Mississippi Community College, they hoped he could help shore up their woeful rebounding from last season. Southeast coach Gary Garner figured whatever offense Griffin provided would be a bonus.

So far, rebounding has not been a problem for the 6-foot-8, 230-pound junior center. Griffin's 10.6 average ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference and he has either led or shared the team lead in rebounding in every game this year.

But Griffin has also been a solid scorer. His average of 14.1 points per game is second on the squad (behind Derek Winans' 14.6) and ranks 12th in the OVC. Griffin is shooting 59.7 percent from the field, good for seventh in the league.

Throw in some impressive passing skills from the post -- Griffin's 17 assists trail only Winans' 29 and Kevin Roberts' 24 among Southeast players -- and Griffin has so far proven to be quite a recruiting steal for the Indians.

"Brandon has really played well and he's been so consistent," Garner said. "To be honest, he's playing better than I thought he would. We recruited him to rebound and defend. We didn't expect this much offense."

Said Griffin, "I came here mainly to rebound. I knew the team needed help on the boards and I just try to work hard and get as many rebounds as I can. But I can also score."

A keen eye

Garner credited assistant coach Keno Davis, who liked what he saw out of Griffin and was primarily responsible for recruiting him. Garner said Davis was, among other things, impressed with Griffin's passing skills.

"Late last season, coach Davis said he's a better passer than (former Southeast standout center) Bud Eley. I said 'what turnip truck did you just get off of,' " Garner said, laughing. "But he really is a great passer."

The hard-working Griffin had a particularly impressive game Saturday night as the Indians hosted undefeated Southern Illinois.

Matched against the Salukis' highly-touted Jermaine Dearman, Griffin got the better of the personal battle as he scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out four assists. Griffin, who hit 11 of 16 shots from the field, held Dearman to 12 points and two rebounds, although Southeast lost 85-69.

"Brandon had a really good game, against an excellent player," Garner said.

Griffin, who delivered 16 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Oakland City Wednesday, is the OVC Newcomer of the Week for the second straight week, the league announced Monday.

While Garner doesn't know if Griffin can keep up his current rebounding pace, he does expect his main inside force to continue helping Southeast battle bigger, stronger teams on the boards. Last year the Indians were outrebounded by an average of almost six per game, but so far this season they have an edge of almost two per contest.

"To average 10-plus rebounds, that would really be something. I don't know if it's realistic to keep that up," Garner said. "But he's played really well against some very good teams and I think he'll continue doing that."Noteworthy

***Sore knees make junior-college transfer Reggie Golson doubtful for Saturday's game at Missouri-Kansas City, Garner said.

Golson, who had knee surgery in September and was slow to recover, finally saw his first action of the season Wednesday against Oakland City, but he did not play against Southern Illinois.

"His knees are just so sore, both of them," Garner said. "His good knee is more sore than the bad knee. I'm sure he's overcompensating."

Added Garner, "My goal since day one was for him to be ready to go by Jan. 4 (the start of OVC play), and by ready, I mean healthy. We're hoping that's still going to happen."

***Missouri-Kansas City, 18-11 last year, is off to an 0-4 start entering a game tonight at Loyola of Chicago. But the Kangaroos have a real star in junior guard Michael Watson, who is averaging an astounding 32.2 points per game.

***Creighton, which Southeast plays Dec. 29 in Omaha, Neb., broke into the Associated Press poll Monday. The 6-0 Blue Jays are ranked 23rd. They are also rated first in the national mid-major poll, ahead of No. 2 SIU.