Griffey Adidas Nations Scrimmage

[CrazedUIFan]

More reason to be excited about Tyler

Tyler Griffey (6-7, 215)
2009, Wildwood, Mo./ Lafayette
I originally had Griffey slated for the surprise list, but as the scrimmage wore on his stock elevated to the standout category. Despite all the talent that was on display in the Bruin Gym, Griffey's savvy and skills at the 4/3 were impressive. His jump shot, with range out to 20-feet, is smooth and he's extremely effective nailing it in transition. In addition to his shooting touch, he has the ability to post up and displayed a nifty jump hook. He's a solid athlete with a very mature game, which should translate very well to Bruce Weber's motion offense at Illinois.

Keep working hard!

[OrangeFever]

Yikes! Mature person. Mature game. Versatile. I'm getting more and more excited about TG.

[BananaShampoo]

Originally Posted by OrangeFever

Yikes! Mature person. Mature game. Versatile. I'm getting more and more excited about TG.

Well said. I'm also getting very, very excited about Tyler.

[OlivetNaz]

Hope I'm still in Champaign to see this kid play. Sounds like the hard-working type good teams always need more of...the kind more concerned about the team in general than their own personal stats (although I would certainly understand personal stats being important, too)

[HeartofaChampion]

With good recent reports on Bertrand at the U of I camp, and Paul and DJ looking like great pickups, the 09 class is looking very, very good. The depth we'll have in 2009-10 is going to be terrific. The fight for PT should be fierce.

[illini80]

Nice article Crazed. I'm glad to see Tyler getting some props. I think he is going to be huge for Illinois for a lot of reasons. He may not have the flash of some, but his value to the team will be much more than a few highlight reel plays.

[webersman]

its early, but this kids shapin up to be a very likeable player..hard working, smart, talented..always gotta like those players

[IntenselyOrange]

This is exactly the type of thing I like to see. It seems that the reporter was initially surprised that he could even play and came away extremely impressed. It's easy to see brilliance when you expect it but it's much harder when you're not looking for it.

[Griffster99]

What makes it even sweeter is his first trip with these guys in April of 07, the comments where a blue collar worker, took a shot to the nose and still hung in there. I think he (and some others) felt maybe that he did not belong...now... the comments are a little different.

One thing I tell Tyler. Always always get better. Doesn't matter what level you are at.. improve.. every day every year, differentiate yourself from the rest..in some fashion. Pick one aspect of your game and take it to a different level. So far that model has proven effective..

One proud pappa here in Stl now!!!!

[james81]

Originally Posted by Griffster99

What makes it even sweeter is his first trip with these guys in April of 07, the comments where a blue collar worker, took a shot to the nose and still hung in there. I think he (and some others) felt maybe that he did not belong...now... the comments are a little different.

One thing I tell Tyler. Always always get better. Doesn't matter what level you are at.. improve.. every day every year, differentiate yourself from the rest..in some fashion. Pick one aspect of your game and take it to a different level. So far that model has proven effective..

One proud pappa here in Stl now!!!!

A lot of proud Illinois fans too, Griffster!! We can't wait to see Tyler in the Orange and Blue. I really like your emphasis upon taking one aspect of the game to a different level. I also like it that Tyler said he has been working this summer on his strength and rebounding. He's going to be a complete player. What a class we have enering in 09!

[CrazedUIFan]

Originally Posted by Griffster99

What makes it even sweeter is his first trip with these guys in April of 07, the comments where a blue collar worker, took a shot to the nose and still hung in there. I think he (and some others) felt maybe that he did not belong...now... the comments are a little different.

One thing I tell Tyler. Always always get better. Doesn't matter what level you are at.. improve.. every day every year, differentiate yourself from the rest..in some fashion. Pick one aspect of your game and take it to a different level. So far that model has proven effective..

One proud pappa here in Stl now!!!!

Great advice. Sometimes it is difficult with kids who have some God given talent to understand how hard you have to work to improve. That kind of talent can only take you so far. You have to get that edge with hard work. You have every right to be a proud pappa. Can't wait to see him in O&B with the others.

[NV Illini 74]

Hey Griffster, welcome back again!

You deserve to be a proud papa - you are doing great!

Questions for you: The photo with the article is only a side view upper body, but from the look of Tyler's neck, it appears he's added quite a bit of upper body mass. True? What's he weigh in at these days? Is he making equal progress on upper and lower body strength? Etc.

Thanks!

GO ILLINI and LONG LIVE THE CHIEF ! !

[Griffster99]

He has added some good weight.. No doubt he is stronger.. probably around 225 right now.. aiming for 235-240 for june of 09. Best part is he has increased in vertical to about 36" inches... up about 4 inches from last year at this time too.. right now with his reach he can get to 11'8". (with a two step start).

[kingmal]

I told you guys Griffey can be a more polished version of Joe Alexander, plus griffey is 4 years younger than Joe was as a soph in college. We got one here guys.

[bonick03]

Whoo-hoo!

Funny story - my wife and I recently got a new cat from a shelter that was named Griffin. Me, I've been calling him Griff. But now I think I'm going to start calling him Griffster.

[Griffster99]

Griff's ok.. most of my friends call me Griff.

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

Originally Posted by Griffster99

What makes it even sweeter is his first trip with these guys in April of 07, the comments where a blue collar worker, took a shot to the nose and still hung in there. I think he (and some others) felt maybe that he did not belong...now... the comments are a little different.

One thing I tell Tyler. Always always get better. Doesn't matter what level you are at.. improve.. every day every year, differentiate yourself from the rest..in some fashion. Pick one aspect of your game and take it to a different level. So far that model has proven effective..

One proud pappa here in Stl now!!!!

Outstanding.....The complete package, thats not found very often.

Kudos to you Griff on the fine job your doing as a parent. I always tell my kids "Winners never quit and Quitters never win". It is so true. It sounds like you have the same advice for Tyler.

Great Job and GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bonick03]

Originally Posted by Griffster99

Griff's ok.. most of my friends call me Griff.

What do they call your son? It's okay if he doesn't have a great nickname yet - that's what the Orange Krush is for. I'm sure they'll do your family proud in 2009.

[OrangeFever]

Originally Posted by bonick03

Whoo-hoo!

Funny story - my wife and I recently got a new cat from a shelter that was named Griffin. Me, I've been calling him Griff. But now I think I'm going to start calling him Griffster.

For you: Mr. Griffey.

[IlliniRon]

Originally Posted by Griffster99

He has added some good weight.. No doubt he is stronger.. probably around 225 right now.. aiming for 235-240 for june of 09. Best part is he has increased in vertical to about 36" inches... up about 4 inches from last year at this time too.. right now with his reach he can get to 11'8". (with a two step start).

That sounds great from a weight/strength standpoint, and with a vertical of 36", he sounds much more athletic than probably most of us imagined. And with that kind of reach, we should see some serious dunks in Champaign in 2009.

[-josh-]

Originally Posted by fightingillini fan 4-ever

"Winners never quit and Quitters never win". It is so true. It sounds like you have the same advice for Tyler

But also, those that never win and never quit are losers.


Griffey is gonna be a beast from the get go by the time he gets here.