Griffey grows his game

"I knew I had to outwork everyone and be the first person on the floor for every practice," Griffey said. "I learned what I could do and just worried about the things that I could control."

For area fans who last saw Griffey play for the Lancers, he is a much different player now. Along with being stronger, Griffey can go longer.

"I am in so much better shape. I never really conditioned in high school," he said. "Also, in high school, I never really had to shoot. But coach wants me to be what he calls a pick and pop forward."

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