Duke’s AJ Griffin Declares for NBA Draft: ‘I Believe in Jesus Christ and What He’s Done In My Life’
By Movieguide® Staff
After one year with the Duke Blue Devils, 18-year-old AJ Griffin declared for the NBA draft.
After a run to the Final Four in the 2022 March Madness NCAA tournament, Griffin became the fifth Duke basketball player to enter the June draft.
Griffin averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from 3-point range.
“I know a lot of kids grow up dreaming they could wear that Duke uniform and play in Cameron Indoor Stadium,” Griffin said in a recent press release. “I was one of those kids growing up, and I am so grateful I had that opportunity.”
He continued: “As I declare for the 2022 NBA Draft, I am filled with gratitude. It was an honor to play for Duke and represent The Brotherhood. It was a dream come true. My experiences have helped prepare me for this moment and I am proud to know I will be a Blue Devil for life.”
League’s getting a good one!
Congrats @whoisAG21! #DukeintheNBA 🔵😈 pic.twitter.com/A4uQWApGAL
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 24, 2022
Last year was the final year of coaching for Duke icon and head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzewski praised the young 6-foot-6 forward and said Griffin would be a perfect fit in the NBA.
“AJ was one of the best shooters in the nation and his skillset is exactly what NBA teams are looking for. He is a remarkable young man that comes from a beautiful family and we’re certainly going to miss them,” Krzyzewski said. “AJ showed up every day with a smile on his face and his positive energy was infectious. We appreciate everything that he did for our program and know that great things will happen for him.”
However, Griffin’s Christian faith stood out most to Krzyzewski over the last season.
“What AJ has brought to our program is a great belief in God,” Krzyzewski said. “The team has started a Bible study, and it’s because of him. He asked the guys to do it. He’s not nervous, he has it together more than most of us and I’m proud of him for it.”
Griffin is candid about his faith in God and often shares encouraging posts on social media.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Whatever you’re going through right now Jesus already defeated it on the cross just allow him to help you and love you! He did it for me so he can do it for you🙏🏾
— AJ Griffin (@whoisAG21) February 24, 2022
“I feel like everyone needs a relationship with God,” he told 247 Sports before the start of March Madness. “For me, I believe in Jesus Christ and what He’s done in my life; I want that to happen to others too. I was in a bad place when I was going through injuries (in his last two years of high school), and He’s the one that helped me through it. He’s the one that got me out of that situation and really made me a better person.”
Griffin hopes to remain grounded in his faith ahead of the draft day on June 23 in Brooklyn, New York.
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