Patience paid off for Geneva’s Evan Griffin.
The 6-foot-9 Panthers’ basketball standout, who graduated from Geneva last month, had several college offers from schools such as Stetson, Gardner-Webb, North Alabama and Jacksonville State, but wanted to be a Troy Trojan.
After several conversations with the Trojans coaching staff, he got a late offer from the nearby program and committed last week. On Monday, he officially signed to play for the Trojans in front of family, friends and teammates at the Geneva High School gym.
“It feels surreal,” Griffin said. “This is what I have waited for ever since I started playing basketball. I always wanted to end up at Troy.
“We have been talking on and off for awhile now. Late in the season, they got more serious and as the season ended, the recruiting picked up. I just waited it out and finally they offered me, and I committed.”
People are also reading…
According to Geneva principal Michael Crews, a lifelong resident of the city of Geneva, Griffin is believed to be the Panthers’ first Division-I boys basketball signee in at least 30-plus years.
Crews also noted Griffin’s patience turning into a positive outcome.
“Evan must be the most patient person in the world because he waited it out and the Lord turned it into his favor and opened up a door,” said Crews, who coached Griffin when the youngster was on the Panthers’ JV team. “Now he is going to Troy to play basketball.”
A forward, Griffin dominated down low this past season, earning 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a game, while hitting 51.6 percent of his shots from the floor. He was named one of three finalists for the state’s Class 4A Player of the Year award and also first team all-state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He was also a Dothan Eagle Super 12 honoree.
He helped the Panthers to a 21-10 record and to the Class 4A sub-regional round.
Overall in four years, Griffin helped the Panthers to a 67-46 record and three postseason appearances, including a Southeast Regional final as a freshman.
“It has been incredible to see him grow in last three-four years and to see what he has accomplished and his dream of playing beyond high school at the Division-I level,” said current Geneva assistant principal Brent Johnson, who coached Griffin during the regional final season. “Troy was at the top of his list.”
Griffin said the coaching staff at Troy was one of the main reasons he liked the Trojan program, which has won 20 games in each of the last three seasons.
“They have a good staff. I want to say they have had back-to-back, if not three in a row 20-win seasons,” Griffin said. “We get along well.”
Griffin joins several Wiregrass players on Troy’s team, including former Dothan star Thomas Dowd, Pike Liberal Arts standout Austin Cross, Troy head coach Scott Cross’ son, and Slocomb’s Brayden Whitaker. He will likely practice a lot against the 6-foot-8 Dowd, a sophomore.
“I think it will be pretty cool,” Griffin said. “I played against him in high school. Now, I will be able to play with him. I think it will be pretty cool.”
He might have to wait before playing a game, however.
“They have talked about a possible redshirt, but we will see,” Griffin said.
Though he had offers from several schools, Griffin decided to hold out for an offer from Troy. At times, it was testing his mettle to wait.
“I wouldn’t say I was impatient, but I was ready to make a decision,” Griffin said. “Troy just came at the right time and offered me. It is close to home and that is where I wanted to go.”
He added, “I am glad I waited. It was worth it.”
