Recruiting Report: Johnathan McGriff (2019)
Johnathan McGriff, a class of 2019 point guard at Huntington Prep, is set to run the point for Team Melo on the EYBL this spring and summer. Since his transfer from Bishop McNamara, the young floor general believes he has gained valuable experience while competing on a national schedule.
“I learned and matured as a player and a point guard. How to mostly slow down and be a leader for my team, and learn how to play with other guys that are talented as well. The competition made me turn up a notch,” McGriff stated. “WCAC I feel like has its own certain amount of good players on each team, but when you are playing a national schedule all of them are top guys, high division one guys, so it makes you be more calm and really understand what your doing on the court.”
McGriff’s strengths are his skill, explosiveness, basketball IQ, and mentality. Right now, he’s working hard to perfect his jump shot. Getting to his spots, consistently knocking shots down, and having confidence while continuing to shoot. McGriff spoke a little about the school that is recruiting him hardest.
“I wanna say UNLV is recruiting me the hardest out of all of them. I still talk to some schools. Gonna go to Rutgers soon, and some others too,” he stated. UNLV played host to McGriff while he was out in Vegas for AAU last summer. “It definitely was a good experience on the campus; them showing me the facilities and everything like that.”
McGriff credits Rebels Assistant Coach Rob Jeter for the strong rapport he has built with the staff at UNLV. He also mentioned speaking with Head Coach Marvin Menzies, who he says called and offered him the scholarship. McGriff says he doesn’t really have a time table for a decision, but he spoke a bit on what he’s looking for.
“I’m looking for somewhere that’s very family based. That I know is gonna make me a better player, day in and day out. Somewhere that I can just see myself getting to the next level which is hopefully the NBA.”
As for the EYBL, McGriff has set a few goals.
“Of course I wanna win Peach Jam. I just want to bing a different type of intensity to the game. I wanna win everything I can. That’s it mostly. Win everything I can.”
What can he bring to a college program?
“I’m a great listener so feel like I can bring leadership, and understand the coach. I feel like I can change the game. Impact the game. Make the right plays.”