Contact John Griffin
John Griffin III returns for his fourth season with the Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball program, and third as associate head coach.
Griffin is responsible for coordinating the on court player development program and overseeing the team’s defense which includes drill implementation, teaching strategies, opponent scouting, game plan, and research projects. Griffin is also tasked with recruiting, game scheduling, and serves as a liaison with the department’s compliance, academics and sports performance staffs.
Coach Lange on John:
“John provided great leadership in our first year. He cares deeply about people and operated as a chief of staff in connecting an entirely new group of people. People trust him and value his experience and solution-oriented approach. He is a gifted communicator. His energy and preparation serve as an example to our entire program of the consistency and endurance it takes to be a perennial championship contender.”
Griffin came to SJU after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Bucknell. During his time on the bench, the Bison made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2017, 2018), captured the 2017 Patriot League title and compiled a 58-14 record in conference play.
He started his collegiate coaching career on the staff at Rider, working as the director of operations until he was promoted to assistant coach, serving for two seasons from 2013 to 2015. Griffin was the Indiana Pacers’ video coordinator during the 2010-11 season, in between a three-year professional playing career in Europe.
His ties to Saint Joseph’s are lengthy as his father, John, was Saint Joseph’s head basketball coach from 1990 to 1995.
Griffin had an outstanding playing career at Bucknell being part of two NCAA Tournament teams, including the Bison squad which upset Kansas in the 2005 First Round. He averaged 13.1 points and earned All-Patriot League First Team honors as a senior. A 2008 graduate, he scored 1,084 career points and still ranks third on Bucknell’s list for career three-point field goals made (220).
“Saint Joseph’s has always been important to my family and I welcome the chance to be a part of the proud basketball tradition. Billy and I have developed a relationship over the past few years and I’m excited for the chance to now work with him on the court,” said Griffin. “I’m grateful to everyone at Bucknell who allowed me to grow as a coach but am excited about the opportunity to be back in Philadelphia and the Big 5.” - John Griffin III
