“I'm a playmaker, and I'm going to score. At the end of the day, my job is to put the ball in the basket.” -The Flash, a.k.a. Dwyane Wade
“I Get Buckets,” is a term used far too often by today’s youth. Scoring, is an art form. We have all seen players score at a torrid pace for a short period of time. The few players that can get a basket, regardless of the help defense stacked against them, are special. The “40 Ball,” is chased by many, but attained by few.
Today we start a new feature series called “Running The Wings,” which discusses the the fine art of scoring from the wing spot (or shooting guard, small forward) on the floor. Make no mistake about it, the players in this section, get buckets.
Next up is Aubrey Griffin. The dynamic scorer plays AAU basketball on the The Hudson River Breeze. Last season, Griffin posted a stellar stat line of 28 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals per game. According to ESPN, Griffin is one of the top 60 players in the 2019 class.- By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop:We have seen now, more than ever, the use of hybrid forwards that can defend multiple positions. Why do you think that is the case? Is it due to the lack of true bigs, or the fact that hybrid forwards provide room for a more versatile offense?
Aubrey Griffin: I think being versatile today is key. Every coach is looking for players that can play multiple positions on the floor. With that being said, there is a lot of value in the traditional big. When you have one, they do impact the game in a huge way. The game needs both.
TheDribbleDrop: As a wing, what do you prefer at the point guard spot alongside you: A pure passing point guard that is looking to set guys up and knock down shots, or a pick and roll heavy, ball dominant guard who will hit you in spots to knock down shots?
Aubrey Griffin: Personally, I prefer to play with more of a Chris Paul type of point guard. Someone that is looking to hit everyone on the team in open spots on the floor.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to highlight one facet of your game that makes you stand out, what would it be and why?
Aubrey Griffin: I would say my ability to create off the dribble. I feel like I have a good first step and I love to finish at the rim.
TheDribbleDrop: Lets focus on defense real quick. What do you think is harder to deal with: having to switch on pick and rolls and defend point guards or battle a guy down low?
Aubrey Griffin: I would say battling the big down low. A solid frontcourt player can be a handful to deal with at times.
TheDribbleDrop: What is the ideal style of play based on your skill set?
Aubrey Griffin: I like to play more of an uptempo style offensively. I want to play with teammates who want to create in the open floor as much as possible.
TheDribbleDrop: When you catch the ball in the half court, what is your ideal, go-to move?
Aubrey Griffin: Everyone would expect me to drive hard to the rim, but I would say a smooth one or two dribble pull up. I would look to create space with a hard drive and then pull up when I have space and in rhythm.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one facet of your game your worked hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level.
Aubrey Griffin: I have spent a lot of time working on my jump shot. I felt like my first year or so I did a lot of driving to the rim. I knew I needed to add balance to my game. I have spent a lot of time working on my jump shot to make it smoother in the mid-range.
TheDribbleDrop:Tell me one great piece of advice you got from a teammate, coach, or older player you know that gave you a edge in the art of scoring.
Aubrey Griffin: Effort is key. Don’t play the score. Don’t let the moment overwhelm you. Keep your effort level high at all times.
TheDribbleDrop :A lot of kids do a lot of “Ball watching” nowadays. They know what to do with the ball in their hands, but they don’t know what to do without it. Do you think cutting hard and reading screens properly is a lost art with today’s youth?
Aubrey Griffin: Yeah. I don’t think a lot of kids are embracing a more organized style of play that uses a lot of movement without the ball nowadays.
TheDribbleDrop: Last year you won player of the year. What did you learn from last season experience that you will build upon next year?
Aubrey Griffin: Last year was an amazing year. Right now I’m focused on getting better. I’m focused on getting better as a player and continuing to grow and mesh with my teammates.