BY DONALD HUNT
East Stroudsburg University has one of the top Division II basketball teams in the country. The Warriors (18-2 overall, 12-2 league) are currently ranked No. 15 in the NABC Coaches Division II Poll. Nasir Griffin, a West Catholic product, has played a key role in the team’s success, which includes 12 straight victories on the road.
Griffin, a 6-8, 220-pound sophomore forward, is averaging 10.1 points and 5 rebounds a game. East Stroudsburg University is playing outstanding basketball in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. He also knows every game is a battle to stay on top in the PSAC East standings.
“It’s a testament of our brotherhood and being together as one,” said Griffin, whose team clinched a postseason spot in the conference tournament. “On the road, it can be hectic especially if a team goes on a 6-0 run. The crowd gets into it. We come together and figure it out. Especially with our older guys they’ve been here.”
Griffin has leaned on the basketball knowledge and experience from his playing days at West Catholic. The Burrs have produced some magnificent teams and players over the last few years.
“I was on the West Catholic team right before they won the [2023] state championship [PIAA Class 3A],” Griffin said. “I was year one of the project. They completed the mission. Zion Stanford [now plays for Temple] was that team. We all grew up playing against each other. [Andrew] Bud [Clark, another West Catholic standout] is doing a good job at Merrimack [College]. Boca [Miguel Bocachica, West Catholic head coach] will get you right for college. He’s helped me.”
Nasir Griffin in game vs. IUP. (Photo courtesy of East Stroudsburg Athletics)
West Catholic standout Nasir Griffin in PIAA 3A Quarterfinal Game vs. Devon Prep 2022. (PSD photo by Dan Hilferty)
Since then, Griffin has put in the extra time to make himself a better player. He feels the hard work has allowed him to develop his skills overall.
“When I first came in,” Griffin said. “I wanted to see where I am good at and where I am bad at and improve. What I took from watching film and talking to my coaches and talking to my dad and I needed to get stronger. I had to come in stronger and work on my jumpshot. I had to work on my postgame. I had to work on my endurance. I try to be a leader and more vocal too.”
Nasir Griffin East Stroudsburg Warriors. (Photo courtesy East Stroudsburg Athletics)
Griffin’s family looks forward to watching him play on a regular basis. They make the long trip from Philadelphia to East Stroudsburg to see him play for the nationally ranked Warriors. However, he feels the West Chester University game is a popular one.
“They come to every home game,” Griffin said. “They usually come to 90 percent of the games. The West Chester game is like a homecoming for me. Everybody from the city comes. Most of my friends go to Wester Chester because it’s close to Philly.”
The way things are going Griffin and East Stroudsburg University could have a lot of basketball fans watching in March.