Griffin’s Dominance Ignites OU’s Best Season

Blake Griffin’s Sophomore Season Was Pure College Basketball Fire

Blake Griffin’s college career at Oklahoma wasn’t just good; it was legendary. After surprising everyone by returning for his sophomore year, Griffin unleashed one of the most dominant seasons the game has ever seen. This run cemented his status as a college superstar and a Wooden Award winner.

A Family Affair on the Court

For Blake Griffin, basketball greatness seemed almost written in the stars. His father, Tommy Griffin, was a standout player and a highly successful high school coach. Blake and his older brother, Taylor, were homeschooled for much of their lives, with their father leading the charge at Oklahoma Christian School. This close family bond translated directly to the court. The brothers led their team to two state championships by the end of Blake’s sophomore year. When Taylor moved on to the University of Oklahoma, Blake didn’t miss a beat.

Sophomore Season Numbers That Stunned

As a high school senior, Blake was already putting up monster stats: 26.8 points, 15.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game. Even with these incredible numbers and a stellar 106-6 high school record, he was ranked just 18th nationally. While other top recruits debated their college choices, Blake committed early to Oklahoma, swayed by his brother’s influence. He even gave the college basketball world a preview of his highlight-reel talent by winning a dunk contest before the McDonald’s All-American game.

Overcoming Adversity at Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Sooners basketball program was trying to recover from NCAA penalties due to a former coach’s recruiting violations. These issues cost them players and reduced scholarships. Despite these challenges, Griffin showed immense promise as a freshman, averaging 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds. He played through injuries, even returning just days after arthroscopic surgery to help his team. His toughness earned him a first-team All-Big 12 selection, a rare honor for an Oklahoma player.

The Decision to Return and Explode

Going into his sophomore year, Griffin was already projected as a top-five NBA draft pick. The timing was perfect, as the new Oklahoma City Thunder were expected to have a high draft pick themselves. However, Griffin decided to return to Oklahoma. He wanted to keep improving, boost his draft stock, and compete for a national championship with his brother. This decision set the stage for an unforgettable season.

A Season for the Record Books

The Sooners started their season on fire, winning their first 12 games. During this streak, Griffin put up jaw-dropping performances. He recorded 25 points and 21 rebounds against a Davidson team led by a young Steph Curry. He followed that up with a 35-point, 21-rebound game against Gardner Webb. This made him the first player from a major conference in over a decade to have back-to-back games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. His dominance was on full display on Valentine’s Day against Texas Tech, where he scored a career-high 40 points and grabbed 23 rebounds, achieving a double-double in each half.

The Injury and the Fight Back

Oklahoma was ranked number one in the nation, with Griffin considered a top contender for National Player of the Year. However, his dominant run hit a snag when he suffered a concussion after an accidental elbow from Texas center Dexter Jerome Pitman. With Griffin sidelined, the Sooners lost that crucial game and the next one to Kansas. But Blake returned, playing with the same intensity, diving for loose balls as if nothing had happened. The Sooners finished the regular season strong, beating rival Oklahoma State.

NCAA Tournament Run and Legacy

In the NCAA tournament, the Sooners, as a two seed, made it to the Elite Eight, thanks in large part to Griffin’s incredible play. He averaged 28.5 points and 15 rebounds per game in the tournament. Unforgettable moments, like a powerful dunk that saw him hit his head on the backboard, became iconic. While North Carolina eventually ended their tournament run, Oklahoma gave the eventual champions their toughest game. Griffin’s sophomore season was a masterpiece. He averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds, setting a Big 12 record with 15 games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds. He led the nation in rebounding, with his 504 rebounds being the most by any Division I player since Larry Bird. His rebounding average was the highest since Tim Duncan, and his 30 double-doubles were just one shy of the single-season record. He was rightfully named the consensus National Player of the Year and became Oklahoma’s first-ever Wooden Award winner.

From College Star to NBA Legend

Griffin’s decision to return to college was tough, but his eventual jump to the NBA was less surprising. He was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. After an injury delayed his debut by a season, he won Rookie of the Year. His time in Los Angeles, especially when paired with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, led to the electrifying “Lob City” era, filled with highlight dunks and alley-oops. Griffin went on to have a stellar NBA career with six All-Star selections, five All-NBA teams, and a Dunk Contest title. While fans may wonder about a different career path had he joined Kevin Durant in the NBA earlier, Griffin maintains his decision to return to Oklahoma was one of the best he ever made. His impact on Oklahoma basketball, and even the Thunder’s future championship hopes through subsequent trades, is undeniable.

Source: Blake Griffin was a matchup nightmare his whole college career | Wooden Award Spotlight (YouTube)