Henricksen: Four finalists for red-hot Zion Griffin of Hinsdale South

The past month has been a whirlwind for Hinsdale South’s Zion Griffin, the red-hot senior who put together a memorable summer on the club basketball circuit.

Griffin was a little-known prospect just six months ago. But the highly-athletic 6-6 forward quickly went from a must-have mid-major recruit to one who high-major coaches fell for in July. The offers and interest came in bunches and from all across the country.

[Griffin is summer’s breakout star.]

Griffin has narrowed it down to four schools and has set up four visits. Griffin’s final four include Illinois State, Iowa State, Pittsburgh and Kansas. He will visit ISU Aug. 25-27, Iowa State Sept. 8-10, Pitt Sept. 15-17 and Kansas Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

“I talked with my mom and family to see what they thought was best, but I also just thought of where I can see myself over the next several years,” says Griffin. “The relationship with the coaching staff was the biggest thing. When I leave my mom, the coaches become almost like a parent to you, so that was important to me. And I want to make an impact wherever I go.”

In addition the four visits Griffin will take, the offer list included Illinois, Missouri State, Drake, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Western Michigan, Southern Illinois, Loyola, Toledo, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, UIC and Wright State.

But before the process became too out of control –– there were numerous high-major programs making overtures and poised to jump in –– Griffin decided to trim the list now rather than later. He felt comfortable with the schools and coaching staffs of the final four and is excited about going forward with the process.

“I will be looking at all the things that I used to narrow my list down — the relationship with the coaching staffs, how my mom and family feel, having a chance to compete at a high level, where I can go and make an impact, where I can see myself –– in making my final decision,” Griffin said of continuing the recruiting process with these four schools.