Eddie Griffin Tribute
Eddie Griffin, widely considered the nation's No. 1 basketball player in 2000 while playing for Roman Catholic High, as well as one of the top five in Philly history, died August 17, 2007, in Houston, Texas, of injuries suffered in a car crash.
The "reason" for the crash, in which Eddie's car plowed through a crossing barrier into a passing freight train, is undetermined.
Most know about the personal problems Eddie experienced during his six-year NBA career, and those who knew him "when" were particularly saddened by the distressing twists and turns in his life.
---
Note from Eddie's Family
"I thank all of you who have showed support and are keeping our family in your prayers. Eddie wasn't a bad person, he was just fighting demons inside from when his older brother Marvin died. If I could ask all of you to do something for me, it's to just remember the good basketball player he was, and the TRUE person that all his friends and family knew... Thank you, The Family"
Remembrances
Joe McCourt: "Couldn't believe it. Even with all the craziness that happened, I still think he was one of the nicest kids I have ever met. A great teammate."
Jim Wright: "I used to coach Eddie when he was around 10-11 and still kept in contact with him. I also attended the draft with him and John Huggins. I am deeply saddened to hear that he has passed away."
Kristen Silary: "My Dad and I went to the McDonald's All Star Basketball Game in Boston in 2000. Eddie was playing and was kind enough to explain the event to me and show me around, as well as pose for pictures with me. He was a truly nice guy, and he didn't seem at all impressed by the fame he was getting."
Jack Glacken, Assistant Coach, Monsignor Bonner: "He was a pleasure to watch on the court... so fluid. And you had to love that smile! I guess as Coaches, this really underscores even more so, that we can't try hard enough to keep these kids on the straight and narrow."
---
Ted Silary's Game Story: Roman's Sleeping Giant Awakens
Griffin Gets His Rest, Then 29 in Victory
It was going to be the biggest basketball night of Eddie Griffin's young life and the excitement was building by the second. Numerous friends and relatives were packed yesterday afternoon into Griffin's home in Pittville... And then, there was Eddie. His contribution to the pregame festivities -- zzzzzzzzzzz.
The occasion at Temple's Apollo was the feature attraction in the first Hometown Hoops Classic. Roman Catholic vs. Camden. A crowd of 9,339 showed up. Among the witnesses were Allen Iverson and Larry Hughes of the Sixers.
The 6-9 Griffin, a Seton Hall signee, made like a Flying Wallenda. Thanks to eight dunks, most coming on passes from senior guard Michael Wild, Griffin shot 12-for-17 from the floor en route to 29 points. He also grabbed six rebounds and notched five blocks as Roman breezed to a 72-47 win.
Perhaps his most impressive field goal was a non-dunk scored from close to 12 feet above the floor. When Griffin leaped, he was too far from the basket. But he calmly controlled the alley-oop pass and showed great dexterity while guiding the ball in.
Camden guard Dajuan Wagner, the consensus No. 1 junior, recently recovered from a broken pinkie, struggled mightily -- shooting 4-for-23 for eight points.
In time, Eddie was being asked the reason for his daylong Rip Van Griffin act. "Had to get my rest," he said, simply. "Had to be ready."