West Haven Native Commits to Alcorn State
At the end of August, former West Haven standout and current Westminster 6’9” forward Ethan Griffin officially announced that he will be taking his talents to Alcorn State.
After making significant strides during his time at Westminster—both physically and skill-wise—Griffin now positions himself to compete at the Division I level in the SWAC, where his size, versatility, and defensive presence could make an immediate impact. His move to Alcorn State not only reflects his development but also signals the next chapter in a career that continues to trend upward.
The 6’9” West Haven native showed out just over a year ago at our New England Open Gym in Springfield, Massachusetts, showing that he had the potential to make it to the Division I level.
When discussing his commitment and what ultimately led him to choose Alcorn State, Griffin pointed to the strong relationship he built with the coaching staff. “The coach and recruiting staff at Alcorn has been great to me and have really been focused on helping me improve and being the best version of myself… showed me how I would fit into their scheme of basketball and the amount of noise we will make as a team next year.” His confidence in the staff’s vision and their belief in his potential played a major role in his decision.
When discussing how Griffin’s game will translate to the next level, Westminster coach David Pringle expressed full confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. “He will fit in well in the SWAC conference. His desire to compete on every possession throughout the game will set him apart.” Pringle also emphasized that physicality won’t be an issue for the 6’9 forward, noting, “Ethan has the athleticism and strength to compete with the best of them.”
Ethan put together an impressive summer with the Riverside Hawks on the Under Armour circuit, and when asked which performance stood out the most, Coach Pringle pointed to a game in which Griffin completely dominated the then–No. 1 team in the UAA, the Mountain Stars. In the opening round of the UAA playoffs, Griffin exploded for 18 points and 25 rebounds, a performance that set the tone for the rest of the session. According to Coach Pringle, “Ethan was the best player on the court… went on to average a double double during the last session of the live period at UAA.”
Beyond his strong on-court production, Griffin also focused on developing key areas of his game over the summer. He shared that one of his biggest goals was to improve his “…physicals, lifting, speed, explosiveness, and especially my conditioning.”
When discussing Griffin’s continued development, Coach Pringle highlighted the strides he has made in expanding his skill set and overall understanding of the game. “Ethan thinks the game through now, outside of just relying on his athletic ability… much better passer, and improved shooter from the midrange and also behind the arc.”
Ethan is a high-level athlete who brings energy, toughness, and impact on both ends of the court. Game after game, he delivers double-double production, no matter the level of competition. Offensively, he plays with a physical edge, finishing strong around the basket and using his athleticism to fight through traffic and convert difficult shots. Defensively, he disrupts plays with his length, mobility, and motor, making him a consistent presence in the paint and on the glass.
His combination of strength, athleticism, and effort continues to set him apart as he elevates his game to the next level.
With Griffin’s athleticism, growing skill set, and relentless motor, he enters the SWAC poised to make an immediate impact. Supported by a coaching staff that believes deeply in his potential and guided by the foundation he built at Westminster and on the UAA circuit, Griffin has all the tools to thrive at the Division I level. As he continues to refine his game and embrace the challenges ahead, Alcorn State is gaining a player whose best basketball is still in front of him.
Ethan Griffin