Rylan Griffen, a 6-6 guard from Kansas, is set to visit Kentucky next week. Griffen, a rising senior, previously played for Alabama under Nate Oats before transferring to Kansas. Last season, he averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game for the Jayhawks, starting 20 games and playing in 33 overall. He shot 37.2% from the field and 33.6% from three. Prior to joining Kansas, Griffen spent two seasons at Alabama, where he had his best year as a sophomore with averages of 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
Griffen was part of the Alabama team that made the Final Four, where he had standout performances, including a 19-point game in the Sweet 16 against UNC and 13 points with eight assists and four rebounds in a win over Clemson. He also notably scored 21 points against Kentucky during a high-scoring game in February 2024.
Despite his strong early years at Alabama, Griffen struggled to fit in at Kansas under Bill Self’s system. Now, he’s seeking a fresh start, and Kentucky could be the ideal place for him to revive his college career. The visit to Lexington will be a crucial factor in determining whether Griffen could become part of Kentucky’s high-powered offense for the upcoming season.
With a strong basketball background and previous SEC experience, Griffen could be a valuable addition to the Wildcats’ roster. His potential return to the SEC will provide the chance for a fresh start in a system that better suits his skillset, and a successful visit to Kentucky could lead to him wearing blue and white next season.
