Rylan Griffen, a 6’6” guard out of Dallas, Texas, came into Alabama as a top-50 recruit and played a major role on their 2024 Final Four team before transferring to Kansas for his junior season.
He is now in the transfer portal again. Here are five spots that could make sense as Griffen attempts to rebound for his final year in college.
Five Transfer Portal Landing Spots for Kansas Guard Rylan Griffen
Griffen never reached the heights in Lawrence that he did in Tuscaloosa, struggling to consistently find playing time while averaging just 6.3 points per game and seeing his 3-point percentage drop by six points.
At his best, he is a versatile, sharp-shooting wing who can score over smaller players and defend multiple positions.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Griffen’s season at Kansas proved that the grass is not always greener in college basketball, so why not go back to where the grass is greenest? While it has not been common for players to return to schools they previously left in the transfer portal, Griffen thrived at Alabama for a reason.
Their high-tempo offense that prioritized three-point shooting served Griffen perfectly. As a sophomore, he started 33 games for the Crimson Tide while averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting 39% from three-point range at just over five attempts per game. His ability to shoot over smaller players allowed him to attack switches, and he is able to consistently knock down deep threes, a necessity in Nate Oat’s offense.
What’s more, his size and length make him a versatile option on the defensive end, and while defense has never been a priority in this era of Alabama basketball, they particularly struggle this year on the perimeter with a smaller group of guards and wings.
With Marc Sears and Chris Youngblood set to graduate, Alabama will be in need of fresh options on the perimeter, and Griffen could serve as a replacement for Youngblood in particular. Griffen’s college career has proven that he needs to be in the right offense to thrive, and no offense is better for him than Nate Oats’. If he had never played at Alabama, this would still be a prime potential landing spot.
BYU Cougars
Kevin Young came to Provo, Utah, this past season after serving as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns and immediately implemented an NBA-style offense. Their four-out, one-in offense covets players who can shoot and attack switches, two areas where Griffen thrives.
With Trevin Knell set to graduate and Egor Demin poised to be an NBA lottery pick, BYU will need new options to play on the wing along with Richie Saunders and Dawson Baker. This would create a talented and experienced group to star alongside the No. 1 overall recruit, A.J. Dybansta.
What’s more, BYU will always be an enticing option for a transfer portal option, as Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and General Manager Danny Ainge (who played for the Cougars) promising an “unlimited checkbook” when it comes to NIL funds for recruiting according to On3.
Kentucky Wildcats
Any time a shooter is available, a Mark Pope team has to be mentioned as an option. After running a 3-point-heavy offense at BYU, Pope came to Lawrence and immediately brought in a host of shooters who helped make Kentucky the 11th most efficient offense in the country, according to Ken Pomeroy.
Kentucky has six contributors leaving for graduation, and Griffen could be a major contributor to helping usher in the new phase of the Pope era in Lexington.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
It is possible Head Coach Grant McCastland looks at Griffen’s 2024-25 film at Kansas and immediately decides to look the other way, but at his best, Griffen possessed the toughness desired by the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech shot the 12th-most three-pointers in the country this past season. While a lot of that came from their guards and smaller power forward Darrion Williams, Griffen possesses many of the traits desired by the Red Raiders.
If McCastland chooses to go in that direction, Griffen could find success in Lubbock.
Miami Hurricanes
This is a wild card pick, but if Griffen prioritizes his development as a player over joining a contender, Miami would be a good spot.
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
New Head Coach Jai Lucas is known for developing guards and played a major as an Assistant Coach at Duke in the development of All-ACC player Tyrese Proctor.
While Griffen is a different type of player, Proctor’s development has especially stood out in his abilities off the ball, which is where Griffen will generally be playing.
Griffen will likely be looking to join a team where he can try to return to the Final Four, but when it comes to player development, there are few better coaches to attach yourself to than Lucas.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
