Former Seton Hall men’s basketball student-athlete, Eddie Griffin, died on August 17 in Houston, as confirmed by the Harris County medical examiner's office. Griffin played for the Pirates during the 2000-01 season.
Seton Hall University offered the following statement regarding the loss:
“The entire Seton Hall University community is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former student-athlete Eddie Griffin. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Griffin arrived at Seton Hall in the fall of 2000 as the top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the nation. Joined by fellow freshmen Andre Barrett, Marcus Toney-El and Damion Fray, the quadruplet formed one of the most talented recruiting classes in Seton Hall history. However, despite the team’s immense talent, the Pirates only mustered an overall record of 16-15 including a first round loss to Alabama in the National Invitation Tournament.
Although the team struggled, the 6-foot-9, 212-pound Griffin had no difficulty displaying his great talents. Starting all 30 games, he averaged a double-double while leading the Pirates with 17.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Griffin’s 4.43 blocks per game led both Seton Hall and the BIG EAST Conference.
Among his many outstanding games in 2000-01, two immediately stand out. Griffin scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked eight shots in a 77-65 victory over ninth-ranked Syracuse on January 21. On December 4 in Walsh Gym, he put on a performance for the record books. In Seton Hall’s 97-87 victory over Norfolk State, Griffin scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked 10 shots in only 27 minutes for the first and only triple-double in the program’s 104-year history.
A BIG EAST All-Second Team selection, Griffin was named conference Rookie of the Week five times and ultimately, Rookie of the Year.
Following his freshman season, Griffin opted to enter the 2001 NBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the New Jersey Nets before his rights were traded to the Houston Rockets on a draft day deal. Griffin played parts of five seasons in the NBA with the Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves before being waived by Minnesota earlier this year.
Although Griffin only wore a Seton Hall uniform for one season, his exploits won’t soon be forgotten. He is a member of the Pirates’ 500-point club and remains the all-time single-season leader with 133 blocks.
Eddie Griffin was 25-years old.
