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Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin is one of the all-time great basketball players to ever suit up for the University of Oklahoma. He will always share a connection to the school for his successful career with the Sooners — a career that included an AP Player of the Year award in 2009.
But now, he'll be connected to the school in a more tangible way. According to ESPN News Services, the university decided to name its performance center after Griffin, but Blake asked that they only use his last name so that they would honor his entire family in the process. Blake's older brother, Taylor, played for Oklahoma as well and the two even shared the court together.
“I'm a little overwhelmed. Having my family's name up there. … It's something I'm very proud of.”
This has to be a special moment for Griffin and his family. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, but this is something that will last.
Griffin only spent two seasons in Norman, but he made his presence known. The Oklahoma City native turned in a standout freshman season during which he averaged 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. But his coming out party happened during his sophomore season, when he broke out and took home AP Player of the Year honors.
Griffin averaged 22.7 points and an eye-popping 14.4 rebounds per game. He was an absolute beast on the court, and his historic season catapulted him to the top of everyone's draft boards that year. His two seasons were enough to convince the Los Angeles Clippers to take him first overall in 2009.
