OU To Honor Blake Griffin On March 1

Former Oklahoma phenom and current Los Angeles Clippers mainstay Blake Griffin will return to the Lloyd Noble Center on March 1 for the honoring of his No. 23 Sooner Jersey.

The ceremony will take place during halftime of OU’s 7:00 p.m. contest against Baylor.

“My time at OU will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am so grateful to the fans and the university for all of their support throughout my career," Griffin told OU Associate director of Communications Mitch Heckart.

As a sophomore, during the 2008-09 season, Griffin swept all six National Player of the Year awards and was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by the Clippers.

He attracted national attention that season, averaging 22.7 points per game, 14.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists earning All-American First Team Honors. 

He also tallied 30 double-doubles, the most by a Sooner player in a single season and second-most in NCAA history behind David Robinson’s 31 recorded in 1986-87.

Griffin’s accolades don’t stop there. That year, he led the NCAA in rebounding, setting a Big 12 single-season record with 504 and also set an OU single-season record for free throw attempts with 324.

“Blake is a huge part of Sooner basketball history and we’re elated to welcome him back and honor him on a night that fits his busy schedule. He was and continues to be a great ambassador of our university and program,” said Sooner Head Coach Lon Kruger (via Heckart). “It will be an outstanding evening at the Lloyd Noble Center for our team and fans.

The standout has excelled in the NBA, becoming a five-time All-Star in his six seasons in the league. 

You get the point; HE’S GOOD, VERY GOOD.

Note: At the moment, Griffin is on extended injury absence due to a quad injury and has been ruled out for the Clippers Thursday game against the Cavaliers and Friday game against the Knicks. Despite his nearly month-long absence, Griffin has continued to lead his team from the sideline.

And I’m sure upon his return the natural born baller will continue to dominate the court like he’s always done.