Archbishop Stepinac High School graduates AJ Griffin and RJ Davis have chosen different paths for the 2022-2023 basketball season.
Griffin, who just completed his freshman season at Duke, has declared himself eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft, becoming the fifth member of the 2021-2022 Blue Devils to do so. Griffin, a projected lottery pick in the upcoming draft, started Duke’s final 25 games. He averaged 10.4 points per game and shot 45 percent from three-point range.
“I know a lot of kids grow up dreaming they could wear that Duke uniform and play in Cameron Indoor Stadium,” said Griffin in a statement released by Duke. “I was one of those kids growing up, and I am so grateful I had that opportunity. As I declare for the 2022 NBA Draft, I am filled with gratitude. It was an honor to play for Duke and represent The Brotherhood. It was a dream come true. My experiences have helped prepare me for this moment and I am proud to know I will be a Blue Devil for life.”
RJ Davis, who just finished his sophomore season, will remain at North Carolina for at least one more year and will be one of three starters from the 2021-2022 NCAA DIvision I finalist to remain with the Tar Heels for next season. Davis averaged 13.5 points per game and had a team-high 142 assists in 2021-2022.
“RJ is Carolina Basketball,” North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis said following Davis’ announcement. “He’s one of the best players in the country on the court, in the classroom and the community. His smile, personality and character light up our team, our university and community. Nothing brings me more joy than having RJ back for another season.”
Griffin and Davis were a part of a historic meeting when Duke and North Carolina met at the 2021-2022 final four in New Orleans. It was the first time the two historic programs from campuses less than 10 miles apart played in the NCAA tournament. North Carolina won the battle before losing to Kansas in the championship game.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY