Portland Pilots seeking resurgent year led by Mississauga native, Clythus Griffith Jr.
PORTLAND — Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Clythus Griffith Jr. always dreamed of competing at a high level. Though, similar to many hoopers鈥� north of the border, Clythus had to endure a much more strenuous path to reach the NCAA compared to the majority of his counterparts.
Despite an incredible high school campaign with St. Joseph鈥檚 Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Where he was a four-year starter and helped lead the Jaguars to their first boys鈥� basketball Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) title in 2017. As well as a berth into the province鈥檚 annual OFSAA tournament as a senior, earning the ROSSAA MVP and regional all-star nod in the process.
Clythus Griffith Jr. still struggled to gain traction with NCAA scouts, and instead opted to spend his freshman year at the smaller, New York-based NJCAA program, Monroe College.
In his lone season with the team, Griffith Jr. appeared in 26 games (starting in 5), averaging 6.7 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. While shooting 49% from the field, 43% from deep, and 85% from the line. Including a season-high performance of 23 points against Miami Dade College.
However, following his short stint with the Mustangs, the talented Mississauga product saw a far greater opportunity waiting for him with Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Where he officially transferred through the JUCO portal in 2019 and went on to redeem himself with an explosive first season with the esteemed Tennessee program. Averaging a team-high 20.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 51% from the field, 37% from deep, and 78% from the line. Doing so much as to earn 2020 All-TCCAA First Team honors, as well as multiple TCCAA Player of the Week awards.
As you can imagine, his incredible offensive display did not go unnoticed by division one programs across the country. But despite multiple NCAA programs vying for the Canadian鈥檚 attention, Griffith Jr. chose to take his talents West, and commit to the Portland Pilots for his Senior year.
Clythus had on his decision to make the jump up from JUCO to the NCAA, and why Portland became his eventual destination;
鈥淲e connected when I played in a November JUCO showcase in Illinois. Portland caught my attention because of the high-caliber of play in the WCC and having Coach Porter as a former NBA player as head coach. I played for another former pro in Cedric Henderson and I am excited to learn from an ex-NBA player. I will bring leadership, scoring, energy, and experience as one of the older guys coming into the program.鈥�
Even though Portland replaced head coach Terry Porter following a disappointing 2019-2020 season, Clythus was able to gain some invaluable experience from the former professional. Finishing his Junior season with the Pilots averaging 4.9 points, and 1.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 36% from the field, 31% from deep, and 94% from the line in 21 games played.
Following Griffith Jr.鈥檚 first season with the Pilots, head coach Terry Porter had to say on the Canadian鈥檚 impressive start with Portland;
鈥淐ly is a fantastic scorer. He is aggressive, and has the ability to give us a great offensive punch. What also impressed me when talking with his coaches is the fact that they said he is a team first guy and just wants to win.鈥�
Clythus now enters his Senior year as one of Portland鈥檚 most experienced players, and with high hopes of taking over as one of the team鈥檚 go-to scoring options in 2021-22. With the Pilots鈥� season set to tip-off on November 9th, only time will tell what the future holds for Mississauga鈥檚 own, Clythus Griffith Jr.
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