In a surprising turn of events, former Alabama standout Rylan Griffen has canceled his scheduled visit to Kentucky and committed to play for Gonzaga, marking a major recruiting win for Mark Few and the Zags. Griffen, a 6-foot-6 guard known for his smooth scoring ability and defensive versatility, entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason after two productive years in Tuscaloosa.
Griffen had originally narrowed down his list of suitors to Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Kansas, with a visit to Lexington set to be the final stop before making his decision. However, sources confirmed early Monday morning that Griffen canceled that visit and informed Gonzaga’s staff of his commitment late Sunday night.
This decision comes as a surprise to many within college basketball circles. Kentucky, under new head coach Mark Pope, was believed to be gaining serious momentum with Griffen. The Wildcats were pitching him a starring role on a revamped roster full of shooters and experienced transfers. But in the end, Gonzaga’s consistent success, culture of development, and deep NCAA Tournament experience proved too much to pass up.
Griffen will now step into a prominent role for the Bulldogs, who are reloading after losing key contributors to the NBA and graduation. His skillset fits perfectly with Gonzaga’s system — a wing who can score at all three levels, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. Griffen averaged 11.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and shot nearly 38% from three-point range last season with Alabama, and many believe he’s poised to take a major leap in a more featured role.
Mark Few has quietly built one of the most attractive destinations for high-level transfers, and landing a player like Griffen is a testament to that. His addition instantly raises Gonzaga’s ceiling for the 2024-25 season and helps solidify their status as a top-10 team heading into the fall.
Meanwhile, Kentucky will now need to shift its focus elsewhere in the portal. Pope has already added several new pieces this offseason, including Otega Oweh from Oklahoma and Lamont Butler from San Diego State, but Griffen was viewed as a potential cornerstone player. Missing out on him stings — not just because of his talent, but also because it highlights the growing competition Kentucky faces from programs like Gonzaga that have established stability and success.
Griffen’s commitment is a huge win for the Zags and a clear statement that Spokane remains a top-tier destination for elite talent. For Griffen, it’s an opportunity to showcase his game on a national stage with one of the most respected coaches in the game. For Gonzaga fans, it’s another exciting chapter in their team’s ongoing pursuit of a national championship.