clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Illinois Basketball 2019-20 Player Review: Zach Griffith

With the departures of Samson Oladimeji and Tyler Underwood, Griffith is the lone returning walk-on.

NCAA Basketball: Illinois at Iowa Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Fisher, Ill., native had always dreamed of playing in orange and blue, three years later Griffith’s dream continues to be a reality as a walk-on. Starting in the 2020-21 season, Griffith will be among the few seniors left on the team. The walk-on has spent most of his career on the bench but still left his mark on the team.

BY THE NUMBERS

Griffith made a few more appearances this year than he had last year, all coming off the bench for the Illini. Griffith entered in three more games than last year for a total of eight appearances. In those games, Griffith averaged two and a half minutes. He took advantage of his time on the court shooting 2-for-3 from the field. He finished the year with six points and four rebounds.

BEST GAME

Griffith’s best game came against Hampton on Nov. 11, 2019. He played well on the offensive side of the ball, scoring a season-high in points and offensive rebounds with two each.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You will likely see Griffith return to his role as a walk-on for the 2020-21 season with the additions of Jacob Grandison and Austin Hutcherson to the roster. The forward spot is packed with talent that will likely play instead of Griffith. He will, however, become the only returning walk-on with the departure of Samson Oladimeji and Tyler Underwood. While he might not be on the court, Griffith will continue to better his teammates off the court in practice.