LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Former Louisville star Darrell Griffith has known about his election to college basketball's Hall of Fame for a month, but he couldn't say a word until Tuesday's official announcement.
Then, the only words one of the game's most dynamic players could muster to describe recognition he didn't expect were "humbled" and "honored."
Asked Wednesday where his induction ranks in his career, Griffith says "it's right up there." His career highlights include leading the Cardinals to their first NCAA championship in 1980. Nicknamed "Dr. Dunkenstein" for his high-flying slams that he said people still remind him about, Griffith says he was just happy to give his hometown and school a championship.
"Initially, I was just overwhelmed to be considered to be in the Hall of Fame," Griffith said. "It was nothing that I expected. I'm just very honored."
Griffith is Louisville's career scoring leader with 2,333 points, averaging 18.5 per game from 1976-80. He will be inducted Nov. 24 in Kansas City as part of a class including former fellow All-Americans Grant Hill of Duke, LSU's Shaquille O'Neal and NAIA standout Zelmo Beaty.
Former LSU coach Dale Brown and Maryland's Gary Williams were also selected along with contributors Howard Garfinkel and Glenn Wilkes Sr.
