Rising basketball talent Tatianna Griffin, a standout in the Class of 2028, played a key role in Team USA’s Gold medal victory at the 2025 FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup held in Mexico. Throughout the tournament, Griffin contributed significantly from the bench, averaging 13.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 3.7 rebounds across six games, showcasing her all-around skill set and determination.
Insight into Griffin’s Unique Training Routine
In a recent conversation on the Overtime Select podcast with Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum, Griffin opened up about her exceptional commitment to basketball conditioning during the season. When asked what distinguishes her from other college prospects, Griffin emphasized her relentless effort on and off the court.
“Every time I step on the court, I try to give it my all because you never know when your last game is gonna be. But I also do these little things nobody else sees.
“For instance, I wake up at two in the morning to go running. Because my dad starts working at four, so he takes me before work. He wakes me up, so I go run, three or four miles worth of hills and I’ll get up shots afterwards.”
Plum expressed admiration for Griffin’s mental toughness and early morning regimen.
“That’s big time,” Plum said. “I think that’s gonna take you really far. I’ve noticed that the higher you climb, what separates us is really that mental toughness barrier. I never heard of two in the morning. That’s cool. I’m really excited to see how far you take this.”
Top Prospect Status and High School Achievements
Griffin’s impressive freshman year at Ontario Christian High School saw her lead the team to the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship while posting averages of 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Her outstanding performance earned her the Cal-Hi Sports State Freshman of the Year award, affirming her position as the top-ranked player in the nation for her class according to ESPN.
Success at The One Tournament and Future Ambitions
In addition to her team accomplishments, Griffin made history by winning the women’s division at The One, a highly competitive one-versus-one tournament sponsored by the Jordan Classic. Despite being only 14 years old, she outperformed many much older competitors, highlighting her skill and competitive edge. Reflecting on her aspirations, Griffin shared her long-term vision for basketball.
“Moving forward with basketball, my goal is to break records in college and the WNBA, and just inspire the younger generation,” Tatianna Griffin said.
Her triumph at The One secured her a year-long partnership with the Jordan Brand, giving her the opportunity to feature in the Air Jordan 40 campaign and further increasing her visibility.
Recruitment and Future College Prospects
Following her remarkable freshman season and international experience with Team USA, Griffin has attracted scholarship offers from prestigious basketball programs, including the USC Trojans and Virginia Tech Hokies. As a four-star recruit, her future looks bright, with scouts recognizing both her physical talent and relentless work ethic.
What Lies Ahead for Griffin
Tatianna Griffin’s combination of skill, determination, and mental toughness, as highlighted by Kelsey Plum, marks her as one of basketball’s most promising young stars. Her early success and unique training practices suggest she has the drive to achieve elite status in college basketball and beyond, potentially shaping the future of the sport and inspiring the next generation of players.