Well-travelled Nick Griffin to lead by example for young Al Rayyan

DOHA (Qatar) - Nick Griffin was one of the positives in Al Rayyan's loss to a veteran-laden Muharraq that sent them skidding in the FIBA WASL Season 2 on Tuesday night.

The American guard finished with a game-high 27 points and 8 rebounds as he tried to help the young team get back on track in Group A of the Gulf League, but to no avail.

But it was the way he embraced the unenviable task of playing without any rest that earned him praises from none other than head coach Stergios Koufos, a circumstance brought about by the injury suffered by Shamorie Ponds during team practice a day before the match.

"With the injury of Shamorie yesterday in practice, we had to play him for 40 minutes even though he's been with us for a short period of time. The way he responded to that is something that gives us hope," said the veteran mentor moments after their 79-65 loss at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.

Griffin is no stranger to playing in FIBA WASL. He actually played for Al Hilal back in Season 1, although it was only a one-off thing as he served as a reinforcement in their Gulf League Third-Place Game against Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai. He had 22 but the Saudi Arabian side lost, 88-76.

That familiarity with the pan-regional competition's style of play was evident especially in the second half, when he helped orchestrate a comeback bid that saw them get to within eight, 64-56, with under six minutes left to play - that, after being down by double digits for most of the game.

But of course, it's a whole new different situation for him with Al Rayyan. Unlike in his old team that had veteran pieces, he's now considered a leader of this rebuilding ball club - a role that he would definitely be sharing with the others, like Senegalese big man Mouhammad Faye.

A pro that's had experience in the Basketball Champions League and the FIBA Europe Cup, the 28-year-old acknowledges how big that responsibility is, but he's game for it.

"Just continuing to lead by example. Working hard day in and day out, and just continuing to build that team chemistry," said Griffin as he highlighted mutual dependence, too.. "As we grow together, and as guys continue to believe in each other, I think that's how we'll get better."

Getting better is what Koufos wants to see from his young team, something that he's optimistic about especially when his new guard gets to build that chemistry with the crew.

"Nick has been with us for a short period of time. and he's adjusting really well," said the Greek bench tactician, who returned to the team last year. "We really believe that he can be of great help to the team, and to his teammates. The more we work together, the better we're gonna be."

If Griffin is to be asked, the progress familiarity-wise has been promising. "It's been easy. The guys are easy to get along with," he said. "They continue to trust me day by day. Our cooperation day in and day out, will just continue to lead to better things, I believe."

FIBA