May 13, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team officially increased its total of signees for the 2005-06 recruiting class to three on Friday as the Bulldogs added 6-7 guard Jim Griffin and 6-6 wing player Bryan Friday to its roster, announced Head Coach Jimmy Tillette.

Griffin and Friday, both highly-touted prep athletes, joined Louisiana standout Trey Montgomery as members of Samford's 2005-06 recruiting class on Friday. Montgomery, a 6-4 guard from Destrehan, La., signed with the Bulldogs on April 14.

Griffin signed with Samford after playing four years at Marist High School in Chicago, Ill., under the guidance of Head Coach Gene Nolan.

As a talented 6-7 guard, Griffin averaged 10.2 points and 6.6 assists per game in leading MHS to a stellar 50-9 overall record during the last two seasons. Griffin, a three-year starter and team captain, led his prep squad to back-to-back Illinois High School Association Regional Championships and is ranked second in school history in assists (321).

"Jim is a very skilled basketball player who will be able to play several different positions for us," Tillette said. "He is an excellent ball-handler and passer, especially for someone his size. His overall court-sense and basketball savvy will be welcome additions to our program."

Friday, a native of Grapevine, Texas, averaged 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals per game during his high school career.

Under the tutelage of Head Coach Greg Gober at Colleyville Heritage High School, Friday earned back-to-back all-district honors as a junior and a senior and led his team to a trio of bi-district championships. In 2005, he was recognized as a team captain and earned the team's Offensive Player of the Year award.

During his junior season, Friday helped guide CHS to the 2004 regional finals for the first time in school history and led his team to the first of two area championships.

"Bryan is a hard-nosed, tough player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win," said Tillette. "He is aggressive on both ends of the floor and competes during every possession. Bryan also possesses a well-rounded offensive game and has a soft touch from 3-point range. He also has a quick first step to the basket."

Montgomery, Samford's first signee of the recruiting season, was recently named the 2005 Most Valuable Player of Louisiana's St. Charles Parish and is expected to receive an Academic Honors Diploma at his graduation later this month.

Montgomery, Griffin and Friday will join a Samford University basketball team that has three returning starters on its 2005-06 roster and boasts eight returning lettermen, as well as the services of talented redshirt freshman Jason Black.

2005-06 Samford Basketball List of Signees

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)
Trey Montgomery, G, 6-4, 170, Destrehan, La. (Destrehan HS)
Jim Griffin, G, 6-7, 190, Chicago, Ill. (Marist HS)
Bryan Friday, F, 6-6, 210, Grapevine, Texas (Colleyville Heritage HS)