OAK PARK — The expectations for Oak Park-River Forest senior Elliot Greffin have changed considerably from last year.
As a junior, Greffin’s main responsibility was to come off the bench, knock down a few 3-pointers if he got hot and hustle on defense. This year, he’s relied upon to do much much more for the Huskies.
“Last year his key role was a 3-point shooter and I explained to him that if he wanted that role, then his minutes would be limited once again because you’re essentially living and dying with that 3-point shot,” OPRF coach Matt Maloney said. “We explained to him, ‘You have to be able to defend, rebound and do a lot more than be a specialist if you want to expand your minutes.’ “
Greffin bought into what Maloney said and started developing into more of an all-around threat.
“I talked to coach about how I would emphasize the other things — rebounding and defense — and not my shooting in the offseason,” Greffin said.
Greffin believed he had been that type of player earlier at OPRF, when he wasn’t on a tremendously talented team like last year’s Huskies varsity.
“Before varsity basketball I had roles that were pretty similar to this [year],” Greffin said. “Definitely there’s more pressure and more asked of you on a varsity basketball team, but I don’t really think about that. I just like to play basketball.”
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Increasing his contributions on offense wasn’t the only challenge for Greffin heading into this season. Greffin and senior guard Dallis Flowers were the only two juniors who saw significant playing time, so this season would not only be about scoring points and playing defense.
“Coming into this year we knew that this is our team and we have to produce and be leaders,” Flowers said. “We have to go out there and do every little thing the right way. I think Elliot has been very good and is very versatile for us.”
The Huskies (5-3, 1-1) fell to Lyons 60-51 in a West Suburban Silver home game on Friday. The 6-3 Greffin, who had 11 points in the loss, has had to play several positions this year, from shooting guard to power forward.
“I’m pretty versatile when it comes to where I can play on the floor, which I think is pretty effective,” Greffin said. “It’s odd that I’m one of the tallest ones but playing multiple positions is something I take pride in. It’s hard to do for a lot of people but it’s come to me pretty easy.”
“He’s adjusted and doesn’t complain about playing three spots,” Maloney said. “That’s been huge for allowing us to be more versatile, absorb some foul troubles and because of our youth. We have a lot of kids who haven’t played varsity and you don’t want them playing more than one position.”
While Greffin has come a long way, Maloney expects him to keep making steps as the season progresses.
“I think his best basketball is ahead of him,” Maloney said. “He’s getting more confident in his role and by January and February we’re going to see what he’s capable of.”