Former Taft star Rayvon Griffith leaves Cincinnati Bearcats basketball via transfer portal
Rayvon Griffith is leaving Cincinnati Bearcats basketball in the transfer portal after two seasons.
Dan Skillings Jr. was gone by Monday morning and by lunchtime, Rayvon Griffith had departed Cincinnati Bearcats basketball in the transfer portal. Griffith, who led Taft High School to an Ohio Division III state championship in 2022, spent two seasons with the Bearcats.
Rayvon Griffith entered the transfer portal Monday, April 7. He leaves the Cincinnati Bearcats after two seasons.
Griffith posted on Instagram:
Advertisement
"I want to take time to thank all of the coaches and I also want to thank all of my teammates. These past two years have been a movie. Cincinnati will always be home and will always have a special place in my heart.
With that being said, I will be entering my name in the transfer portal and exploring a different path and follow God's footsteps. It's been a pleasure and I love how all the Bearcats fans truly supported me and welcomed me with open arms."
Farewell.
Bearcats Rayvon Griffith leaps to score during Game 1 of the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championship against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on Tuesday March 11, 2025. Bearcats won the game with a final score of 87-68.
Griffith played in 19 games for UC averaging 1.9 points and 0.8 rebounds after redshirting in 2023-24. He will have three more years of eligibility at his next destination.
Advertisement
The 6-foot-6, 210-pound wing played a career-high 16 minutes in the College Basketball Crown opening win vs. DePaul. In the quarterfinal against UCF, he matched his career high with eight points and three rebounds in 10 minutes on the MGM Grand Garden Arena floor. He previously had eight points in UC's season opener over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Before a prep year at Arizona Compass, Griffith was a three-year starter at Taft High School, leading the Senators to a state trophy three years ago at University of Dayton Arena.
Cincinnati Bearcats guard-forward Rayvon Griffith (3) dunks in the second half of a basketball scrimmage between Cincinnati Bearcats and Ohio State Buckeyes at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Griffith committed to the UC Bearcats in a live CBS Sports HQ broadcast from Taft. At the time he was the top junior recruit in Ohio and the No. 10 recruit nationally at his position.
Advertisement
Realistically, he was stuck in a crowded position at UC and will probably get more minutes at his next destination. He was though, a fan favorite. Whenever Griffith entered the game and produced he drew loud cheers at Fifth Third Arena. As late as Sunday, Griffith was at UC attending the Cincinnati Public Schools All-Star Showcase.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Taft star Rayvon Griffith leaves Cincinnati Bearcats, enters portal
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
SF Giants send message in obtaining Rafael Devers from Boston Red Sox
1 of 5 | The San Francisco Giants acquired All-Star infielder Rafael Devers on Sunday through a trade with the Boston Red Sox. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 16 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants sent their clubhouse a major message by pulling the trigger on a blockbuster trade for Boston Red Sox All-Star infielder Rafael Devers, shortstop Willy Adames said. "I feel like it sends a message out there that we are going to compete," Adames said of the trade. "We are going to do whatever it takes to try to come over here and win the division." Adames made the comments on the ESPN broadcast of the Giants' 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in Los Angeles. Giants players got word of the trade 15 minutes before the game at Dodger Stadium. The Giants agreed to send left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, outfielder prospect James Tibbs III and right-handed pitching prospect Jose Bello the Red Sox in exchange for the three-time All-Star. The Giants (41-31) sit in second place in the National League West, two games behind the division-leading Dodgers (43-29). They also are in second place in the National League Wild Card race, which includes the Philadelphia Phillies (42-29) and San Diego Padres (39-31), among others. Harrison was set to start against the Dodgers on Sunday, but was called back while he was on his way to the bullpen and informed he had been traded. The three-year veteran has a 1-1 record with a 4.56 ERA through eight appearances this season. Harrison, 23, was a third-round pick by the Giants in the 2020 MLB Draft. He went 9-9 with a 4.48 ERA through his first 39 career appearances. Hicks, 28, went 1-5 with a 6.47 ERA over his first 13 appearances this season. The seven-year veteran holds a 16-33 record with a 4.23 ERA over 254 career appearances. The Giants have the third-worst batting average .232 in the National League. They totaled the fourth-most strikeouts (614) in the National League and are tied for 19th in MLB for home runs (70). "We needed a bat like him," Adames said of Devers. "Obviously, to get him, everybody in the clubhouse is thrilled." Devers hit .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs through his first 73 games this season. He led the American League with 56 walks. The nine-year veteran hit .279 with 215 home runs over the first 1,053 games of his career. "This is something we really needed," Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters. "There's a lot we had to give up to get him, but this fits us perfectly. It's a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power at our ballpark. It's tailor-made for us. Kudos to the front office to swing this." Devers, 28, signed a 10-year, $313.5 million pact with the Red Sox in 2023, but the relationship experienced turbulence this off-season when he was asked to move from third base to make way for recently acquired infielder Alex Bregman. He initially said he would not move into a designated hitter role, but eventually relented and changed positions. Devers then told the Red Sox that he also would not play first base after a void formed at that position due to Triston Casas' season-ending knee injury. Devers appeared in 951 games at third base for the Red Sox through the first eight years of his career. He was their designated hitter for all 73 of his appearances this season. He is expected to fill in at designated hitter and third base for the Giants. Giants All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman is on the injured list because of a right hand injury he sustained during a win over the Atlanta Braves on June 8 in San Francisco. Casey Schmitt filled in at third base for the Giants on Sunday, but fouled a ball off his ankle and left the game early. Dominic Smith and Wilmer Flores served as the Giants' respective first baseman and designated hitter. Smith started 11 games at first base this season. Flores appeared as a designated hitter 63 times and at first base four times this season. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said Devers' position with his new team will be discussed internally. "That's a conversation for myself, Bob and [general manager] Zack Minasian to have with him," Posey told reporters, according to The Giants will host the Cleveland Guardians (35-35) at 9:45 p.m. EDT Tuesday in San Francisco.


Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Trio of Red Sox Stars Have Joined NL West in Last 5 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Red Sox traded third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants Sunday afternoon, an indication there would be seismic changes in the National League West. Read more: Dodgers Star Pitcher Speaks Out on Rival Giants Acquiring Rafael Devers In recent years, the division appears to be a frequent recipient of former Red Sox stars, with Devers being the latest. The 2018 World Champion Red Sox featured three of baseball's biggest stars in Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Devers. One could argue this was one of the greatest eras of Red Sox baseball as the team was not only talented, but also adored by the fanbase. However, just a few years later, key players from the 2018 Red Sox have found new homes (particularly in the NL West). BOSTON, MA - MAY 4: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox heads for the dugout after flying out against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Fenway Park on May 4, 2025... BOSTON, MA - MAY 4: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox heads for the dugout after flying out against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Fenway Park on May 4, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. MoreIn February 2020, Boston traded Betts and David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong. Betts arrived to Hollywood as a 27-year-old in the prime of his career, coming off a season where he won American League MVP and a World Series ring. The baseball world was left dumbfounded that the Red Sox were willing to give up a generational talent and fan favorite like Betts, but Boston moved on. In the case of Bogaerts, the team let the shortstop walk away in free agency. Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2022. It was once again another stunning deal involving a former Red Sox star, and left many Boston fans wondering why management was parting ways with some of the organization's best players. Nevertheless, the team moved on. In January 2023, the Red Sox signed Devers to a 10-year, $313.5 million extension signaling the third baseman would be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. Things took a turn last offseason when Boston signed All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and Devers was asked to become the team's designated hitter. Devers initially said no to the Red Sox's request, but manager Alex Cora persuaded the 28-year-old to make the switch. Once Tristan Casas was sidelined by injury, Devers was asked by the media if he would take reps at first base. Devers publicly criticized Red Sox management, specifically chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. It appears the drama and discord behind the scenes was damaging enough for Boston to cut ties with Devers. Perhaps the most shocking part of the deal was the return package for the Red Sox did not include a first baseman. Instead, the Giants sent pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison as well as prospects James Tibbs and Jose Bello. Harrison was optioned to Triple-A soon after the trade was announced. Devers was arguably Boston's best player this season, hitting .272/.401/.504 with a .905 OPS. Devers has 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and 74 hits in 334 plate appearances. The Gold Glover has only played for the Red Sox throughout his Major League career, making his debut with the team in 2017. Devers will begin a new chapter with the Giants, who are in the midst of a tight division race, as another former Red Sox star to join the NL West. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.


Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Prep Rally: Pitcher Seth Hernandez of Corona is The Times' baseball player of the year... again
Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. It's awards time for high school baseball and softball. Pitcher Seth Hernandez of Corona is The Times' baseball player of the year for the second consecutive season. He improved on his performance and put together a two-year run in which he went 18-1. Here's a profile on the impact he made. The Times' All-Star baseball team includes Quentin Young of Oaks Christian. He moved to shortstop and hit 14 home runs. Here's a look at the All-Star team. The coach of the year is St. John Bosco's Andy Rojo, who guided the Braves to their first Southern Section Division 1 championship along with the Southern California Division 1 regional championship and their first Trinity League title since 2017. Here's the report. Here's the final top 25 rankings by The Times with St. John Bosco at No. 1. Oklahoma-bound Kai Minor of Orange Lutheran is The Times' softball player of the year. Here's the report on the impact she made for the Lancers. Here's The Times' All-Star softball team. The Times' coach of the year is Rick Robinson of Norco. He put together a team of young and old and guided the Cougars to the Southern Section Division 1 championship. Here's the report. Dorsey football coach Stafon Johnson used to be a star running back for the Dons and USC. He knows all about running the ball, so there was a little comedy seeing the Dons playing in a seven on seven passing tournament at Western High. Except Johnson has embraced the passing game with the arrival of quarterback Elijah McDaniel, a sophomore transfer from Warren. And Johnson's son, Deuce, is a standout junior receiver. So the Dons will be active this summer in passing tournaments. Not that Johnson wouldn't prefer to run the football. He'll never lose his love for seeing running backs gain yards. City Section coaches had their annual meeting at the Rams' locker room at SoFi Stadium to discuss changes and updates for the fall season. It was announced that View Park Prep won't have a football team this season, leaving Metro League teams scrambling to fill games. Former L.A. Jordan quarterback James Boyd, who was the City Section player of the year, is the new head coach for the Bulldogs. He's 33 years old. Here's a look at more City Section football news. . . . La Serna won the Los Altos passing tournament. Orange Lutheran won the Chargers tournament using three quarterbacks. Schurr won the SGV tournament. Offensive lineman Sam Utu of Orange Lutheran has committed to Alabama. . . . Defensive back Derrick Johnson of Murrieta Valley has committed to Oklahoma. . . . Safety Logan Hirou of Santa Margarita has committed to UCLA. . . . Offensive lineman Cooper Javorsky of San Juan Hills has committed to UCLA. . . . Tight end Beckham Hofland of Los Alamitos has committed to Boise State. . . . Former Gardena Serra defensive lineman Robert James has changed his commitment from Fresno State to UCLA and will play for the Bruins this fall. . . . Former Orange Lutheran linebacker Talanoa Ili, now at Kahuku, has committed to USC. . . . Defensive lineman Kingston Schirmer of Corona Centennial has commited to Cal. . . . Tyler Lee of El Camino Real was chosen the City Section player of the year in boys volleyball. Here are the complete All-City teams. . . . Shalen Sheppard of Brentwood won a gold medal representing the USA U16 national basketball team. He'll be a sophomore. . . . Luke Howe of El Camino Real is the City Section player of the year in baseball. Here's the complete All-City team. Addison Moorman of Granada Hills is the City Section player of the year in softball. Here's the complete All-City team. DeAndre Cole is the new boys basketball coach at Compton Centennial. . . . Jake Tatch of JSerra has been selected the Gatorade state player of the year in boys soccer. He's headed to Michigan. . . . Oaks Christian water polo coach Jack Kocur is the head coach for the USA Junior National team at the World Aquatics U20 Water Polo championships this summer. . . . Deon Green is the new girls basketball coach at Chino. . . . Chaminade has decided to add a flag football team. . . . St. John Bosco closer Jack Champlin has committed to Washington. . . . Former Servite star Max Thomas of USC finished second in the 100 meters at the NCAA track and field championships and helped the Trojans, coached by former Taft great Quincy Watts, win the NCAA title. . . . The Fairfax basketball tournament originally scheduled to be held this week at Fairfax High has been changed to Pan Pacific Park. Thousand Oaks grad Max Muncy, the 'other' Max Muncy, is getting hot in his return to playing for the Athletics. He got recalled from the minor leagues and started showing power. He's playing third base while his former Thousand Oaks teammate, Jacob Wilson, is the shortstop. Muncy graduated in 2021 and Wilson in 2020. Here's a story about Muncy and Wilson being together at Thousand Oaks. Here's a story from 2021 on how Muncy kept improving to become a pro prospect. From the Washington Post, a story on an adaptive tennis program making a difference. From a story on how to start archery as a P.E. program. From the Los Angeles Times, a look back at the life of former Verbum Dei star David Greenwood. Prep Rally will take the next two weeks off and return on July 7. Have a question, comment or something you'd like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer. Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here.