BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) -- Samford University basketball player Jim Griffin was found dead in his dorm room Sept. 8. School officials believe he died in his sleep from an undetectable heart condition, but results from an autopsy won't be available for about two weeks.

Griffin

A senior sociology major from Chicago, Griffin had played in a pick-up basketball game and did some weight training the previous day before returning to his room at Beeson Woods residential village on the Baptist school's Birmingham, Ala., campus.

Griffin, 23, a 6-foot-7-inch forward, was a bench player often inserted late in tight games because of his hustle and passing skill. During his junior year in 2008-09, he received one of Samford's annual Practice Hard Awards, which are given to players who exhibit the best work ethic and hustle in practice throughout the season.

"The Samford community is profoundly saddened by the death of Jim Griffin," Samford President Andrew Westmoreland said in a press release. "He was a popular student on campus in addition to being a member of the men's basketball team. It never is easy when any life is lost, but it is more difficult to lose one of such great promise."

Samford University basketball player Jim Griffin, was found dead in his dorm room Sept. 8.

Jimmy Tillette, head coach of the Samford men's basketball team, described Griffin as a "gutsy" player beloved by teammates and extremely popular on campus.

"This is a tremendous loss for our university and our team," Tillette said. "Our objective now is to help Jim’s family and his teammates and friends deal with the situation."

Before enrolling at Samford as a red-shirt freshman in 2005, Griffin was a star at Marist High School, a Catholic school for boys and girls in the Chicago area. A three-year starter and team captain, he led the RedHawks to a 50-9 record over his last two seasons, guided the team to back-to-back Illinois High School Association regional championships and finished his career ranked second in school history for assists.

"He's was everything that every coach would hope for," Marist basketball coach Gene Nolan told the Southtown Star, a Sun-Times suburban Chicago newspaper published in Tinley Park, Ill. "He was a really special kid. It's just a really difficult time."

Survivors include his parents, Marge and John Griffin. His older sister Meg played volleyball at DePaul University and older brother John played basketball at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa

A memorial service for Griffin was scheduled for the night of Sept. 10 in Samford's Reid Chapel.

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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press. 

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