NC Wesleyan College Head Men's basketball coach John Thompson and Director of Athletics Aaron Denton have announced the hiring of NCWC alum Justin Griffith as the new Assistant Men's basketball coach for the Battling Bishops during the spring of 2020.

"We are thrilled to have Justin join our staff," said Coach Thompson. "He is an outstanding coach and a great addition to our team. The fact that he is family, a member of championship teams here, part of our tradition, makes this very exciting."

"It feels great to be coming back home to NC Wesleyan," commented Griffith. "I love and care about Bishop Basketball and I want to thank Coach Thompson for this opportunity. My family and I are excited to be a part of the Rocky Mount community.”

In Griffith’s first 2 seasons back home, the Bishops recorded 11-3 during the Covid shortened season of 2020-21 and 19-8 mark in the 2021-22 season. This includes a 19-2 record at home. The Bishops captured the 2020-21 East Division Regular Season crown and were ranked as high as 15th in the nation that season. 

Prior to starting his tenure at NCWC, Griffith was at Lander University in Greenwood, SC serving as Assistant Men's basketball coach. During the 2019-2020 season he helped lead the Bearcats to a 23-8 overall record, a Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship, and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Griffith began his coaching career in 2012 at the University of Mount Olive as Assistant Men’s basketball coach. Griffith spent six seasons with the Trojans where he oversaw recruiting, scouting, and on-floor player development.

During his time at Mount Olive, the Trojans won the Conference Carolinas Championship in 2014. The Trojans finished in the top 4 of the conference in all but 1 season during his tenure at UMO. Griffith coached and recruited 3 Conference Defensive Players of the year, 1 Conference player of the year, and a host of all conference players. 

Splitting his six-year run at Mount Olive after the 2013 season, Griffith returned to his hometown, joining the coaching staff at Winston-Salem State. Griffith helped lead the Rams to a 19-7 record culminating in the CIAA Southern Division regular-season title and an appearance in the CIAA championship game. While at WSSU, the Rams knocked off 2 top 25 opponents. 

In total Griffith has helped in the recruitment and development of 4 All Americans, 5 All Region Players, 25 All Conference Players, 3 Conference Defensive Players of the Year, 2 Conference Players of the Year, and 1 Freshman of the Year.

Griffith graduated in 2012 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College, where he was a member of the men's basketball team. On the court, Griffith was a co-captain and full-time starter during his junior and senior years. He helped lead the Bishops to 3 USA South Conference Championships.

Griffith earned his master's degree in Athletic Administration in the summer of 2020 from Coker University.

He and his wife Juannette reside in Rocky Mount with their three-year old daughter Zoe. 

He can also be reached on twitter at @coachjgriffith