As Wisconsin student-athletes celebrate their graduation day from wherever they may be, a player that last played for Wisconsin in 1995 celebrates along with them. Rashard Griffith, 25 years after he last put on a Badger uniform, is now a Wisconsin graduate.
After a standout Chicago high school career at King, Griffith arrived at UW in 1993. During 51 games as a Badger, the Illinois native averaged a near double-double with 15.6 points and almost ten boards. In 1995, the Badger star left school early to pursue his professional career. He was drafted in the second round by the Milwaukee Bucks, but ended up finding his niche overseas. Through a decorated 15-year career abroad, the former Badger played in Israel, Italy, and Turkey among other countries. Griffith won the top basketball prize outside of the NBA when his Bologna team won the EuroLeague in 2001.
Griffith made a promise to his late mother that he would eventually finish school and earn his degree. According to a recent Chicago Tribune article by Teddy Greenstein, Griffith worked closely with Athletic Director Barry Alvarez to create a graduation plan. UW has a policy that any athlete can return to school to finish their degree without any financial burden, and the former Badger big man was able to earn his degree free of charge.
The road has been long and hard, but today the Badger big man earns the fruits of his labor. Earlier this season, Griffith was able to participate in Wisconsin’s senior night along with current Badgers (although now former) Brevin Pritzl and Michael Ballard.
The former Wisconsin star has been dealing with the tragedy that undertook Wisconsin assistant coach and his close friend Howard Moore throughout this year. Griffith has been there for the Moore family after Coach Moore’s daughter and wife were tragically taken in a car accident this past summer. A fantastic piece by Mike Lucas of UWBadgers.com details how Moore and his family made sure Griffith finished out his schooling, even after the tragedy took place.
Griffith has received national notoriety for his accomplishment under the circumstances he faced, including a special shoutout from SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt.
"Reading about how the Badger Family supported this journey to a cap and gown was particularly special" @notthefakeSVP
Once a Badger, ALWAYS a Badger
Proud of you, Rashard Griffith 👏#OnWisconsin » #Badgers pic.twitter.com/DlDbd6GH9T
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 5, 2020
Now, on this graduation day for Wisconsin’s class of 2020, Griffith joins his Badger family in earning his degree in community and non-profit leadership 25 years after he last played at the Kohl Center. Congratulations to Rashard Griffith and the rest of the Badger class of 2020.