HSBB: Yaklich's college decision awaits
Griffin Yaklich has used quarantine to stay in shape, spend time with family, and prepare for the future. The 6'5 combo guard has offers from Washington State (preferred walk-on), Detroit Mercy, and Saginaw Valley State, but remains undecided as summer nears. He talked to me about his father’s influence, why he stayed at Saline High School for his senior season, what he’s been up to during quarantine, and his pending college decision.
Luke Yaklich, Griffin's father, was hired to be the head coach at University of Illinois-Chicago on March 24, 2020 after assistant coaching stints at Illinois State, Michigan, and Texas. Griffin Yaklich explained how he felt about the recent coaching change within his family: “I’m so excited for him and his head coaching job because he’s had success as an assistant and I can’t imagine what’s gonna happen now that he has the ball in his hands.”
He continued by explaining how his father has impacted his game: “My dad has had such a big impact on and off the court. He knows so much about the game and he’s so good at teaching it. He has made me the player I am today and he’s gonna help me get even better in the future and allow me to achieve my goals.” When Luke Yaklich moved from Michigan to Texas, his son decided to stay at Saline and finish his high school career with the Hornets.
“I didn’t really feel like starting all over again at a new school for one year. With all the people I had in Saline and Ann Arbor, we were able to make it work for me staying. I was thankful enough to stay with a family friend,” he said. “But it was the right decision because I can really play my game and be myself at Saline and those were my brothers. It was too hard for me to leave them and all my friends. But now that’s it all said and done, I am happy I made that decision.”
Yaklich has good height at 6’5 and can get to the rim with his upper body strength. He also has a smooth outside shot, and can make plays on both ends of the floor. “I always get my teammates involved while creating for myself,” Yaklich told me. “I consider myself a facilitator and a playmaker.” With that said, he believes he needs to improve his mid-range game: “I think if you get really good at it, it can open up the floor even more.”
After finishing his senior year at Saline, Yaklich planned on attending a showcase and then taking college visits but because of the Coronavirus pandemic, that’s not possible right now. He isn’t exactly sure when he will commit to a school but he has continued to develop relationships with coaches in the meantime. According to Prep Hoops, Yaklich is the #23 ranked senior in the state of Michigan, which ranks 14th among all guards.
“I think it’s hard to say right now when I will commit as I think a lot of kids are in the same boat. For all we know universities won’t even open in the fall,” Yaklich explained. “At the end of the day, people’s safety and health are more important. I am still just taking it day by day and developing good relationships with the coaches recruiting me and enjoying the process. I know everything will work out and I’ll make the right decision.”
He also gave an update on his life during quarantine: “It’s unfortunate how things ended like no prom, no graduation, etc. but our health and safety is what’s important. My quarantine hasn’t been too bad. I came down to Texas to be with my family and I have been enjoying the warm weather and the pool. And to stay in shape, I have been running and we have a little workout setup in the garage so I’ve been taking advantage of that.”
Check out his senior season highlights here via Hudl.
