Oklahoma to name new athletic facility after Blake Griffin

Oklahoma announced Thursday that the school's new athletic performance facility will be named after Blake Griffin, following the Los Angeles Clippers star's substantial donation to the project.

Griffin, who made the largest ever financial gift by a former basketball player in school history, starred for the Sooners in his two seasons on campus, winning 2009 National Player of the Year before being selected No. 1 overall in the NBA draft.

"Being a Sooner is more than just what you do in competition," Griffin said in a statement. "I am thankful to have had the opportunity to play Oklahoma basketball, which has a legacy of people that have made it great. College is such a critical time in an athlete's playing career and it's my honor to help give the men's and women's teams the resources and technology that will give them the best opportunity to succeed. I am humbled that Oklahoma has chosen to name this facility after me, and I am really excited to see this high-performance training center come to life."

The center will feature basketball training courts, free weights, indoor turf, outdoor turf with sandpits, spaces for plyometric and cardiovascular training, cardio and strength testing, locker rooms, an exam and recovery area, a fueling station, a multi-purpose room, and overhead fresh-air doors.

"We are grateful for the generosity of Blake Griffin, who is one of the most outstanding basketball players in Oklahoma history," University President David L. Boren said. "It is especially heartwarming when a talented former Oklahoma student-athlete gives back to his Alma mater in order to provide opportunities for students who will come in the future."

Griffin's performance in the 2009 NCAA Tournament cemented his status as the No. 1 overall prospect in the draft, as he averaged a whopping 28.5 points and 15 rebounds per game in leading the Sooners to the Elite Eight.