Griffin arrived in Ballarat only two days ago, but is ready to make her South East Australian Basketball League debut against Sydney Uni at the Minerdome on Saturday.

She replaces axed import Courtney Williams.

“My team back in La Salle was a pretty fast-paced team,” Griffin said.

“We were able to get up and down the court all the time, set up plays… my high school was pretty much the same thing, so I feel like I can bring that to the team these couple weeks left.”

Griffin, who originally is from Atlanta in Georgia, said it was her first time in Australia and her first time playing the game overseas.

“I just wanted to go somewhere where I hadn’t been before,” the 21-year-old said.

“Explore, experience different things and cultures, and have a good time doing the thing that I love.”

The talented athlete flew into Melbourne in the early morning on Sunday, before driving to Ballarat to watch her new team play in a tough loss to Diamond Valley. 

“It was not the outcome that we wanted, but I can see where I can be a big impact to the team,” Griffin said.

“I’m a pretty athletic guard... but I can step out and shoot the three. 

“I’m a very good defender and I’m able to play in different positions, so I would be able to help on defence in any way that I can.” 

Griffin spent time with her new teammates after the game, while Tuesday’s training session marked her first time on the court with the players.

She is also looking forward to working with Ballarat Skoda Rush coach Eric Hayes.

“I did talk to him on a FaceTime call before I came up here,” she said. 

“So I’m looking forward to sitting down with him to ask him what he actually wants me to do for the team this year.”

While Griffin is still adjusting, she is looking forward to getting out onto what she knows best – the court.

“I’m very excited,” Griffin said.

“I don’t know what to expect, but I expect to go out there and play my hardest.”

Amy Griffin, who played for La Salle Explorers for four seasons, led the Explorers in points (15 per game), assists (3.4 per game), steals (1.9 per game) and blocks (1.6 per game) in season 2017-18.

She also scored in double figures in 24 of 29 games and achieved her first career triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. 

Griffin has also set the all-time La Salle record for blocked shots against George Mason University with 151.

“I was very proud about that and ended up being the third-time leading scorer (1741 career points) at my school,” Griffin said.

In high school, Griffin played for Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.

Ballarat Rush coach Eric Hayes said Griffin’s bright personality was the first thing to stand out to him.

“My number one thing is she is just a good person,” he said. 

“She is easy to talk to really, she joined in with the group really comfortably… and she has a lovely nature.”

But Hayes is confident she will be a good player as well and is hoping she can bring a competitive team spirit.

“She was three-time all-league player in her conference and you don’t get those accolades unless you can play,” he said. 

“If you have a group of people that are willing to care about each other and want to work hard for each other, then they’re going to have some success, so that’s what we’re looking for.”