Griffin, with strong hoops bloodlines, is Roman's new coach

Roman Catholic has turned to Matt Griffin to take over its highly successful basketball program. The school announced the 27-year-old as the replacement to Chris McNesby on Wednesday.

Griffin was an assistant at St. Joseph's Prep, his alma mater, the last two seasons. He played for the Hawks (Class of 2007), Rider, and Boston University.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to be part of Roman Catholic's storied tradition of excellence and pride," Griffin said in a release issued by the school. "I am looking forward to continuing to build upon what all of the past coaches have achieved for this historic program and institutuion."

Griffin's father, John, played at Roman (Class of 1974) and St. Joseph's, and was Phil Martelli's predecessor on Hawk Hill. His brother, also named John, is an assistant at Bucknell.

"Matt didn't bring up his dad in any of the interviews," DiBerardinis said. "I respected that. He wanted to be evaluated on his own merits."

McNesby, who guided Roman to Catholic League and PIAA Class AAAA state basketball titles in each of the last two seasons, stepped down in May. He cited personal reasons.

McNesby, a 1995 Roman graduate, coached the Cahillites for eight years. The squad went 27-4 last season and successfully defended its state crown with a 73-62 triumph over Allderdice in Hershey.

The other finalists for the Roman job were Randy Monroe and Sean Colson, according to sources.