Girard dishes on why he transferred to Clemson

Clemson’s top addition from the transfer portal chose Clemson over LSU because of the “family atmosphere” that Brad Brownell has established.

The Clemson men’s basketball team’s top addition from the transfer portal, Joseph Girard III, discussed why he transferred to Clemson when speaking to the media on Thursday.

After spending four seasons at Syracuse, Girard transferred to Clemson this offseason, choosing the Tigers over LSU. Playing against Clemson for years in the ACC, Girard was familiar with Clemson and its “family atmosphere,” which ultimately drew him to head coach Brad Brownell and his players. 

“You saw how good their team was last year, but you could also see how much they enjoyed playing together,” Girard said of Clemson. “There’s really no agendas by everybody, and everybody’s main goal is to win, which is the part of the team that you want to be a part of.”

As a senior at Syracuse last season, Girard scored 16.4 points per game, shooting 40.3% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound guard added that he felt more comfortable at Clemson because LSU had added more transfers, and he wanted a better atmosphere suited for him.

Girard also said that he’s enjoyed the southern hospitality in South Carolina and even received sugar cookies from a stranger at his door for the first day of classes on Wednesday.

Although Chase Hunter will remain the primary ball handler, Girard gives the Tigers an experienced shooter and depth at the guard position, Brownell said. 

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