Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin was named the ACC’s Most Improved Player as part of the league’s annual all-conference awards Monday.
Schieffelin has been a big part of the Tigers’ quest for March Madness glory. He helped Clemson to a 21-10 regular season by averaging 9.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game..
Schieffelin had one of his best performances of the year in last Tuesday’s 90-75 victory over Syracuse when he scored 16 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.
After that game, Clemson coach Brad Brownell made his pitch for why he believed Schieffelin deserved the award for Most Improved Player.
“The guy has been unbelievable,” Brownell said of Schieffelin. “Obviously he’s playing with other elite players so it’s not like he’s getting overshadowed. People notice, but that performance — those 16 rebounds — unbelievable. What that equates to in terms of extra points for us, I think he’s certainly the most improved player.”
Schieffelin more than doubled his rebound totals from last season when he averaged four rebounds per night. He’s also raised his scoring average from 5.5 points per game as a sophomore to 9.7 in his junior season.
In addition, Schieffelin has connected on 19 of 36 3-pointers this season (52.8 percent). That’s up from 33 percent a year ago.
“He’s a remarkable rebounder who does an unbelievable job of pursuing the ball,” Brownell said. “He’s not always great running, but… he’s got strength in his hands, strength in his legs, the whole position. He’s just a powerful player. What a breakout year he’s had.”
Schieffelin and the Tigers return to the court Wednesday night for the ACC Tournament at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. Clemson will face the winner of Tuesday’s first-round contest between Miami and Boston College. The game will be broadcast on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.