Tag: Clemson basketball recruiting

Elite in-state prospect on campus Saturday

A four-star recruit announced that he’ll be on campus for Clemson’s game against Pitt at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Excited to be taking a visit up to Clemson this afternoon pic.twitter.com/AfTPgiqOjc – Cam Scott (@thecamscott23) January 22, 2022 Lexington …

A four-star recruit announced that he’ll be on campus for Clemson’s game against Pitt at 6 p.m. on Saturday. 

Lexington (S.C.) 2024 shooting guard Cam Scott is returning to campus for the first time in a couple of months. The Tigers, of course, brought Scott out to Memorial Stadium and he was in attendance for the football team’s 30-20 win over Florida State on Saturday, Oct. 30. 

He recapped his first unofficial visit with The Clemson Insider back in early November. 

“It was absolutely great,” Scott told TCI. “It’s been something that I’ve always wanted to do since the beginning of my recruitment. I’ve been waiting to get down there for the longest time because their coaching staff has been really interested in me and I just wanted to see how they let me into the facility and on their campus and see what they have to offer.

“They showed a lot of love to my family as well. They made sure that we were all doing well. They made sure that we were all enjoying the process, enjoying our time and we got to have a lot of sit-down conversations.”

Scott (6-6, 180) describes his strengths as running in transition, moving without the ball, getting to that 15-foot area and also getting to the basket. 

“I like to describe myself as very versatile,” he said. “I think that’s my biggest thing and behind that is being actually very coachable. So I’ll be able to throw myself into any scheme at any time and I’ll adjust pretty well to it.”

Clemson offered Scott a scholarship on April 27, 2021. He couldn’t remember the exact date, but he definitely remembered his reaction.

“My reaction was actually pretty cool,” he said. “I was riding with my coach on the way back home from practice and we were just having a regular conversation. The coach called and said that he’d like to offer. I just had this big grin on my face for the rest of the ride.”

What did it mean for Scott to get that offer from Clemson?

“To me, it was actually very special because my grandma had a dream about me going to Clemson and a couple of days later I got the offer,” he added. “It was pretty cool how close that happened. I felt like it was really a special moment that I didn’t realize at the time, but now that I sit down and start to, I realize that it was probably the best time for me to get that.”

Ever since the first phone call that he had with Clemson assistant coach Dick Bender, Scott has been tuning into Clemson games a lot. He’s been following up on things they do, watching their workout videos. Funny enough, one of his main basketball ball-handling drills is actually one of the Clemson drills.

In addition to Clemson, Scott also holds offers from Winthrop, Wake Forest, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida State, Texas Tech and the College of Charleston. 

While it’s still early in his recruitment, Scott feels that Clemson is a top-3 real school currently in his recruitment. The overwhelming love that he and his family received when he was on campus has sat well with him ever since.

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Recently offered in-state prospect impressed with Clemson’s ‘family-type feel’

Clemson assistant coach Antonio Reynolds Dean has some good news for a talented, in-state prospect on Saturday night. Following Clemson’s 70-56 win over South Carolina, Dean handed out an offer to Coen Carr, a 2023 three-star power forward from …

Clemson assistant coach Antonio Reynolds Dean has some good news for a talented, in-state prospect on Saturday night.

Following Clemson’s 70-56 win over South Carolina, Dean handed out an offer to Coen Carr, a 2023 three-star power forward from Greenville’s (S.C.) Legacy Early College.

“It was good,” Carr told The Clemson Insider.“That was one of the schools that it’s still really close to home. My dad’s from South Carolina. It was really exciting getting that offer.”

Throughout the recruitment process, Carr has grown close with Dean, who has coached and developed players that are similar in style and build to himself.

“He loves me. He talks with me all the time about how I can kind of play like people he’s coached like K.J. McDaniels,” Carr said. “He really loves the way that I play and the motor I play with.”

Carr (6-7, 215) is a player that likes to bring a lot of energy on both ends of the court. He does whatever’s asked of him — rebound, block shots, pass and score — he’s one of those players who can do it all.

Carr said that Dean views him as someone who plays and guards multiple positions at the next level. He indicated that Dean wants to make sure he develops his perimeter skills, which is something he needs to work on and has already focused on during his junior season. 

“They were telling me that I could bring the ball up the court sometimes, play off the ball,” Carr said. “I can maybe post up a little bit against smaller players.

Fortunately for Clemson, Carr was able to see Hunter Tyson record his first career double-double during Saturday’s win.

“He got three backdoor cuts in a row,” he said. “I like the way they emphasize their players on cutting off-ball movement because that’s something I really like to do, cut backdoor and stuff like that.”

Carr made his third unofficial visit to The Valley this past weekend. He had been in attendance at Memorial Stadium two times prior, but the Tigers were finally able to get the in-state prospect in for a game at the Littlejohn Coliseum.

What was the part of Carr’s latest visit that resonated with him the most?

“Really the culture,” he said. “All the people — it was random people — they came up to me asking me if I was a recruit. They saw my little tag and they just came up to me and said how they want me to go to their school and it’s a great place.”

At the game on Saturday, Carr was sitting in front of Dabo Swinney’s wife, Kathleen. 

“She was real nice,” Carr said. “She was asking me questions. She was making sure I had something to eat during halftime. It was just a family-type feel over there, really. 

He’s seen the best of both worlds and was able to take a deeper dive into Clemson’s basketball program based on Saturday’s experience.

“It’s great, great vibes,” Carr said. “The atmosphere is amazing. They got football, obviously, everyone knows football, but basketball is really on the come up. They got great facilities, great practice gyms, really everything I need to become a better player over there and develop.”

“It’s a lot of good players that come out from there,” he added, “because when I visited, I saw all the players on the wall. They got a lot of good talent at Clemson.”

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Clemson makes top group for elite five-star prospect

One of the nation’s top-ranked point guards in the 2023 class dropped his final six schools via social media on Tuesday afternoon. Norcross (Ga.) High School five-star London Johnson is down to Clemson, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Southern Cal and …

One of the nation’s top-ranked point guards in the 2023 class dropped his final six schools via social media on Tuesday afternoon.

Norcross (Ga.) High School five-star London Johnson is down to Clemson, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Southern Cal and N.C. State.

Johnson (6-4, 180) is ranked as the No. 6 point guard in the country and the No. 25 overall prospect in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. While Rivals considers him the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect.

Clemson got Johnson on campus at the end of August for an unofficial visit. The Tigers extended him a scholarship offer back on June 16.

“I was excited,” Johnson told The Clemson Insider after he received his Clemson offer. “My main reaction was that I was just excited. It just motivated me to keep working because if I wanna go there, I probably have to get better than what I am now.”

“To me, they’re definitely one of my top choices because I’m interested in the school and it’s high-level,” he added. “I recently heard about some good guards that have been going there and I know a few kids from Georgia (Ian Schiefflin) that committed there also.”

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Clemson visitor’s dad enjoying visit

The Clemson Insider previously reported that Clemson men’s basketball would have an unofficial visitor on its hands this weekend. James Madison Memorial (Madison, WI.) 2023 point guard Braylen Blue is on campus from Nov. 12-14. Blue arrived on …

The Clemson Insider previously reported that Clemson men’s basketball would have an unofficial visitor on its hands this weekend.

James Madison Memorial (Madison, WI.) 2023 point guard Braylen Blue is on campus from Nov. 12-14. Blue arrived on campus this morning and will be in attendance for tonight’s men’s basketball game against Wofford at 7 p.m.

Since this past summer, June to be exact, Blue has taken visits to Missouri, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Oral Roberts, Stanford, Santa Clar, Cal, Pepperdine, UIC, Columbia, Yale and St. John’s.

Clemson is the final visit for the 6-foot-4 point guard out of the Badger State, then it’s off to the start of his junior campaign at James Madison Memorial.

Blue’s dad reacted to the start of the visit on social media Friday afternoon, prior to the start of tonight’s game, which you can see below. It’s likely that Blue will also be in attendance for Clemson football’s game against UConn tomorrow afternoon at Memorial Stadium at 12 p.m.

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Clemson ‘the perfect fit’ for talented new commit

Last night, R.J. Godfrey was still debating between Clemson and Ole Miss. He woke up Wednesday morning and knew that Clemson was the best place for him to be. He got out of bed and told his parents. They were all for it. Godfrey walked The Clemson …

Last night, R.J. Godfrey was still debating between Clemson and Ole Miss.

He woke up Wednesday morning and knew that Clemson was the best place for him to be. He got out of bed and told his parents. They were all for it. 

Godfrey walked The Clemson Insider through his decision to commit to Clemson. 

“It’s close to home,” Godfrey explained. “My family wants me to go there. My brother [Grant], he’s being recruited by Clemson football, so that would be great if we both team up one day.”

“I thought Clemson was the perfect fit for me in terms of environment, just being there and experiencing that family environment,” he added. “Also, from a basketball standpoint, I think Coach [Antonio Reynolds] Dean is going to heighten my potential, just like what he’s done, for example, Aamir Simms. Last year he really improved him as a player and I think he can do the same for me and get me to that next level.”

Godfrey touted the ability to play in the best basketball conference in America as a reason for choosing Clemson over schools like Ole Miss and Texas Tech. Clemson gets to face off against the likes of Virginia, Louisville, Duke, UNC and Florida State, so going up against those powerhouse schools at least once a season was intriguing to Godfrey.

“I just think Clemson was the perfect fit for me,” he continued. “I have a couple of friends on that team: Ian Schieffelin, can’t wait to work with him when I get there, and Chauncey [Wiggins] from Grayson and also Chase Hunter, a childhood friend. So, I can’t wait to get up there and work with them.”

Speaking of relationships and close connections, the bond Godfrey built with Clemson assistant Antonio Reynolds Dean was like no other on the recruiting trail. It played a big part in his decision to commit to Clemson.

“Coach Dean, I mean he’s probably the most chill and honest coach I’ve talked to yet,” Godfrey said. “He’s just straight up. He says things how it is. That’s what I really like about him. He’s also committed to getting players better too. I’ve seen that just from talking to Ian Schieffelin. He’s real committed to getting those players to the league and also winning a lot of games. I feel like he has a nice plan for me when I get there. His plan is already laid out for me right now. I’m excited to be working with him.”

Godfrey might not have met Dean if it wasn’t for his AAU coach Winfred Jordan, who is the head coach of Atlanta Xpress.

“He was the one who introduced me to Coach Dean, I would say about early March,” he said. “I know my AAU coach and Coach Dean are very close. They trust one another and I know Coach Winfred, he trusts Coach Dean to better me not just as a player, but as a person on and off the court. They’re real close now. I know Coach Dean has been working with Winfred since he was a teenager. I know they have a really, really tight relationship.”

Godfrey phoned Dean around 10 minutes prior to posting his decision on social media Wednesday.

His reaction?

“He just started freaking out,” Godfrey said. “He was in his office. I just told him, ‘Coach, I’m coming.’ He started yelling. He ran to the meeting room because they were having a meeting about film and he ran in there and I informed Coach [Brad] Brownell and said, ‘Coach, I’m coming. I’m gonna be a Tiger!’ Coach Brownell started jumping up and down, so that was real fun. And, Coach [Dick] Bender was real excited too. I just can’t wait to get up there.”

Godfrey plans to use his final official visit at Clemson.

“I can’t wait for that,” he added.

However, Godfrey doesn’t believe it’ll be anytime soon because of his high school basketball season schedule, and then Grant will be in Knoxville (TN.) next weekend for an unofficial at the University of Tennessee. He can’t get up to Tiger Town anytime soon, but he’s looking forward to it nonetheless.

R.J. went into detail about what it would mean to join forces with Grant at the next level. Though, he’s going to let his younger brother make his own eventual decision and will be happy for him whether he goes all the way across the country or right down the street at Clemson’s football complex.

“That would mean a lot because he’s basically my twin brother, we’re 13 months apart,” he said. “That’s the guy I have the best relationship in this world with. That would mean a lot to me and my family. Both [Godfrey] boys being close to home, an hour and 20 minutes from home, I think that would be very impactful to college sports if me and him went to Clemson together.”

Once R.J. arrives on campus, what can Clemson fans expect out of him?

“A lot of excitement,” Godfrey said. “I’m a very fun player to watch. A lot of huge blocked shots from me. I’m a pretty elite rim protector, like [Tuesday] night in the first four minutes, I had four blocks. So, just expect a lot of big-time defensive plays and a lot of nice highlight dunks too. And, I bring the energy. I wouldn’t say I’m the most energetic person on the court, but I make highlight plays and I love getting the crowd involved and getting the crowd loud and stuff. Probably, a lot of energy and I would say I’m a decent winner too. Expect a lot of improvement from not just me, but just the team and a lot of energy too. I just can’t wait to get to Clemson next summer.”

A correct characterization of Godfrey’s game is that he’s a versatile playmaker, who also has elite athleticism. He can switch 1-5 on defense and also play 1-4 on offense. Godfrey is also an above-average passer. Last season, he averaged four assists per game, which he added is the “most underrated” part of what he brings to the table.

The main thing Clemson stressed to Godfrey throughout its recruiting pitch is that he can come in and play right away. According to Godfrey, the Tigers believe his body is already at an NBA level. They think he has the body and the skills to make an immediate impact at either the 3 or the 4.

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Signing Day: Godfrey, Wiggins and Gibson officially put pen to paper

Wednesday marked the early signing period for Division I basketball recruits in the 2022 recruiting class. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) three-star forward Chauncey Wiggins, Kimball (Dallas, TX.) three-star combo guard Chauncey Gibson and North Gwinnett …

Wednesday marked the early signing period for Division I basketball recruits in the 2022 recruiting class.

Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) three-star forward Chauncey Wiggins, Kimball (Dallas, TX.) three-star combo guard Chauncey Gibson and North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey all officially signed with the Clemson Tigers on Wednesday.

Wiggins verbally committed to Clemson on Sept. 24 over schools like Georgia, Maryland, USF and N.C. State. The Tigers got Wiggins on campus for an official visit from Sept. 10-12, which essentially sealed the deal on his recruitment.

“I feel like Clemson is the underdog ACC team,” Wiggins told The Clemson Insider. “They’re on the come-up. They just beat Duke. They just beat UNC.”

Wiggins (6-9, 200) ranks as the No. 25 power forward in the country and No. 4 prospect in the state of Georgia, per 247Sports.

He’s a versatile playmaker, who thrives playing along the wing. Wiggins expects to come in and play a similar role to that of senior forward Hunter Tyson, he said.

The Grayson product makes plays with the ball in his hands and creates scoring opportunities for himself. Defensively, he’s got the length to get his hands in passing lanes and be a disruptive force at the opposing end. He figures to play either the No. 3 or 4 position at the next level.

As for Gibson, he verbally committed to Clemson on Oct. 9 over schools like SMU, Texas Tech and Old Dominion. The Tigers were able to see Gibson on campus for an official visit that weekend and he didn’t leave Tiger Town without giving Clemson’s staff his verbal pledge.

“When I was down there and by the end of the visit, they made me feel like I was at home,” he told TCI. “The players, they treated me well, they made me feel like I was already a player on the team. I only hung out with five of them, but all five of them made me feel at home.

“The coaches made me feel at home. They told me some stuff that any player would love to hear, going to the next level. That played a big role. I really think they’re going to help me get to the next level.”

Gibson (6-6) out of Kimball (Dallas, TX.), has the size and the ability to shoot and pass at the ACC level. He also holds a unique height advantage as a tall point guard.

Last but certainly not least is Godfrey, who committed to Clemson on Wedneday afternoon. His signing became official on Thursday, but he plans on having a ceremony at his high school on Monday, Nov. 15.

“I thought Clemson was the perfect fit for me in terms of environment, just being there and experiencing that family environment,” he told TCI. “Also, from a basketball standpoint, I think Coach [Antonio Reynolds] Dean is going to heighten my potential, just like what he’s done, for example, Aamir Simms. Last year he really improved him as a player and I think he can do the same for me and get me to that next level.”

A correct characterization of Godfrey’s game is that he’s a versatile playmaker, who also has elite athleticism. He can switch 1-5 on defense and also play 1-4 on offense. Godfrey is also an above-average passer. Last season, he averaged four assists per game, which he added is the “most underrated” part of what he brings to the table.

The addition of another top-150 national prospect to the fold certainly boosts the recruiting class that coach Brad Brownell and staff have put together in this recruiting cycle. Godfrey joins Wiggins, who some recruiting services also view as a top-150 player, and Gibson, who could very well be in that conversation by the end of his senior campaign.

In any event, the Tigers have put together a really strong class and have one remaining open scholarship spot to fill.

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Priority target talks ‘surprising’ Clemson visit, approaching decision

The Clemson Insider checked in with a priority recruit in the class of 2022, who was on campus this past weekend. North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey took in an unofficial visit as he begins to narrow down his recruitment. …

The Clemson Insider checked in with a priority recruit in the class of 2022, who was on campus this past weekend.

North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey took in an unofficial visit as he begins to narrow down his recruitment. He dropped a top-6 last week, which includes Clemson, along with Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Ole Miss and Utah.

Standing at 6-foot-7, 210-pounds, Godfrey’s game is predicated on his versatility and top-flight athleticism. Of course, it helps that the top-150 prospect is the son of former NFL linebacker, Randall Godfrey.

“This weekend was my first time on Clemson’s campus,” Godfrey told TCI. “It was very surprising. It surprised me, as soon as I got up there, seeing the football field when you first get there and how the basketball [facilities] are right next to it. Me and my brother [Grant] automatically, just looked at each other because if we both end up at Clemson, we’d be right next to each other. That’s always good.”

North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) 2022 three-star power forward R.J. Godfrey and his brother, four-star linebacker Grant Godfrey during their unofficial visit to Clemson on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Godfrey spent most of his day in the basketball facility. He watched practice with a couple of other recruits.

“The practice went well,” he said. “I saw a lot of old guys I played against like [freshman forward] Ian Schieffelin and I grew up watching [sophomore guard] Chase Hunter. So, it was good seeing them practice again. The visit on Saturday, it was great. I got to see the training room, the locker room. All that was nice, top-tier stuff.”

Godfrey was able to get a sense of the family atmosphere that has become a huge selling point in Clemson’s recruiting pitch.

“What stuck out to me the most was probably how close everybody was,” Godfrey explained. “They had meals after practice. It was like a big ol’ meal for everybody there. The whole team was there. The camaraderie was there with the team. Also with [sophomore forward] P.J. Hall and Coach Brownell, they seem really close. Just like the camaraderie with everybody there. Coach [Kareem] Richardson too, we were all talking.”

He later was accompanied by Clemson head coach Brad Brownell for the football team’s 30-20 win over Florida State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. 

Godfrey and his brother, Grant, are close with Clemson’s true freshman linebacker Barrett Carter. Though, R.J. didn’t get to see his close friend score his first career touchdown to seal Clemson’s 10-point victory over FSU because he and his mother had left the game early for a meeting with Brownell and assistant coach Antonio Reynolds Dean.

“We really haven’t talked about the school as a whole,” Godfrey said of his conversations with Carter about Clemson. “He’s just like, ‘Hey man, pull up to Clemson. It’s the place to be. It’s great here. Just pull up.’ I might as well ‘cause it’s a great program and I mean, I love it there.”

According to Godfrey, Clemson started pushing him “real hard” about two weeks ago. He kind of figured an offer was eventually coming because every single coach on Clemson’s staff was in there to see him at one point.

The first time Godfrey met with Brownell was when he came down to North Gwinnett back in September. Clemson’s head coach watched Godfrey work out with his team as they prepared for the season ahead.

“He’s a really cool guy,” Godfrey said. “His track record is pretty good in terms of wins and getting guys to the league. We started building that relationship. We talked about a lot of football. He asked a lot about my dad and stuff. He and my dad got along well. Me and him, we really get along.”

While Brownell is heavily involved with Godfrey, he’s also been in contact daily with Lucas McKay. He was on FaceTime with Clemson’s director of recruiting for close to an hour on Tuesday night. Godfrey has also heard a lot from assistant coach Dick Bender, who’s maintained close contact with him over the past two months or so.

What part of Clemson’s recruiting pitch has resonated with Godfrey the most?

“Probably just how they see me as a high-level NBA guy like Coach Dean said he’s going to change me and change me for the better,” Godfrey said. “He said he’s gonna work with me. We went over a lot of film when he was down here last week, like pointing out my weaknesses and what I need to work on, but also pointing out some strong suits that he’s gonna get me better with. They’re really just pitching to me how they’re gonna change me as a player and get me to that high level, where I need to be.”

“I think because of my body and with my skill set, I could play right away,” he added. “They got the right people, they got the right coaches for me to succeed there. I sure do think I could play early there.”

Last week, Dean stopped by Godfrey’s practice. He was at his house the week before and has now been down to Suwanne, Ga. in consecutive weeks. That’s been a common theme, as he’ll have plenty of coaches visiting before he eventually makes his decision.

Godfrey had Ole Miss’s coaching staff come in to visit on Wednesday night, while Brownell and Dean will be at his house on Thursday evening. Texas Tech will be there on Friday and then Godfrey will take his final visit to Georgia Tech this weekend.

How does Godfrey envision the rest of his recruitment playing out? 

“During that dead period, I’m gonna make my decision within the next week,” he said. “I’m just gonna take time during that dead period and think about what school is the right school and I’ll make a choice.”

Godfrey is set out to make a decision sometime early next week and he plans on signing with his new team during the early signing period. 

“The recruitment process has been such a blessing because I’ve worked so hard for this,” Godfrey said. “This is all I dreamt for and prayed for at night. I’m sad that it’s ending, but I’m also happy that I’m choosing my next path in life.”

It’s a bittersweet moment for the Clemson target.

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Clemson in Final 6 for top Peach State prospect

An unofficial visitor, who was on campus this weekend, announced his final six schools on Sunday evening via social media. North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star shooting forward R.J. Godfrey is down to Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, …

An unofficial visitor, who was on campus this weekend, announced his final six schools on Sunday evening via social media.

North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star shooting forward R.J. Godfrey is down to Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Utah and Ole Miss.

Clemson offered the 6-7, top-150 prospect earlier this month. He was in The Valley this weekend, along with his younger brother, Grant, who is a four-star linebacker in the 2023 class that’s being recruited by Dabo Swinney and Co.

R.J. is also the son of former University of Georgia and NFL linebacker, Randall Godfrey.

Godfrey recently wrapped up a mid-week official visit to Texas Tech. He’s also been on official visits to Ole Miss and Utah, as well as unofficial(s) to Georgia and Georgia Tech.

He was among seven unofficial visitors on campus for Clemson’s basketball program this weekend.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Gibson details commitment with TCI: Clemson ‘made me feel like I was at home’

Chauncey Gibson wanted to feel like he was at home. He found that at Clemson. It’s why the Kimball (TX.) product didn’t leave Tiger Town without offering a verbal pledge, making him the second Chauncey to join Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class. Gibson …

Chauncey Gibson wanted to feel like he was at home.

He found that at Clemson.

It’s why the Kimball (TX.) product didn’t leave Tiger Town without offering a verbal pledge, making him the second Chauncey to join Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class.

Gibson detailed his decision with The Clemson Insider on Sunday night.

“When I was down there and by the end of the visit, they made me feel like I was at home,” he told TCI. “The players, they treated me well, they made me feel like I was already a player on the team. I only hung out with five of them, but all five of them made me feel at home. 

“The coaches made me feel at home. They told me some stuff that any player would love to hear, going to the next level. That played a big role. I really think they’re going to help me get to the next level.”

Gibson told Clemson’s coaching staff at Breakfast Saturday morning that he would be committing to the Tigers over schools like SMU, Texas Tech and Old Dominon.

Their reaction?

“They was happy. They was real happy, especially Coach Brownell,” Gibson said. “He was happy.”

Gibson’s recruitment was spearheaded by both assistant coach Antonio Reynolds Dean and director of recruiting Lucas McKay. Though, Clemson head coach Brad Brownell played a significant role throughout and during Gibson’s official visit.

What part of Clemson’s recruiting pitch resonated the most with Gibson?

“The way they was coming at me,” he said. “They came at me pretty hard. They came at me. They called every day, probably twice a day. They called every day, so that played a big part in it. I feel like I was a priority. I feel like they needed me and wanted me and I felt like I needed them and wanted to be there.”

Even though he’s been committed for just two days now, it means a lot to Gibson that Clemson continues to reach out every day and check in on him. That goes a long way.

While it was ultimately Gibson’s decision, his parents felt the same way about Clemson. That family feeling was apparent as soon he walked into the Littlejohn Coliseum. Everybody welcomed him with warm and open arms.

“When I walked in the arena, I was so amazed,” he said. “I was amazed. And then, when we went into breaking down what role I would be playing here, I was amazed that I would have to play a big role like that. I would think I would just come in being a shooter. They want me to come in and fill big shoes, facilitate the offense, knock down open shots. So, they want me to come in and be an all-around player. I gotta get stronger. I gotta get faster. I gotta get quicker. I gotta get more mentally smart. I’m in it to work. We gotta get the job done.”

Gibson touched on the role that Clemson envisions for him, but he provided some more details.

“I gotta come in,” he added. “I know one thing I gotta defend, be ready to defend 94-feet. Another thing they told me I gotta do, is really, I gotta rebound. That’s really it. Any coach wants a leader, but they want me to come in, lead the team. They’re gonna tell me what I do wrong and I gotta be coachable and everything.”

When Gibson was leaving to return home to Texas, fellow Class of 2022 commit Chauncey Wiggins was coming in. The four-star pledge, who was a major addition from Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), thrives playing along the wing and can play either the 3 or 4 positions for the Tigers.

“We talked on the phone,” Gibson said. “We linked up on the phone and everything. Two Chauncey’s. It’s already gonna be a problem with us two and the people that are already there? Yeah, it’s gonna be a problem. And then, we’re trying to get Ven-Allen [Lubin]. If we get Ven-Allen? Oh, yes.”

Gibson has already talked with Lubin a couple of times since Saturday. 

“I’ve told him that this is the place for him,” Gibson said. “This is where he needs to be. No other place!”

While he now puts on his recruiting cap as he tries to work Lubin, Gibson is quite happy he pushed back his own commitment date.

It allowed him to see what Clemson was all about and it certainly impacted his decision.

He couldn’t be happier to be a Tiger.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Clemson picks up major commitment from talented Texas prospect

Clemson has landed a new commitment in the Class of 2022, The Clemson Insider has learned. While on his official visit, Kimball (Texas) guard Chauncey Gibson, elected to commit to Clemson over schools like SMU, Texas Tech and Old Dominion. TCI first …

Clemson has landed a new commitment in the Class of 2022, The Clemson Insider has learned.

While on his official visit, Kimball (Texas) guard Chauncey Gibson, elected to commit to Clemson over schools like SMU, Texas Tech and Old Dominion.

TCI first reported that Gibson would be on campus from Oct. 7-9. He originally was going to make his college decision back on Oct. 7 but elected to delay the date of his commitment with that official visit to Tiger Town in mind. 

It turned out to be foretelling for Saturday’s news.

Gibson had told TCI that he felt at home during his SMU official visit and was hoping to get that same feeling while he was in Clemson. He was also looking for a school that felt like the best fit, one that had the best chance of developing him for the next level.

It appears he did on both accounts

In his recent conversation with TCI, Gibson described a familial-like relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff and his general impressions of the team, prior to his visit.

“The way their coaching staff is treating me, they’ve been down since the recruitment process started and opened back up and everything,” Kimball said this past week. “I like how they’ve been recruiting. They’ve been coming at me hard. I like the relationship I got with the coaches. I’m ready to get down there for my visit and see the campus and everything.”

The addition of another Chauncey to the fold further bolsters a recruiting class that’s off to a great start. 

The Tigers still have two scholarship spots available for the 2022 class with Gibson’s verbal pledge comes off the heels of Chauncey Wiggins’s commitment, which was just over two weeks ago.

Clemson has now added Gibson, a 6-6 point guard, who has the size and the ability to shoot and pass at the ACC level, and Wiggins, who is a versatile playmaker and thrives playing alongside the wing.

The Tigers also remain heavily involved with Orlando (Fla.) four-star forward Ven-Allen Lubin.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!