Tag: Dick Bender

Clemson offer ‘a really big deal’ for fast-rising 2023 combo guard

It’s hard to describe just how big this past weekend was for a guy like Solomon Ball. The 6-3, 185-pound combo guard out of St. James School (Sharpsburg, MD.) raised his stock with an impressive showing during the Nike EYBL in Orlando. Ball’s …

It’s hard to describe just how big this past weekend was for a guy like Solomon Ball.

The 6-3, 185-pound combo guard out of St. James School (Sharpsburg, MD.) raised his stock with an impressive showing during the Nike EYBL in Orlando. Ball’s performance this past weekend culminated in offers from Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Pitt, Providence, Illinois and George Mason. 

“It was a big one,” he told The Clemson Insider regarding this past weekend’s performance. “I think most importantly, we won all four games and I was able to produce in all four games and that was a big contribution to why my recruitment just skyrocketed. It does change the path that I take and how long I may take to commit and stuff, but I’m just taking this stuff day by day. I think I had a pretty good performance. There’s always much more that I can do.

“I would’ve never imagined that it would’ve happened this fast. I’m just really blessed to be in its position. I know how much work I put in. I know how much work my parents put in and all my trainers to help me be where I am today.”

Ball was offered by Clemson assistant coach Dick Bender on Sunday, April 10.

“He just loved my willingness to win and my willingness to just compete, play hard, do whatever it takes for my team to win,” Ball said. “Although I shot over 50% for the session, there were parts in the game where my shot wasn’t falling and I would just crash the glass and do other stuff to help my team win and he really liked my effort.”

What was his reaction to finding out about the Clemson offer?

“It was pretty big because although I got Virginia Tech right before, getting Clemson after that, it was a really big deal,” he said. “It was right before one of my last games on Sunday when we played Team Herro and it just carried into my performance and I finished out the tournament. It just kept me motivated.”

This isn’t the start of Ball’s relationship with Clemson. He has been talking to assistant coaches Kareem Richardson and Lucas McKay since February.

“They’ve been recruiting me for a little bit,” Ball said. “It seemed like I was really building a relationship with them. It just shows that they really believe in me as a person and as a player.”

Ball says that he would definitely want to get down and visit Clemson and it’s just a matter of time at this point. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to building that relationship and I have three coaches on the coaching staff that I can text and just talk to if anything is ever up,” he said. “I just want to learn more about Clemson.”

Seeing how he would fit in at Clemson, Ball’s a fan of the way the Tigers utilize their guards. Clemson oftentimes expects a lot from its guards defensively, which tends to give them more freedom on the offensive end.

“That’s definitely my kind of style of play,” Ball said. “If a coach is relying on us to be able to play defense how a player’s capable of and just have that freedom on offense, it just gives a sign of building confidence and that confidence comes from the defensive end. When you’re giving effort on one side, you’re gonna put in the same amount of effort on the other.”

Ball describes himself as a three-level scorer, who has a 45-inch vertical and can guard positions 1-5 on the court.

He says that teams at the next level view him as a combo guard, who can guard just about anybody on the court. In his last game against Team Herro, the opposing team’s leading scorer was averaging 28 points per game and Ball held him to 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting from the field.

— Photo courtesy of @soloball1 on Instagram

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

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.

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

North Carolina guard talks Clemson offer with TCI

This North Carolina prospect from the Class of 2023 officially received an offer from Clemson back on Aug. 12. While it was a long-time coming and a bit of a surprise, Trey Green now has a Clemson offer under his belt. Green (5-11, 170) played his …

This North Carolina prospect from the Class of 2023 officially received an offer from Clemson back on Aug. 12.

While it was a long-time coming and a bit of a surprise, Trey Green now has a Clemson offer under his belt.

Green (5-11, 170) played his high school ball at Lake Norman Christian School before transferring this past year to a boarding school in Missouri.

He recently caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his recent offer from Clemson and where things stand with his current recruitment.

“Clemson has reached out to me a few times in the past, like after the AAU season,” Green told TCI. “Coach Bender actually called me and it was a 15-minute conversation. He just said he liked my game and felt like I fit the program and he offered me then.”

Green’s reaction?

“I was actually pretty surprised because in the past they would send me little messages and everything about the program and just fill me in on certain things,” he said. “And then all of a sudden they just offered me. I love the coaching staff. I love Coach Bender. I like it all.”

So far, Green’s relationship with Bender is “pretty solid.”

“He’s a cool guy,” Green added. “He got to know me and my family. He actually called my dad after he offered me, just to get to know him and fill him in on everything. He’s pretty cool…He’s been reaching out.”

Bender talked with Green again just the other day. Clemson’s assistant coach is trying to get Green down to Clemson to see the campus and everything before he heads out to Missouri for school.

Green will be attending Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City (MO.) in the fall.

He’d like to get to Clemson before he’s nearly 1,000 miles from home. 

Right now, Green is trying to figure out mutual dates that work with Clemson’s coaching staff, so he can come and look at the campus, watch the men’s basketball team workout and practice. They’re aiming for this week or early next week, Green said.

This summer has provided Green an opportunity to show what he’s made of on the AAU Circuit. He’s finally gotten a chance to perform at a high level in front of college coaches from around the country. Something that wasn’t readily available this time last year because of the pandemic.

“It feels really good, to be honest,” Green said, “Especially since I’m a shorter guard. It’s kind of harder to get a lot of that ACC attention, those big-time schools, those Power 5 schools. They’ve really been coming in lately, it feels real good out there.”

“At first, I’m not gonna lie, I was a little nervous playing in front of them,” he added. “They are really locked in on you, they watch everything you do from the time you’re out there to the time you touch the bench.”

Green reiterated that it felt really good to get the attention of big-time programs, especially Clemson.

Green has seen his recruitment take off since mid-July. In fact, since July 16, in addition to Clemson, he’s picked up offers from Virginia Tech, North Carolina A&T, Western Carolina, Howard, Nebraska, Boston College, USF, Wichita State and UMass. 

Prior to that, he held just one lone offer — Winthrop.

What do Clemson and Bender, specifically, like about Green’s game?

According to Green, Bender likes his athleticism, fiery competitiveness, shooting ability and the fact that he doesn’t back down from anybody.

Green is a shorter guard, but he prides himself on his shooting ability, his defense and his ball-handling skills, which he constitutes as his strengths on the court.

“I’m a really fiery guard that can defend, score at all three levels, shoot the ball and get after it,” Green said when asked to describe his playstyle.

Obviously Green still has some time before he needs to sit down and make a decision. He still has two years of high school ball left. Regardless, he’s already outlined some of the more important factors he’s looking for in a school at the next level.

“Clemson is definitely one of the top schools that I’m really considering, especially with Coach Bender and everybody there and the history behind Clemson,” he said. “I know a few good cats from where I’m from really and that I’ve worked out with that’s committed to Clemson. They talked about how they loved the system. They love Clemson.”

“I really wanna come down and see it for myself,” Green added.

Green has worked out with Tigers’ freshman guard Josh Beadle in the past. 

He also knows Trenton Simpson, who’s a sophomore linebacker on Clemson’s football team.

“He told me how he loves the school and it’s a great atmosphere to be in,” Green said.

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

Class of 2022 Minnesota recruit discusses his top-3 schools with TCI

While Clemson still hasn’t signed a prospect as a part of its 2022 recruiting class, the Tigers are in it until the end for this Minnesota recruit. Osseo (MN.) Senior High School’s Josh Ola-Joseph is down to Clemson, Minnesota and Loyola University …

While Clemson still hasn’t signed a prospect as a part of its 2022 recruiting class, the Tigers are in it until the end for this Minnesota recruit.

Osseo (MN.) Senior High School’s Josh Ola-Joseph is down to Clemson, Minnesota and Loyola University Chicago. 

Ola-Joseph (6-6, 200) dropped his final three schools on Monday evening via social media. He caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his current recruitment and what went into deciding that top trio of schools.

“The relationship with the staff, how straight-forward they are,” Ola-Joseph told TCI when asked about his decision to include Clemson in his top-3 schools. “They haven’t had any 2022 commits. They haven’t offered a lot of guys. They aren’t recruiting a lot of guys. So, I feel like they’ve made me a priority. That would be one of my top choices.”

Ola-Joseph’s relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff is not just through one coach. While he has a good relationship with assistant coaches Dick Bender and Kareem Richardson, all the coaches on the staff try to reach out to him a lot.

He recently took in a Zoom call with the staff and his family. They explained the ins and outs of Clemson from what happens on the court and in the classroom.

“I just really like the staff a lot,” he said. “[Clemson] is one of the best conferences in college basketball. They have a really good media presence. I feel like that could be a place where I blow up or show that I can play at the highest level.”

Now that Clemson has had the chance to significantly recruit Ola-Joseph, the staff has informed him how they would plan to use him, should he make the decision to sign with the Tigers.

According to Ola-Joseph, Clemson views him as a “big wing,” one that can shoot the ball, take advantage of smaller guards. They would use Ola-Joseph the way he wants to be used, he said. 

In AAU he posted up a lot, but a lot of teams haven’t seen what Ola-Joseph can do with the ball in his hands. Clemson saw that versatility first-hand when the Tigers came to watch him play at the MBCA Showcase in Minnesota.

In Ola-Joseph’s last conversation with TCI, he described himself as a “junkyard dog.” He added that he can guard multiple positions, which makes him “more marketable.”

Right now, Ola-Joseph doesn’t have a timetable for his decision, but he’d like to make one sooner than later. He plans on making visits to all three schools before making any final decisions.

As far as his senior season is concerned, Ola-Joseph is personally looking to develop into a better player, while shooting the ball at an improved clip. Team-wise, he wants to win more games this season.

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