Why Chase Hunter returned for sixth season on Clemson basketball team

Clemson basketball guard Chase Hunter revealed Thursday at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte why he returned for a sixth season.

“My dream is definitely to play in the NBA, so I wanted to try that out,” said Hunter, who withdrew from the 2024 NBA Draft. “I got some feedback and had some talks with (Clemson coach Brad Brownell), and we thought the best decision for me was to come back.”

Hunter tested the NBA draft waters, participating in team workouts throughout the spring. Still, he was not one of the 45 prospects invited to the NBA G League Elite Camp in May and did not receive an NBA draft combine invitation.

Hunter looks to boost his stock this season like former Clemson forward PJ Hall did when he came back for another season and signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets in July. While building his profile, Hunter wants to help Clemson make its first Final Four after it fell short in the Elite Eight last season.

Hunter averaged 12.9 points on 42.4% shooting, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds over 36 games in 2023-24. He made the 2024 NCAA Tournament All-West Region team, averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and two steals over four games, after helping Clemson reach the Elite Eight for the first time in 44 years.

Hunter’s return boosts Brownell’s roster, which lost key contributors like Hall, Joseph Girard III, RJ Godfrey and Jack Clark. Brownell added four transfers to pair with returning players and three incoming freshmen.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell on replacing PJ Hall

Hall was Clemson’s unquestioned leader last season, leading Clemson in points and blocked shots. With him in the NBA, the Tigers need Hunter and last year’s ACC most improved player, Ian Schieffelin, to fill his void.

MORE: Clemson basketball ACC schedule 2024-25: See every game, including Duke, North Carolina

Brownell, who signed a three-year contract extension in July, said both have done a solid job so far in the offseason, but their real test will happen when Clemson faces adversity during…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-chase-hunter-returned-sixth-211606132.html

Author : Greenville News

Publish date : 2024-10-10 21:16:06

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