Clemson basketball guard Hunting Hunter revealed Thursday at the 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,” said Hunter, who withdrew from the 2024 NBA draft. “I received feedback and had discussions with (coach from Clemson, 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. Yet he was not among the 45 prospects invited to the NBA G League Elite Camp in May and did not receive an invitation to the NBA Draft.
Hunter looks to raise his stock this season as former Clemson forward PJ Room did so when he returned for another season and signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets in July. While building his profile, Hunter wants to help Clemson reach its first Final Four after failing to make 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 in four games, after helping out at Clemson. reach the Elite Eight for the first time in 44 years.
Hunter’s return strengthens Brownell’s roster, which lost key contributors like Hall, Joseph Girard III, RJ Godfrey And Jack Clark. Brownell added. four transfers to team up with returning players and three new freshmen.
Clemson coach Brad Brownell on replacing PJ Hall
Hall was Clemson’s undisputed 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.
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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 come when Clemson faces adversity during the season.
“Do I think these guys have what it takes? They do,” Brownell said. “These are two great young men who are extremely positive examples for our program. I’m proud of them, but there will be a lot of tough days ahead for all of us, and I think they will overcome them.”
Brownell said Hunter and Schieffelin answered the call last season with Hall when the Tigers were 4-6 in conference play and made the necessary adjustments to finish 11-9 in the ACC. This season, they will have to do it without Hall.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Send him an email to [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article was originally published on Greenville News: Clemson basketball: Why Chase Hunter returned, replacing PJ Hall
