Insider notes on Clemson landing Syracuse transfer Joseph Girard

The Clemson basketball program picked up a big-time piece out of the transfer portal on Sunday in Syracuse transfer Joseph Girard.

The senior chose the Tigers over his other finalist in LSU.

Clemson head coach Brad Brownell and assistant coach Billy Donlon did an excellent job of recruiting Girard. The New York native had an in-home visit with Girard after he entered the portal. The visit went well, and Girard wanted to take a visit to Clemson to get a closer look at the program.

He spent time with Clemson’s older players during the visit and specifically spent a lot of time with Chase Hunter and PJ Hall.

I was told that Hall was critical in landing Girard and that the two bonded really well.

Girard was sixth in the ACC in scoring last season, averaging 16.4 points per game, while shooting better than 38 percent from 3-point range.

His familiarity with Clemson helped the Tigers land him as he has played at Clemson and against Clemson on multiple occasions. He likes the campus and the warmer weather.

Girard wanted to go to a good team with a good roster that has a chance to win, and he believes the Tigers offer that.

He is very competitive and isn’t afraid to throw his body around. Girard played quarterback in high school. He was described to me as fearless, both shooting and as a driver.

Girard is an excellent shooter, as everyone knows, but he can do much more than just shoot. He will play some at the 1 and some at the 2, while splitting time with Chase Hunter. He brings confidence, experience and skill to the Tigers program.

More Clemson hoops notes

Clemson has put together a very good roster between returning players and additions from the transfer portal.

The Tigers have a solid nucleus of older and experienced players to build around with Hall, Chase Hunter, Girard and Jack Clark.

Speaking of Clark, Clemson recruited him a little bit the first time he entered the portal, before he quickly committed to NC State.

Having played against Clark, the Tigers staff knew that he was long, athletic, competitive and capable of scoring in a variety of ways.

Clemson is unlikely to add anyone else to its roster, and the staff feels really good about the team it has put together.

This should be Clemson’s best team since the Tigers made the Sweet 16 in 2017-18.

The post Insider notes on Clemson landing Syracuse transfer Joseph Girard appeared first on On3.