Clemson Tigers men’s basketball team has landed a big transfer as former Syracuse guard Joe Girard Transfers to Clemson. The news of Girard’s transfer to Clemson broke out on May 7th, and it has generated a lot of buzz in the college basketball world.
Girard’s decision to leave Syracuse, a program where he played for two seasons and had a significant role, was not an easy one. The Glens Falls, NY native had a solid start to his college career, averaging 12.4 points per game and shooting 36.7% from three-point range as a freshman. He followed that up with a 9.8 points per game scoring average in his sophomore season, where he made 25 starts.
Girard’s departure from Syracuse is a loss for the Orange, but it’s an excellent addition for the Clemson Tigers. Brad Brownell’s team finished the 2022-23 season with a 16-16 overall record and a 7-13 mark in the ACC. With Girard joining the Tigers, they will get a player who has experience playing in one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country, the ACC.
Girard’s ability to shoot the basketball from 3-point is what makes him a valuable addition to the Clemson roster. He has proven to be a reliable three-point shooter in his two seasons at Syracuse, connecting on 127 triples at a 36.9% clip. The Tigers struggled from beyond the arc last season, shooting just 32.7% from distance, so Girard’s arrival should help boost their perimeter shooting.
The addition of Girard should also give the Tigers more depth at the guard position. Clemson relied heavily on Hunter Tyson and Chase Hunter to handle the bulk of the backcourt duties last season. With both of them gone. Brownell will have another option at his disposal. Girard can play both point guard and shooting guard, and his versatility should make him an excellent fit for Clemson’s offense.
The Tigers’ success in the upcoming season will hinge on the team’s ability to improve defensively. Clemson finished 126th in the country in defensive efficiency last season, according to KenPom.com. Girard is not known for his defensive prowess, but he has shown that he can hold his own on that end of the floor. He averaged 1.1 steals per game in his two seasons at Syracuse and has shown the ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands.
Girard’s transfer to Clemson is not just a win for the Tigers; it’s also a testament to the program’s ability to attract quality talent. Clemson is not known as a traditional basketball powerhouse, but Brownell has done an excellent job of building a program that is competitive in the ACC. In recent years, the Tigers have had success in recruiting, landing players like Aamir Simms, John Newman III, and PJ Hall.
Girard’s decision to transfer to Clemson is also an indication of the changing landscape of college basketball. With the NCAA allowing players to transfer without penalty, it has become easier for players to seek new opportunities if they feel their current situation is not working out. Girard’s decision to leave Syracuse after two seasons is an example of this.
In conclusion, Girard’s transfer to Clemson is a significant development for both programs. The Tigers get a player who can shoot the ball from a distance, provide depth in the backcourt, and contribute to the defensive end. Girard, on the other hand, gets a fresh start and a chance to play for a program that is on the rise. It will be exciting to see how Girard fits into the Clemson offense and how he adapts
to a new system and a new environment. With his experience playing in the ACC, Girard should be able to make an immediate impact for the Tigers and help them improve on their 2022-23 season.
The addition of Girard also highlights the importance of the transfer portal in college basketball. With players having more freedom to choose where they play, it’s become easier for programs to improve their rosters quickly. Girard’s decision to transfer to Clemson is a prime example of this. It’s also a reminder that recruiting is not just about landing top high school prospects but also about finding quality transfers who can contribute immediately.
Overall, Girard’s transfer to Clemson is a win for both programs. The Tigers get a talented player who can help them improve on both ends of the floor, while Girard gets a fresh start and a chance to play for a program on the rise. It will be interesting to see how Girard adapts to his new surroundings and how Clemson utilizes his skills on the court. With the addition of Girard, the Tigers are looking to make a push in the ACC and compete for a spot in the NCAA tournament in the upcoming season.
