Enter the hardwood where dreams are spun from the swish of the net and the echo of the crowd. It’s a place where legends are born and where the cream of collegiate basketball rises to the top. Amongst those aspirants for greatness is Clemson’s own PJ Hall, who is dominant on the court.
From Spartanburg to Clemson, the journey of PJ Hall has been one of unwavering dedication and startling achievement. As the Basketball Hall of Fame revealed its heralded shortlist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, Hall’s name gleamed among the leading centers in Division I hoops. This is no mere ceremonial nod, but a testament to the thunderous impact the Clemson senior has made on the game.
Statistics don’t lie, and they surely don’t for PJ. Second in the ACC for scoring, he’s a danger whenever the ball meets his fingertips. When Hall has the ball everyone has their eyes on him. Yet, it’s not just the points; it’s the grit, the blocks, the ferocious challenge he poses to every rival in the paint. A legacy is more than numbers. It’s etched in the soul of a team, in the ebb and flow of adrenaline that pulses through every pass, every leap, every decisive second.
But what sets Hall apart isn’t just his athleticism; it’s the intangibles. The unyielding drive that propels him, not just to the rim, but forward in life. He embodies the excellence that makes him not only a soul on fire but a beacon for those who dare to dream. It’s a journey that began with a young baller crafting his art on local courts and continues with a mature leader, ready to lift not just his team, but his beloved Clemson Tigers, to unparalleled heights.
Hall is a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. He’s lighting up the scoreboard with an impressive average of 19.9 points per game, ranking second in the conference. But that’s not all – he’s also making his presence known on the boards, snagging 7.1 rebounds per game and securing the 11th spot in the league. Talk about a double threat!
What sets Hall apart is his incredible shooting accuracy. He’s nailing shots at an impressive rate of 50.9 percent, putting him in fifth place among all players in the ACC. And let’s not forget about his defensive skills – he’s a dominant force, ranking second in the conference and 40th nationally in blocks per game with an average of 1.90.
Not only is Hall a statistical powerhouse, but he’s also received well-deserved recognition for his talent. He was named ACC Player of the Week on December 4th and has earned a spot on the prestigious Lute Olson Award Watch List.
Speaking of accolades, Hall has proven time and time again why he belongs among basketball’s elite. He made it onto both the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List and the Midseason Top 25 list. And here’s a jaw-dropper – he currently holds an outstanding streak of double-digit scoring performances for an impressive total of 30 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Hall stands out as one of just three players in the entire country who can boast averages of at least 19.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this season – joining an exclusive club alongside players from Purdue and UNC Asheville.
So, where do we go from here? The final act is yet to be written, but this much is certain. Whether Hall’s name is to be engraved on the illustrious award or not, his impact on the sport is already enshrined in the hearts of fans, the history books, and the lore of the game itself. Clemson’s PJ Hall is more than a player; he’s a torchbearer, igniting the future of basketball with every stride, every challenge, and every victory. The award would be an accolade, a validation of his tenacity, but it’s the journey that’s made him — and it’s far from over.
2024 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Candidates
- Johni Broome, Auburn
- PJ Hall, Clemson
- Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
- Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
- Dawson Garcia, Minnesota
- Armando Bacot, North Carolina
- Zach Edey, Purdue
- Joel Soriano, St. John’s
- Donovan Clingan, UConn
- Branden Carlson, Utah
