Chase Hunter is running it back.
The Clemson point guard, who helped lead the Tigers to the Elite 8 for the first time in four decades, had declared for the NBA draft while maintaining his eligibility. On Wednesday, Chase made it official that he will forego the professional ranks and return to Tiger Town for a sixth season.
Chase Hunter was one of the most dynamic players for Clemson during the 2023-24 season. The fifth-year player was a steady presence on the court, and with his return, excitement is once again high for head coach Brad Brownell and the Tigers’ program.
Hunter was a solid role player during his first three seasons, but in 2022-23 his production skyrocketed, and he became one of Clemson’s best players. The 6-foot-4-inch guard averaged 13.8 points per game that season, and this past year scored at a 12.9 clip.
Chase shot a career-best 42.4 percent from the field this past season and 31 percent from three-point range as he was among the leaders for the Tigers from long distance.
The deadline for collegiate players to remove their names from the draft was Wednesday, and after going through the draft process, Chase thought it best to return for his sixth and final season of eligibility.
For his career, Chase Hunter has scored, 1,228 points in 133 games, which is an average of 9.3 points per game. He has a career shooting percentage of 41 percent and 32 percent from three-point range.
With Hunter’s return, Clemson basketball will once again be highly regarded in the ACC ranks and should bolster the Tigers’ chances to make another deep run in March.
