Clemson basketball lands commitment from top-150 prospect

CLEMSON — One of the top 150 players in the country has committed to Clemson.

Three-star forward Asa Thomas committed to the Tigers on Thursday, choosing Clemson over offers from Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and others.

Thomas is the first commit for Clemson in the class of 2023.

The Illinois native is ranked as the No. 140 overall player in the country, according to the On3 consensus rankings. On3 ranks Thomas as the No. 129 overall player nationally.

“The chance to play for Coach [Brad] Brownell, Clemson’s all-time winningest basketball coach, at an original ACC school, is one I couldn’t pass up,” Thomas told On3’s Joe Tipton. “The atmosphere in Littlejohn is top notch and will be a great place to play home games. Clemson’s strong academic reputation was also a big factor in my decision. It’s an ideal combination of academics and athletics for me. All the resources available for student athletes are really impressive. Go Tigers!”

Thomas earned an offer from Clemson on June 21 and told On3 at the time: “I love Clemson.”

He visited Clemson in June and was offered by the Tigers shortly thereafter.

“The coaching staff and players are great people and it seems like I could fit well there. I’m very grateful to have gotten an offer,” Thomas said. “The facilities were top notch, and everyone in every department of the school is very enthusiastic and wants the best for the student athletes, which is great. They said they needed some shooting and they feel that I could fit that role.”

Scouting Summary of Clemson commit Asa Thomas

Asa Thomas has good size with a sturdy frame and good length. He is a tough-nosed player. High IQ. He can move his feet as a team defender on the wing. Will bang down low and use leverage. The lateral quickness will be the question, lack of explosive pop. But he knows his game. He has a quick release on his jump shot and moves well off the ball. He can handle the ball for two and three dribbles in the half-court. – On3’s Jamie Shaw, National Recruiting Analyst