Former Tigers trained in Clemson to get ready for pro seasons
Four years ago, Aamir Simms, Gabe DeVoe and Marcquise Reed were a part of a Clemson team that made history by reaching the Sweet 16.
This summer, the trio was among a group of former Tigers players who trained at Clemson ahead of their upcoming pro seasons.
Several former Clemson players who are now playing professionally came back during the offseason to get in workouts at a familiar place with top-notch facilities.
“The facilities that we have here are very state-of-the-art, up to date with a lot of pro teams,” Simms told On3. “You’ve got your support staff. You’ve got the right people around you to make it a good experience. So it’s pretty cool to come back.”
Simms was a freshman on that Sweet 16 team, before going on to be an All-ACC performer for the Tigers.
As a senior, Simms led Clemson in points, rebounds and assists. He is currently playing in Europe for Paris Basketball but remains proud of where he came from.
“Clemson will always be home,” Simms said. “I got my degree here, so it’s definitely a second home for me.”
Reed worked out at Clemson prior to signing to play this upcoming season in Italy. Reed was one of the stars of the Tigers 2017-18 team, leading the way at 15.8 points per game.
“Being back brings back memories from when I played there,” he said. “It’s great being around guys that were there when you were in school. To know that the program is still running good and well is nice to see when you go back.”
Reed credits Clemson for helping him get to where he is today.
He still keeps in touch with several of his former teammates almost daily, including DeVoe, Shelton Mitchell, Donte Grantham and Elijah Thomas.
“Clemson gave me a chance to play at the highest level, so I will always be appreciative of that,” Reed said. “Coach Brownell took a chance on me being a mid-major kid, so I’ll always have that respect for him for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents at the highest level.”
Reed played in France the past three seasons, before signing to play in Italy this year.
He is thankful for all of the opportunities he has received through basketball, including playing at Clemson.
“It’s great when every time you go back you see a banner hanging up in Littlejohn. Then when you walk in the hallway you see the plaque hanging up in the hallway. To know that you were one of the teams to have such a great accomplishment, it’s a great feeling,” Reed said.
“They became my family once I went there and I kept that connection and relationship after basketball. It’s all love whenever I go back.”
In addition to Simms and Reed, DeVoe will play in France this season, while Jonathan Baehre will play in Germany. Former Tiger Jaron Blossomgame will play for AS Monaco in France this season.