What Clemson is getting in transfer forward Naz Bohannon

On3 imageby:Matt Connolly05/12/21

MattConnollyOn3

CLEMSON — Even with spring football over, there is still plenty going on at Clemson. Senior writer Matt Connolly is ready to answer whatever questions you might have. You can submit your question for the “Question of the Day” here. Today’s question is about Clemson basketball.

Clemson basketball received a big-time addition from the transfer portal Tuesday night as Youngstown State forward Naz Bohannon committed to the Tigers.

The 6-foot-6, 228-pound Bohannon led Youngstown State in points and rebounds last season, averaging nearly 17 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

He had interest from other Power 5 programs, including PAC 12 and SEC schools, but ultimately chose to come play for Brad Brownell and the Tigers.

“The program, it speaks for itself as far as coach Brownell wanting to play defense, play hard. I like that,” Bohannon told ClemsonSports.com. “I feel like I can come in and make an impact. I feel like it can fulfil my dream of getting to the tournament.”

Arkansas, Oregon State and Vanderbilt were among the teams to reach out to Bohannon after he entered the portal late last month.

However, his relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff, particularly Antonio Reynolds Dean, helped the Tigers come out on top.

“Since I got into the portal, the first coach to call me was coach Dean,” Bohannon said. “He just was real genuine. As I got to meet the rest of the coaches, they were the same exact way. So I could respect that. We built a great relationship in the short time of us knowing each other.”

Bohannon should help the Tigers replace big men Aamir Simms and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who are no longer on the roster. Simms graduated and is moving on to professional basketball, while Prosper transferred after the end of last season.

Bohannon is a player with a high motor who is a really good rebounder and who can score in a variety of ways.

“I’m going to bring toughness. I’m going to be versatile, be a vocal leader,” he said. “A guy who coach won’t be able to doubt. He can know if he throws me in he’s going to get everything I have from me.”

The Tigers made the tournament for the second time in the three years that it has taken place during the 2020-21 season. Bohannon is hoping to help Clemson back there once again in 2021-22.

“That definitely factored into my decision, just because I’ve never been and I want to go,” he said. “Who’s to say that we can’t go win the regular season championship or ACC Tournament, on top of getting to the tournament.”