New basketball pledge Chauncey Wiggins explains why he chose Clemson

On Friday, Brad Brownell’s basketball program landed Chauncey Wiggins, their first commit in the 2022 cycle.

Wiggins, who plays for Grayson High School in Loganville (Georgia), committed to the Tigers just a couple of weeks after officially visiting the school. Clemson beat out Georgia, Maryland, N.C. State and USF for Wiggins’ services.

In an exclusive one-on-one video interview with Wiggins, the senior prospect says he knew the Tigers would be his choice just a few days ago.

“I’d probably say after I took my N.C. State visit,” Wiggins said of when he made his decision. “I really narrowed it down to three and I was like, ‘Yeah, I really want to go to Clemson.’ They just got [Aamir Simms] into the NBA. Their development — when I watched their practices — I think their development is big. Also, the way Coach Brownell coaches.”

An official visit provides recruits an opportunity to spend an ample amount of time with both coaches and their potential future teammates. Wiggins got that full experience at Clemson when he visited Sept. 10-12.

“I learned that academics are really big,” Wiggins said. “The playing style is more of a dribble-drive. Also, the culture is really tight… I think I was big on playing style for me and the coaches. I feel like if I have the right coaches by my side and the playing style fits me, I feel like I can develop in that program.”

Something else that Wiggins took away from his official is the stellar weight and conditioning program Clemson has. He said that freshman Ian Schieffelin came in at 240 pounds, dropped down to 220, and put on muscle to get to 230.

Recapping Clemson’s pursuit, what he brings to the table

In our conversation with Wiggins, we asked him to go back to where things first started with Clemson. He noted that the program’s pursuit of him actually began nearly two years ago when they offered on Oct. 12, 2019. 

For Wiggins, Antonio Dean has been the coach he’s been in touch with the most from the staff.

“I want to say 15U when I was playing with TSF,” Wiggins said of when Clemson’s pursuit began. “It was Coach Dean. He came to my old school, Eastside, and saw me working out. A couple of days after, he offered me. That relationship is big-time with me and Coach Dean… [in our conversations], he was just seeing how I was doing because he really wants me to develop into the player I can really be.”

According to Wiggins, Dean and the Tigers will have a lot to work with when he arrives on campus next year.

The 6-foot-9, 197-pounder compares his game to that of NBA players Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, and broke down what he brings to the table.

“My game is I’m versatile,” Wiggins said. “I can shoot the ball. Can get the rebound and push it. Make the right play. I can guard one through five. I was watching Hunter Tyson a lot; he’s at the four spot. He’s leaving, so I feel like I can come in and play the four spot. Just a lot of dribble-drive, catch and shoot, coming off screens, backdoors, stuff like that.”

Wiggins on the Tigers: “I think Clemson is really, really tough.”

Unlike their football counterpart, Clemson is certainly not a powerhouse on the basketball court. Even so, they’ve enjoyed some success under Brownell as he’s lead them to three NCAA tournament appearances during his tenure.

Wiggins believes that his future team is flying somewhat under the radar, but has liked what he’s seen from them recently.

“I think Clemson is really, really tough,” Wiggins said. “People don’t look at them as tough. They’ve beaten some really good schools. I feel like they’re kind of the underdog of the ACC.”

Next year, Wiggins isn’t too worried about getting as many minutes as possible. Instead, his focus is on showing Brownell and his staff in practice what he brings to the table and his work ethic.

When his college career is all said and done, however, Wiggins does believe Clemson will have cut the nets at some point.

“Yes. Simple, yes,” Wiggins said when asked if he envisions the Tigers winning it all. “I feel like I’ll be developed and they have good guards there. I know they’ll bring in some more good guards. Also, the way Coach Brownell coaches, the toughness and the way they develop their players.”

Wiggins says he is expected to graduate from high school at the end of May next year, and should be enrolled at Clemson shortly after. He’s currently dealing with a hip flexor injury, but doesn’t expect to miss more than a week.

Tiger fans, be sure to watch some of Wiggins’ film by clicking HERE.