Tigers veteran guard Chase Hunter announces final decision on NBA draft or Clemson return

Chase Hunter officially made his call to come back for a sixth season in Clemson.

Brandon Rink - Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer - Wednesday, May 29 2024

Clemson’s backcourt received a veteran boost for the 2024-25 campaign.

Chase Hunter officially withdrew his name from the NBA draft to return for a sixth season with Clemson men’s basketball.

"Clemson family, let’s run it back one more time!" Hunter said on social media.

Hunter announced his entry into the NBA draft process on April 17 but unlike Elite Eight teammate PJ Hall, he did not hire an agent in the process and kept his eligibility to return.

Hunter earned NCAA Tournament All-West Region honors with 20.5 points and six assists per game in two wins within the Memphis pod and then 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the 77-72 upset of 2-seed Arizona.

Hunter averaged 17.8 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament. Over the season, he scored a bit less than his fourth season (12.9 PPG v. 13.8) but lowered his turnover average (2.3 to 1.8) and upped his free throw percentage (81.3 to 85%).

In addition to Hunter’s return, the Tigers went to the transfer portal for additions in former Cincinnati big man Viktor Lakhin, former BC guard Jaeden Zackery, former Duke center Christian Reeves and former Illinois State forward Myles Foster. Air Force guard transfer Jake Heidbreder is also set to see his first playing time in Clemson after redshirting last year.

Other returners from the March Madness run are Dillon Hunter, Ian Schieffelin and Chauncey Wiggins. Redshirting forward Asa Thomas is also back, joining a freshman class also including 4-star prospects Ace Buckner, Del Jones and Dallas Thomas.

Clemson’s top-two scorers from last season are departing with Hall (18.3 PPG) and Joseph Girard III (15.1), as well as transfer exits in RJ Godfrey, Alex Hemenway, Jack Clark and Josh Beadle.