HUGE BOOST TO TIGER HOOPS PROGRAM
Clemson University junior basketball forward Jaron Blossomgame (official bio) is withdrawing his name from consideration in the upcoming National Basketball Association (NBA) draft. That means he will return to Clemson for his senior season – a major boost to the Tigers’ program.
“I appreciate everything Coach (Brad) Brownell and his staff have done for me throughout this process, and I feel that the best decision for me at this time is to come back for my senior year at Clemson,” Blossomgame said. “We’ve got a strong team coming back, and I’m excited to open a new Littlejohn Coliseum. This was a very difficult decision, but I’m at peace with it.”
The first-team All-ACC performer averaged 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds last year – the best scoring performance by a Tiger Hoopster in a decade-and-a-half.
“Jaron wants to be a first-round draft pick, and in some ways that’s why he’s coming back,” Brownell said. “But at the same time he loves it here, he knows the type of team we can have next season, and feels there are bright things in our program for our team and for himself. We supported Jaron with whatever he decided to do, but obviously we’re excited he’s coming back for his senior year.”
A 6-foot-7, 220-pound power forward from Alpharetta, Georgia, Blossomgame worked out for several NBA teams and impressed scouts at the NBA combine with his athleticism – especially his 41-inch maximum vertical leap.
Still, he apparently didn’t think he would be selected within the first forty picks of the draft – prompting him to hold out until next year.