The loss to No. 8 North Carolina was often a struggle, but forward Ian Schieffelin continued his impressive season with a team-leading performance on both ends.

He finished the game with 16 points and 11 rebounds while adding four blocks and steals apiece. Right after halftime, Schieffelin willed the team to four points with relentless efforts on the offensive glass as well, something that’s become his calling card.

“Just really proud of him. He didn’t play quite as well against Miami but today, he stepped up and was huge,” Head coach Brad Brownell said.

While all the talk tends to be about the duo of PJ Hall and Joseph Girard III, Schieffelin is becoming the fan favorite according to Brownell.

“I told our team the other night before the game that guys you all think PJ, you’re the favorite. Joe, you’re the favorite because you make shots from 35 feet. This that and the other. Guys, it’s Ian Schieffelin. When I walk around town, the first guy people mention to me is Ian Schieffelin. It’s because some of us all look at Ian and like ‘how does this guy do that? Maybe I can do that.’ His heart is so big. His will to get balls and how accepting he is of what he’s trying to do. You just love coaching guys like that,” Brownell said.

While Schieffelin does give the hope to the average person as Brownell mentioned, he went on to remind everyone how good of a vertical athlete the Tigers’ motor is. It’s a large reason why he’s the team’s leading rebounder.

If the team as a whole had a strong day, Schieffelin would be looked at as a hero. Clemson is continuing to grow as a team, but his production elevates this group’s potential far more than it may seem.

“If you don’t enjoy coming to games and watching that dude play, you’re missing out because there’s not many better than that,” Brownell said.