It’s official. All-ACC center and Clemson star PJ Hall is headed to the NBA. So what’s next for the Tigers up front?
Head coach Brad Brownell has relied on Hall as his big for years now, and ii’ll be a new look. The biggest concern at this stage is depth.
The starting lineup will be secure with Ian Schieffelin and Viktor Lakhin, but it gets a bit dicey afterwards. Incoming freshman Dallas Thomas could bring some early help to spell the starters.
Here’s a deep dive into the current depth chart. Another transfer could still be added to improve the roster.
F Ian Schieffelin
ACC’s Most Improved Player and overnight celebrity in Clemson, Schieffelin is the anchor of this team heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He averaged nearly a double-double with 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds.
Over the season, he averaged 27.4 minutes per game. That’s a mark that is sure to increase next year as he’ll be the mainstay in the frontcourt. With the development displayed as a junior, it’ll be key to see if he takes an even bigger step as a senior. Regardless, he’s the engine of this unit.
F Viktor Lakhin
Hall’s heir, Lakhin is a great player to fill the role. He played for three years at Cincinnati and his best season came as a sophomore? Averaging 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds.
While Hall was a big that would score all around the floor, Lakhin is an inside player with some range if necessary as he develops. I wouldn’t expect him to step out and shoot like his predecessor did.
The shoes are massive to fill, but Lakhin can do it with Schieffelin by his side.
F Chauncey Wiggins
If the NCAA Tournament was any indication, Wiggins could be turning the corner. He was productive in his minutes during the Elite Eight run, and that’s what Clemson needs.
Wiggins just has to be more consistent. He has the 6-foot-10 frame with the athleticism to match, he just has to turn it into bigger minutes. The door is open to be the sixth man with RJ Godfrey’s departure, he just needs to kick it down.
He averaged 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds over 17.7 minutes as a sophomore. Taking a step like Schieffelin did as a junior would be the perfect storm.