Jaron Blossomgame was one of, if not the most improved players in the ACC last season.

Among all league players, Blossomgame had the fifth-best scoring average improvement from 2012-13 (4.9) to 2013-14 (13.1). He also scored in double-figures in 25 of 31 games and was responsible for 12 of Clemson’s 14 double-digit rebound games.

Head coach Brad Brownell believes Blossomgame is “consistently the hardest worker” to come through the program during his tenure at Clemson.

“He really wants to be a good player,” Brownell said. “It’s interesting, because some ofthe things of the game haven’t come as easy to him. Some of the nuances or natural feel that some guys have, maybe haven’t come as easy to J.B. as they have to Donte (Grantham).

“But J.B. wills himself with working out and competing to just be better and get the most out of his ability. He’s in the gym all the time. He’s competitive in the weight room.

He’s competitive through his injury rehab.

“He has belief, positive belief in himself, even though difficult times, which is sometimes different than most kids. Most kids aren’t that way. They doubt themselves much quicker and lose confidence. J.B. has been a guy who’s been able to fight through all that. That’s part of what made him have such a good jump to last year.”

Brownell believes Blossomgame will continue to ascend in year three.

“He’s stayed pretty hungry,” Brownell said. “He still worked as hard this summer as anybody on our team. He always wants to do more. He’s going to go in there and get more shots up. He’s pushing other guys. It’s no question he’s a leader on our team.”

Coming out of Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta, Ga., Blossomgame was a four-star prospect and the No. 94 overall player in the class of 2012, according to ESPN.

Professional basketball appears to be apart of his career path. However, with two years of college ball still head of him, there’s plenty of time to determine where his next stop will be.

“I don’t know where his ceiling is,” Brownell said. “He’s certainly working for it. We’ve worked really hard with him on his perimeter skills over the last year and a half — two years really.”

Brownell and the Clemson staff want to see Blossomgame take the next step, by improving his shooting, dribbling, ball handling and passing.

“He’s a guy that’s got to continue to learn how to create for others. That’s a major step that you’ve got to take as you become a good scorer, a good player,” Brownell said. “Can you draw two and get other guys shots? Is your mentality such? Is your skill set such? That’s going to be part of what he’s got to do this year.”

That tireless work ethic sure makes it seem possible.