The expectations for Clemson guard Joseph Girard III coming into the 2023-24 season were high and rightfully so. Transferring after four impressive seasons at Syracuse, it took some time for him to truly come into his own as a Tiger.

Girard had some flashes in non-conference play with 23 points against Boise State and 16 against Alabama. Still, it didn’t feel like the Girard people expected to see. He’s one of the best shooters in the country, but he wasn’t posing that massive threat to opposing defenses for Clemson.

That changed in the one-point loss to Virginia. Brad Brownell detailed postgame that Girard has the “green light” anywhere on the floor. He had 14 points, including 4-6 from behind the arc and a make from 30 feet that sparked a fired up Littlejohn Coliseum. That’s the threat he came to the Tigers to bring, and it carried over into the trip to Tobacco Road.

Clemson’s win over No. 3 North Carolina couldn’t have came at a better time, and Girard’s momentum was a massive impact in the victory. Every time the Tar Heels delivered a blow, Girard responded with a silencing three-pointer. None bigger than his confident pull-up with 2:08 to play that ended as the dagger. That extended the lead to 75-70 and made hope bleak for the ACC’s top team.

If the Tigers plan to make noise in the NCAA Tournament, Girard’s ridiculous shot-making must be a key part of the offense. Albeit he’d been working into Clemson’s defensive system, it likely played a factor in him finding rhythm. On top of that, it’s an inside-out offense that doesn’t lead to such a high volume for Girard.

All this being said, March is a different beast and elite scoring is king when your season is on the line. Girard brings that and his recent rise is right on time.