Joseph Girard III could’ve gone practically anywhere in the transfer portal following four impressive seasons at Syracuse. Instead of going to a blue blood, he chose Clemson.
From the first day of practice, Girard said he wanted to come to a place that he can win and play in the NCAA Tournament. Considering the Tigers were controversially denied a place in March Madness last season, it might’ve pushed an elite player away but Girard believed in this program.
Fast forward and Clemson reached its second Elite Eight in program history. Girard averaged 15 points and evolved as a defender throughout the season. Following the loss to Alabama, Girard sent a clear message to transfers about Clemson.
“Do it. For me, this place has been unbelievable. And it all goes back to the culture, really, and that’s what was attractive to me. The people at Clemson are great. I think I said that, like, the first week I got there. There was cookies at my apartment day from some random person that I still don’t know who it was to this day,” Girard said.
When talking about the Tigers, Girard has always said that it’s beyond what the team could do on the court that drew him so far from his home in upstate New York. The culture impressed him and it’s the people that made the decision simple.
“Clemson is just an unbelievable place. There’s unbelievable people. They obviously developed their players and they win a lot of basketball games. Anyone looking forward to living in a great place, playing with great people, playing for great people, and doing great things should go to Clemson,” Girard said.
With this season behind him, Girard calls Clemson a “home away from home” that gave him new brothers and another father figure in head coach Brad Brownell. He’s now helped paved the way for the future of this program.
For a program that’s coming off one of its best seasons in program history, Girard set the example and the message to any high-level transfers that the Tigers can be the place to elevate themselves as a player and win at the highest level.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
