The recruitment by Clemson of 6-7 Asa Thomas of Lake Forest, IL came together quickly, and ended rather quickly with Thomas announcing a commitment to the Tigers Thursday afternoon. Thomas chose Clemson from an offer list that included Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, DePaul, Northwestern, Iowa and Minnesota.
“I am super thrilled,” Thomas told the Chicago Sun Times. “What Clemson has to offer and the chance to play in the ACC, one of the best conferences in college basketball, is going to be an exciting experience for me and my family. I want to play big-time basketball and that’s the ACC…
“Coach Brownell and the staff are just awesome. The staff and school are a great fit for me. Plus, with coach (Billy) Donlon having gone to GBN (the Chicago area’s Glenbrook North), there was an obvious connection there as well.”
Brad Brownell and company first started to show serious interest in Thomas in late June after watching him perform on the summer circuit. Thomas visited Clemson in June and Brownell offered on June 21st. He and his staff were regular attendees for Thomas’s game in Atlanta last week.
“It comes down to who wants you and who prioritizes you,” Thomas told the Sun Times. “Clemson showed that to me from the start. My position is opening up there. They really pointed out how they need shooting and how I can step in and fill that role.”
Thomas was 3A First Team All-State last season after averaging over 17 points per game. He is Clemson’s first commitment for their 2023 recruiting class.
