Clemson basketball recently upgraded its outside shooting by flying into the transfer portal. Out of it, the Tigers were able to land sophomore guard Jake Heidbreder of the Air Force Academy. This past season, the Floyd Knobbs, Indiana, native led the Falcons in scoring, averaging just over fifteen points per game while being named to the All-Mountain West Conference third team. He was the program’s first to do so as a sophomore since 2013.
The 6-foot-5 guard shot 48.8 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from 3-point range this past season. As a freshman, he scored at a ten-point-per-game clip.
Heidbreder recently spoke with SportsTalk SC to discuss his commitment to Clemson and their head coach, who happens to have ties to the Hoosier State.
“We obviously have an Indiana connection just because basketball is different in Indiana, as a lot of people know,” Heidbreder said in describing his relationship with Evansville’s own Brad Brownell. “I think the love for the game that many Indiana people possess just connects you in a different way.”
When narrowing the field of possible suitors, Heidbreder says his style of play seems to mesh perfectly into the DNA of the Tigers.
“I think a couple things that led me here were definitely the feeling of fitting in personality-wise and just being able to take my game to another level with the facilities and resources at Clemson. I think I can fit in very well in the style of play under Coach Brownell and will do anything asked of me to help the team. I’m not too big on talking about myself, but I think Coach Brownell sees that using my strong work ethic, I can grow and bring a versatile skill set, and do whatever is asked of me to help Clemson basketball succeed.”
Another selling point was Clemson’s association with the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“I mean, growing up around Louisville, Kentucky, I grew up watching ACC basketball and its success, and I’m super excited to be able to play in such a big basketball conference.”
Heidbreder anticipates moving to Clemson over Memorial Day weekend.
