Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell Thursday got the best news of his offseason when All-ACC Forward PJ Hall announced that he had withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will return to school for his senior season. Hall’s decision had to be a big exhale moment for Brownell and staff as his departure would have been a major blow to their chances of an NCAA Tournament season in 2024.
Hall impressed NBA people in a pre-combine camp earlier this month and was invited to the combine in Chicago, no doubt raising concerns on the Clemson staff that he might show out enough to move up draft boards. But Hall apparently never got the feedback that he would be sure thing in the draft and opted to return to college.
“I’m thrilled that PJ decided to return to Clemson. I’m proud of how he performed at the NBA Combine, gaining valuable experience in the process,” Brownell said in a statement. “He’s one of the best players in our league and I’m counting on him and others to help lead a very talented group this season.”
The 6-10 Hall should contend for All-American consideration this season if he can stay healthy, which has been an issue, and continue to build on his stats. Last season he averaged 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He shot 54% from the floor, 40% from three and 79% from the foul line.
Hall becomes the top returning scorer in the ACC for 2023-24 after averaging 17.6 points per game last year in league play. He also totaled 6.6 rebounds per contest and added 21 blocks.
With Hall staying, the Tigers now have their 13 scholarships accounted for. There are eight players returning from last year’s team, four transfers from other programs and one high school.
