Clemson Men's Basketball: Chauncey Wiggins

Chauncey Wiggins shoots over a North Carolina player, in an 85-65 win. (Photo By: Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Junior forward Chauncey Wiggins has made huge strides this season to contribute to Clemson Men’s Basketball's 20-5 record. The Grayson, Georgia native led the team in scoring with 16 points in a win over Virginia Tech on January 25. He finished with four three-pointers and six total field goals. “He had one of his better games at Clemson,” head coach Brad Brownell said following the win. “Just consistency on both ends of the court.”

This consistency has been a struggle for Wiggins since last season. In December 2023, he showcased his potential with a career-high 19-point game on 8-of-12 shooting against Memphis. Behind the arc, he went 3-6 and contributed seven rebounds and two assists. Yet towards the end of ACC play, Wiggins seemingly lost his shot. In the last 20 games of the season, he recorded double-digits just once. During their eight February games, the forward only averaged 2.25 points, resulting in him losing his starting spot to Jack Clark. Clark then provided the rebounding and defensive spark needed to help the team to their Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament. 

Therefore, going into this season, Brownell wanted the six-foot-ten forward to step up. “We have challenged Chauncey to be more aggressive and get to the foul line,” Brownell said in preseason. “We want him to take the next step, and I think he will.” Wiggins has answered the call. He is currently averaging 9.2 points and 3 rebounds this season, both marking improvements from 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds last year. His efficiency is at a career-best, shooting 47% from the field and 40% from three-point range. He’s also started in 23 of the Tigers' 25 games. 

The former Grayson High School standout’s versatility makes him a valuable asset to the team. Wiggins can transition between small forward and power forward, opening the floor offensively for the Tigers while providing defensive length. Being former high school teammates with Ian Schieffelin has only aided the duo's powerful chemistry in the front court.  Coming off a dominant win over the North Carolina Tar Heels 85-65, the Tigers currently sit in second place in the ACC (12-2) and are ranked No. 23. As the Tigers look to continue their push for a trip back to the NCAA tournament, Wiggins' recent developments will have him prepared to make a strong impact.