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2017 NBA Draft: Chris Clemons returning to Campbell Fighting Camels

By Taylor Sturm

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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There might not be a better team name in all of college basketball than the Campbell Fighting Camels – and there might not be one happier right now, either.

Unless you pay close attention to the Big South conference or are from North Carolina, you have probably rarely heard of the Campbell Fighting Camels. After all, the Camels were dominated by every good team they played last season and play in a conference that only receives one automatic qualifier berth in the NCAA Tournament.

However, there are few players as explosive offensively in college basketball than Campbell’s Chris Clemons. Clemons, who averaged over 25 points per game last season while shooting over 44% from the floor, impressed so much that he began receiving attention from the NBA. At 5’9, many have even compared him to another spectacular, shorter scorer, Isaiah Thomas.

Fortunately for Campbell, Clemons decided to return to school after trying out the NBA Draft process without an agent.

Next season, Clemons should improve on his game even more. I expect his scoring totals to rise to about 30 points per game, and Campbell to be a bit more successful because of it. The Big South is far more competitive than most people think, so I’m not sure if Campbell can win it all just yet, but they are definitely one of the favorites along with Winthrop.

Next: Top players under 20 in the NBA Draft

You may not have heard of him yet, but remember his name, now, because Clemons will likely be playing at the next level very soon.