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Clemson Basketball: Donte Grantham returning to the Tigers

By Connor Hope

Jan 28, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Donte Grantham (15) dribbles the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Clemson won 67-60. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Donte Grantham (15) dribbles the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Clemson won 67-60. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donte Grantham returns to a Clemson basketball team that aims to make its first NCAA Tournament in seven years.

After declaring for the draft and gauging his NBA Draft stock, Clemson forward Donte Grantham decided to return to school.

Last season, Grantham averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. This was a light step back from his 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during the 2015-2016 season.

This decision was predictable considering Grantham’s underwhelming efficiency shooting the basketball. While Grantham shot a serviceable .325 from deep last season, his overall .383 field goal percentage is severely underwhelming. Even his impressive free throw efficiency dropped from .846 in 2015-2016 to .742 last season, with Grantham only getting to the line half as often.

Grantham will need to improve this efficiency if he aims to raise his stock and get drafted after he graduates. With Clemson hoping to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011, Grantham could be a key piece.

Grantham, while not having the best shooting efficiency, has the size to defend strong wing players and is the team’s top returning rebounder. With the loss of key contributors from last season, including Jaron Blossomgame, Grantham will need to be a leader.

Grantham joins shooting guard Gabe DeVoe and graduate-transfer Mark Donnal, from Michigan, in the Tigers’ senior class. Juniors Shelton Mitchell, Marquise Reed, and David Skara, as well as sophomore Elijah Thomas and freshman A.J. Oliver, round out a roster that has the talent to climb the ACC standings and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

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Only time will tell, but, if Grantham improves his shooting efficiency and develops his wing defense, he could see his draft stock rise.