Remember earlier today when I said that Clemson basketball desperately needed some guard depth with the rumor that Jaeden Zackery is unlikely to get a fifth year? Well, Brad Brownell listened and got the job done rather swiftly.
According to his social media pages, UAB guard transfer Efrem Johnson has committed to Clemson.
BREAKING: UAB's Efrem "Butta" Johnson has transferred to Clemson, per his social media.
— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) April 13, 2025
The former UAB guard helps continue to round out this roster, who spent three seasons with the Blazers.
The Tigers desperately needed guard play, and it looks like he's that addition.
While this may seem like a rather underwhelming addition, he was a major piece in UAB's NIT run. He didn't put up crazy numbers or anything, but he played about 27 minutes per game and he played 31 in a career sophomore season in 2023-24.
In that sophomore season with UAB, Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 43 percent from the floor and 36 percent from deep. He showed what kind of player he could really be.
This past season, he averaged 8.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists but he shot a career-low 37 percent from the floor and 32 percent from 3-point range. He was, however, automatic from the free throw line, making about 87 percent from the stripe and he never shot below 82.1% on freebies in his three-year career. Having that kind of player who can deliver at the line is a must.
I'd assume that Johnson (a 6-foot-4 guard) would play the role of backup and provide a punch off the bench or in a combo guard role with Dillon Hunter.
I would also assume that this means Brownell is looking to add one more starting-caliber guard before rounding out the roster and looking ahead to the 2025-26 season. With four transfers and three incoming freshmen, it seems as if the Tigers have one spot left.
Expect Brownell to use that last spot wisely.