Back in the seventh grade, somewhere in Mission Viejo, California, a young Nick Davidson wrote down his goals on a piece of paper. One of them: "Play ACC basketball."
Eleven years later, that goal is finally being crossed off the list.
Even though the season hasn't officially started, Davidson, the Tigers' new star transfer forward, is already soaking in the moment.
"It’s been a goal of mine to play ACC basketball since I was in seventh grade," Davidson said. "I wrote that down on a piece of paper and [it's] cool to fulfill that."
Every March, Davidson was glued to the TV, watching the ACC's elite. "I felt like those were the best teams," he said. But for the All-Mountain West transfer from Nevada, just getting to the ACC isn't the end goal. It's about what he can do now that he's here.
The New Mission: A Deep March Run
Clemson is fresh off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, including a magical Elite Eight run. Davidson, however, is still chasing his first taste of the Big Dance.
"So far, I haven’t made a tournament run, and I’d love to do that here," Davidson said. "I think we have the team to do that, and just got to keep working and getting better."
The 23-year-old forward, known for his high-intellect play, is already thriving under head coach Brad Brownell, a coach he praises as a true "teacher" of the game.
"This is my fifth year in college basketball... and I never thought I’d still keep learning stuff every day," Davidson said. "Having a coach that really values intellect and teaches the game... it’s awesome to get that perspective from a new place."
No Chemistry Issues Here
While some see a roster overhaul—six new transfers, including Davidson—and expect a chemistry disaster, Davidson scoffs at the idea. He sees a group that has already clicked.
"We got a bunch of guys who can really play, and, more importantly, I think we play well off each other and with each other," he said. "I think we got the good chemistry, just got to keep working."
Davidson's high school goals may not have all panned out, but his college list is just getting started. As Clemson tipped off its season, the veteran forward is officially on the clock, ready to "chip away" at the only goal that matters to him now: a deep run in March.