There’s nothing more important in recruiting than locking down your own backyard, and right now Brad Brownell is in the middle of a slugfest to keep South Carolina’s best right here in Tiger Town.
Clemson has planted its flag as the team to beat for Josh Leonard, the top dog in South Carolina and a consensus top-15 player in the country. The Wilson High phenom is exactly the kind of game-changer who can keep the Tigers riding high after that unforgettable Elite Eight run, and all signs point to the Orange and Regalia making a big impression.
A Budding Relationship
Leonard, a 6-foot-6 force who piled up 22.3 points and 12.9 boards a night last season, just made the trip to Littlejohn for an unofficial visit. Brownell and his staff aren’t hiding their intentions: they want Leonard to know he’s the centerpiece of the 2027 class.
That fit is a massive selling point. Clemson has built a reputation for turning versatile wings into stars, and Leonard’s knack for cleaning the glass and scoring from anywhere makes him the next in line to become a homegrown Tiger legend.
The Battle for the Palmetto State
Keeping Leonard in-state won’t be a walk in the park. The Tigers are battling South Carolina, NC State, and a surging Tennessee for his signature. But with Leonard looking to decide before his senior year tips off, Clemson is right where it wants to be—ready to pounce while the momentum is rolling.
Tiger fans know this story. When Clemson keeps the state’s best at home—think Spartanburg’s own PJ Hall—it leads to All-ACC honors and March magic. With guys like Zac Foster already showing what elite recruiting can do, Leonard is the next big piece to keep the Tigers climbing.
The 2027 Outlook
The Tigers haven’t landed their first 2027 commit yet, but if Leonard chooses Clemson, it’ll send a message across the ACC. He’s not just a big-time recruit—he’s a statement that Clemson basketball is here to stay.
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