Baciu to the ACC
It has been quite some time since Clemson landed a marquee big man, but the Tigers did just that today when they landed 7-foot-1, 230-pound post player Catalin Baciu of Asheville (N.C.) Veritas Christian.
With a number of offers on the table, Baciu chose Clemson over North Carolina State.
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"I love the atmosphere and the academic support at Clemson," said Baciu. "And I really like the coaching staff. They showed a lot of interest in me, and I want to be coached by them. Hopefully, they can help me be a pro."
Baciu, who will return to his native home of Romania to play for the National Team this summer, has the tools to be a program changer and future pro according to his high school coach John Jordan.
"He is a program changer," said Coach Jordan. "At 7-foot-1, he can run the floor and has the shooting range that can give a team like Clemson a whole other look.
"If he gets more consistent with his shooting and bulks up about 20 or so more pounds, he has a really good shot at being a pro with his agility and shooting range."
Baciu, the No. 87 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks per game last season.
Catalin Baciu scouting report:
A finesse player in the Euro mold, Baciu can score with either hand and has a soft touch. His hands and feet are pretty good, but he definitely needs to bulk up and increase his aggression for the American game.