Clemson lands three-star shooting guard John Newman

Clemson kicked off its 2018 class on Friday evening with the commitment of John Newman III, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard known for energy on both ends.

A competitive and aggressive off-guard that is capable of taking on lead guard responsibilities in spurts, Newman is best served in a scoring role. This spring on the Nike EYBL circuit, Newman is shooting better than 57 percent and 43 percent of his 3-point attempts.

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Newman selected Clemson over Virginia, Georgia Tech, Providence and Wake Forest, and his official visit made the difference.

“I think that they are on the come-up," he said. "They have some good guards coming in and a good big transfer. I think their basketball is on the rise and I just feel good about them winning this year.

"They really wanted me. They called and just really wanted me. I wanted to get somewhere that I was really wanted and a place that I can make an immediate impact but also develop.”

Clemson is due to lose Gabe DeVoe, Marcquise Reed and Shelton Mitchell in the coming years as Newman spoke on his potential role.

“They really want someone that can play both ways,” he said. “They don’t really have a defensive stopper on the perimeter and someone that wants to get stops, which they think I can be.”

The first commitment for Clemson in 2018, the Tigers will continue to track such others as Hunter Tyson, Immanuel Bates and Ian Steere. And, of course, there is Zion Williamson, an in-state, five-star forward whose father once played for the Tigers.