Tigers guard transferring to South Carolina |
Transfers aren't uncommon with a change in coaching staff, but this case is a little different.
Graduate guard Nelly Perry, who led Clemson women's basketball in scoring (12.7) and assists (2.9) in 2016-17, has committed to sign with a rival in South Carolina, per her former club team. Perry was forced to sit out what would've been her final year of eligibility last season at Clemson with a shoulder injury. Perry averaged 14.3 points as a sophomore, including a career-high 33 points versus Boston College. While unusual, Perry isn't the first athlete to cross Palmetto State rivalry lines, even if it's been awhile in some sports. Paul Williams was the last to letter for both schools, earning a letter for Clemson in 1978 and South Carolina in 1980. Former Clemson DB Kaleb Chalmers, who was dismissed before taking a snap in 2016, didn't record a tackle in one season at South Carolina before deciding to transfer in December. In baseball, right-handed pitcher Tyler Jackson started his college career with the Gamecocks but never played a game there, eventually arriving in Clemson after stints with USC Lancaster and USC Upstate. The transfer stacks the deck a little more in the favor of a South Carolina program a year removed from a national title. South Carolina has won each of the last eight matchups between the rivals by 14 points or more. New Clemson coach Amanda Butler takes over for Audra Smith, who was not retained after a 52-99 run as Clemson's coach (9-70 in ACC play). Butler coached at her alma mater for 10 seasons most recently with four NCAA Tournament appearances.
Congratulations to #StarsAlum @nelly_perry on her Commitment and Signing to @GamecockWBB and @dawnstaley!! @SEC Bound #Another1#StarsPride #StarsElite #StarsProducts #StarsFamily #StarPower #HomeMade pic.twitter.com/MiVHFwoDot
— PF STARS ELITE (@ThePFStars) May 7, 2018
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