Former Clemson Tigers Football Star Earns NBA Opportunity

Former Clemson Tigers tight end Ian Schieffelin is taking an opportunity in the NBA as he is joining the Miami Heat's Summer League team.

Schieffelin played four seasons for the Tigers basketball team, but put his professional basketball dreams on hold for a year to play tight end for Clemson.

Schieffelin appeared in eight games for Dabo Swinney's team, hauling in two receptions for 10 yards. He has now returned to basketball and will look to earn a spot in the NBA. 

Schieffelin played four seasons for the Tigers and progressed each season. In his freshman campaign, he averaged 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 39.5 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three. 

He became a more impactful player in his sophomore season, averaging 5.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, shooting 51.1 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arc.

Schieffelin became a near double-double threat on any night in his junior season, as he averaged 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 56.4 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from deep. 

He played well again in his senior season, averaging 12.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 49.5 percent from the floor and 34.1 percent from distance.

Schieffelin joins Jestin Porter and Chase Hunter as former Tigers playing in Summer League, with Porter set to play for the Memphis Grizzlies and Hunter joining the Golden State Warriors.

The Tigers currently have one player in the NBA on a contract, as PJ Hall is on a two-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets. Hunter Tyson will be looking to find another opportunity after the Brooklyn Nets waived him at the 2026 trade deadline.

While Clemson is better known for their football program led by Swinney, they have some talented basketball players.

If Schieffelin plays well in Summer League, he could impress the Heat or another team and earn a two-way or standard contract for the 2026-27 season.

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