Tigers sign one as hoops early signing period opens

Just as an FYI, Clemson made an addition to its men's basketball program today when Atlanta forward Marcus Thornton - rated as the No.27 power forward in America by ESPNU - signed a national letter of intent. He picked Clemson over Maryland and Xavier.
It's unclear if Clemson will sign more players in this period, but the Tigers do have two more scholarships to give - Trevor Booker, David Potter, and Karolis Petrukonis are all seniors this season.
The release from Clemson, with more information, is below....

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson men’s basketball program announced the signing of Marcus Thornton to a national letter of intent on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period. Thornton, a 6-8 forward from Atlanta, GA, will play for the Tigers beginning in 2010.

“We are really pleased to add a tremendous student-athlete to our program in Marcus Thornton,” said Oliver Purnell, Clemson’s head coach. “He will really fit in well with our high-octane attack on both ends of the floor.”

Thornton, a three-star prospect according to both Rivals.com and Scout.com, is also listed as the nation’s No. 27 power forward prospect by ESPNU. The first-team all-region player averaged 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game last season for a 25-7 Westlake squad. He led the Lions to a region championship and berth in the AAAAA semifinals in Georgia. He recorded a triple-double in the state quarterfinals with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks against Savannah. Thornton is on pace to break the school record for blocked shots in a career.

Thornton also won the state of Georgia’s slam dunk contest in 2009, an event sponsored by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He signed with Clemson over scholarship offers from Maryland and Xavier.