CLEMSON, S.C. — In a significant addition to the Clemson basketball program, Utah Valley transfer forward Carter Welling has officially signed with the Tigers. The 6’9”, 225-pound junior brings a strong blend of athleticism, versatility, and toughness to Brad Brownell’s squad, and is expected to immediately contribute to a team looking to make a deeper push in the ACC and NCAA Tournament.
Welling’s decision to commit to Clemson comes after a productive season with the Utah Valley Wolverines, where he averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Known for his high motor and defensive tenacity, Welling emerged as one of the top frontcourt options in the transfer portal this spring. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and stretch the floor made him a priority target for several Power Five programs.
Ultimately, Clemson’s need for a dynamic frontcourt presence and Welling’s desire to compete at the highest level in the ACC led to a perfect match.
“I’m excited to take this next step in my journey at Clemson,” Welling said in a statement released by the university. “Coach Brownell and his staff made me feel like a priority from the beginning. I’m ready to bring my energy and toughness to help this program win big.”
Welling’s addition comes at a crucial time for the Tigers. After a strong showing in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Clemson is aiming to build on its recent momentum and compete at the top of the conference. While the team returns several key contributors, the loss of veteran forward PJ Hall to the NBA left a gap in the frontcourt. Welling’s arrival not only addresses that need but also raises the ceiling for the Tigers heading into the 2024–25 season.
“Carter is a proven competitor with a great work ethic,” head coach Brad Brownell said. “He’s tough, he rebounds, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. That kind of edge is exactly what we were looking to add. I think our fans are really going to appreciate the way he plays the game.”
Clemson has made a habit of finding success through the transfer portal in recent years, and Welling appears to be another strong addition to that trend. His offensive game continues to develop, as he shot nearly 34% from three last season while showing improved touch around the rim and from the midrange. But it’s his defensive instincts and rebounding prowess that have drawn the most praise from coaches and scouts alike.
The Utah native now steps into a Clemson system that values defensive grit, transition scoring, and positional flexibility—qualities that fit Welling’s game perfectly. He’ll be expected to provide leadership and physicality alongside returning frontcourt players like Ian Schieffelin and Chauncey Wiggins, giving Brownell more options in his rotation.
Welling becomes the latest transfer to buy into the vision Clemson is building. With the Tigers continuing to elevate their recruiting and development under Brownell, this signing signals that the program is serious about staying competitive both in the ACC and on the national stage.
The move also highlights how the transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball. Players like Welling, who may have been overlooked coming out of high school, now have a clear path to showcase their skills at the highest level.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point,” Welling said. “Now I get to go prove myself in one of the best conferences in the country. I’m ready.”
With Welling in the fold, Clemson’s 2024–25 roster is starting to take shape—and it’s clear that the Tigers have no plans of taking a step back.
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