He likely didn’t choose Clemson for basketball. They were saying he chose Clemson because
1. His girlfriend is there
2. Clemson’s facilities and on-campus bells and whistles for athletes
3. Clemson’s close proximity to Atlanta which equals more fun things to do for an 18 year old college student and his buddies.

All just speculation of course but it does makes sense considering Clemson was a headscratching decision, with a hot seat head coach and a school more focused on football.