Bulldogs ink standouts Claxton, Hammonds

ATHENS, Ga. – Nicolas Claxton and Rayshaun Hammonds have signed letters-of-intent with the University of Georgia, head coach Mark Fox announced on Monday.

Claxton is a 6-10, forward from Legacy Charter School in Greenville, S.C., and the son of former Bulldog Charles Claxton. Nicolas averaged a double-double of 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds last season, as well as blocking 3.0 shots per game. He has helped Charter compile a 49-14 record over the past two seasons.

Claxton represented the U.S. Virgin Islands during the 2015 Centrobasket U17 Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He averaged 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per game in five outings, leading the Virgin Islands to a runner-up finish in the tournament. Claxton posted single-game highs of 20 points and 15 rebounds against Mexico in the semifinals, as well as 10 blocks in a group stage matchup with Bahamas.

“Nic is a terrific shooter and passer for a player with his length,” Fox said. “He really is going to be a good inside-outside scoring threat. I know he is excited about playing at his parents’ alma mater.”

Hammonds, a 6-8, forward from Norcross, Ga., was named first-team All-State for Class 6A by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a junior after averaging 16.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Blue Devils. As a sophomore, Hammonds averaged 14.1 points, 7.8 boards and 1.9 blocks at Norcross.

Over the past two seasons, Hammonds has helped Norcross post a combined 53-8 record and a pair of state tournament appearances. The Blue Devils finished 26-4 last season, losing to eventual state champion Westlake in the Sweet 16. Norcross was 27-7 in the 2014-15 season and lost to Pepplebrook in the state quarterfinals.

“Rayshaun has terrific versatility and can score the ball in a variety of ways,” Fox said. “He’s coming from a great program, and we are excited he is a Dawg.”

Both of Claxton’s parents, Charles and Nikki, attended UGA. Charles was a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs from 1992-95 and was an All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC performer. Among Georgia’s career statistical leaders, Claxton is currently No. 20 in points (1,274), No. 5 in rebounds (840), No. 4 in field goal percentage (.542) and No. 2 in blocked shots (247). He was drafted by Phoenix in the second round of the NBA Draft and eventually played with Boston during the 1995-96 season.