Beyond the Buzzer: JG3's Legacy and the NOVUS Partnership

A Triumph on Senior Night

As the crowd roared and the lights illuminated Littlejohn Coliseum, Joseph Girard III, known as JG3, etched his name deeper into basketball history. In his final home game for the Clemson Tigers, Girad faced off against his alma mater, Syracuse University, adding an extra layer of intensity to his Senior Night. Clemson emerged triumphant with a 90-75 victory over Syracuse, with Girard leading the charge with an impressive 21-point performance, further solidifying his legacy on the court.

"I’ve always been a very goal-driven guy. I always set goals for myself before a season,” said Girard. “If you have your mind set on a goal, when you’re failing, you look at those goals and that’s what gets you through it. It’s all about the mindset and always pushing forward." 

Girard’s Record-Breaking Career

Girard’s achievements extend far beyond this game. Currently standing as only the second men’s college basketball player in over 30 years to eclipse 2,000 points, 450 rebounds, 525 assists, and 375 three-pointers in a career, Girard’s consistency has helped carry both his Syracuse and now Clemson teams to victories.

"In life there’s going to be ups and downs, especially as an athlete,” said Girard. “You’re going to find successes in the season and you’re going to find failures but those that stick with it and push through are the ones that find the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Journey of JG3

Born and raised in Glens Falls, Girard quickly emerged as a basketball prodigy, making his varsity debut as an eighth grader and ultimately becoming the state's all-time leading scorer. His talent and passion for the game led him to Syracuse University, where he made an immediate impact as the starting point guard. During his senior year, Girard was recognized as one of the top shooting guards in college basketball, setting the stage for his continued success at Clemson University, where he was recently named ACC player of the week.

“It’s kind of cliche but putting your blood, sweat, and tears into the things that you love is what you need to do if you want to be successful, " said Girard. “I learned that from my family at a young age."

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Yet, it’s not just his on-court success that sets Girard apart—it’s his commitment to excellence, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his belief in pushing forward, no matter the obstacles, that truly define him as a player and as a person.

It’s these qualities that attracted Girard to NOVUS, a brand that embodies passion, conviction, and perseverance. Through their partnership, Girard and NOVUS have teamed up to make a difference both on and off the court, inspiring young athletes, designing custom apparel, and bringing unique styles to fans of Syracuse and Clemson alike.

"I have a big passion for the love of the game. That’s what I was looking for when I was looking for a brand to partner with—the passion,” said Girard. “Having a group of people that have the same vision as me. They have the same passion and love that I do for what they’re doing."

A New Line of Clemson Gear

After securing licensing rights from Clemson University, Girard and NOVUS are set to roll out a new line of Clemson gear, just in time for the nail-biting ACC basketball schedule. Building on the successes of their previous collections, the dynamic duo aims to make a splash in tiger town, offering fans a variety of sportswear and lifestyle apparel.

“JG3 has opened doors for NOVUS on both the Syracuse and Clemson campuses, helping us secure licensing deals respectively, and countless relationships that we will cherish,” said Garrett Bernardo, Co-Founder of NOVUS. “ We know this is only the beginning for Joe and we are grateful to have him be such a special part of the NOVUS journey.”

Looking ahead, Girard's journey with NOVUS shows no signs of slowing down. With the ACC Tournament on the horizon, we salute him for his unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to making a difference on and off the court. With his legacy secure and his future bright, Joseph Girard III is poised to claim his crown as one of college basketball's all-time greats.