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Clemson Basketball Preview: Setting Expectations After Sweet 16 Run

Clemson Basketball Preview: Setting Expectations After Sweet 16 Run
World Sports · 20:27:37 - Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Clemson Tigers men's basketball enters the new season with heightened expectations following their Sweet 16 appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Tigers secured a 77-72 victory over the Arizona Wildcats on March 28, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, advancing to the regional semifinals.

Key returning players include guard Chase Hunter, forward Ian Schieffelin, and guard Joseph Girard III, who were photographed celebrating the upset win. The program's deepest tournament run since 2018 has raised questions about whether Clemson can sustain momentum and compete for ACC championships.

Head coach Brad Brownell faces the challenge of replacing departed contributors while integrating new recruits. The Tigers' defensive identity and tournament experience provide a foundation, but the ACC remains highly competitive with traditional powers like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia.

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