Dillon Hunter returning to Clemson could prove valuable beyond simply adding another experienced guard to the roster. Furthermore, it gives the Tigers another proven ball handler while potentially creating more opportunities for a group of perimeter players that showed flashes during Clemson’s summer trip to Italy.
Hunter had initially moved toward a professional career with Eisbären Bremerhaven in Germany after the Colorado ruling opened the door for members of the 2022 recruiting class to receive an additional season under the NCAA’s “5-for-5” eligibility structure. However, the ruling was later stayed, leaving some athletes unable to compete. Georgia established its own protections for players covered by its ruling on August 6, allowing him to retain his eligibility and ultimately return to Clemson.
His return comes at an important time for the backcourt.
The Tigers return redshirt sophomore Ace Buckner and sophomore Zac Foster, with both expected to compete for the starting point guard job, while Notre Dame transfer Cole Certa is expected to play a major role at shooting guard. However, neither Buckner nor Foster participated in Clemson’s three exhibition games during the Tigers’ 10-day tour of Italy from July 26-Aug. 6.
Buckner was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, while Foster continued rehabbing an ACL injury suffered against South Carolina on Dec. 16, 2025.
Without them, Certa, freshman wing Harris Reynolds, and redshirt sophomore small forward Dallas Thomas all spent time handling point guard responsibilities. Clemson still finished the trip 3-0, but the lack of a true point guard became evident at times, particularly with the Tigers struggling with a combined 47 turnovers in two games.
Clemson also played without Carter Welling, who suffered an ACL tear during the Tigers’ ACC Tournament victory over Wake Forest on March 11, and Samford transfer center Dylan Faulkner, who was out because of a toe injury.
Despite the absences, several perimeter players provided reasons for optimism.
Certa finished all three games in double figures and reached 16 points, while Reynolds averaged 13.5 points over the final two contests and scored a team-high 18 in the finale. Thomas also added 15 points and nine rebounds in the final game, while Liutauras Lelevicius scored 16 points in the second game.
Those performances could become even more important once head coach Brad Brownell has his full complement of guards.
Hunter started every game last season and averaged 7.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 34.7 percent from 3-point range. His biggest impact, however, could come from what he creates for others. He finished with a 2.72 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking 45th nationally, and owns Clemson’s career record at 2.75.
If Buckner and Foster return healthy, Clemson would have three experienced options capable of initiating the offense and getting the ball into the hands of its perimeter shooters. That could allow Certa, Reynolds, Thomas, and Lelevicius to focus more on scoring rather than being forced to shoulder additional point guard responsibilities.
The Italy trip provided a glimpse of what that group can offer. Certa consistently produced, Reynolds emerged late in the trip, Thomas delivered a strong finale, and Lelevicius demonstrated his offensive potential. Adding Hunter, while eventually getting Buckner and Foster back, could give Brownell more ways to utilize each player.
Hunter’s value, though, is not limited to his ability to score or create shots.
His starting experience, ball-handling, and decision-making give Brownell an insurance policy at point guard while Buckner and Foster work their way back. Clemson showed it could win despite being shorthanded in Italy, but the offensive adjustments required during the trip also highlighted the importance of having proven guards available.
Hunter’s return also continues a unique family connection, as Clemson will have a member of the Hunter family on its roster for an eighth consecutive season.
