Clemson Looking to Overcome Injuries, Lean on Guard Play as Brownell Eyes Next Step
Three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances have established Clemson as a consistent postseason contender under head coach Brad Brownell. Taking the next step, however, could depend on how quickly the Tigers can get healthy and adjust to a different style of basketball.
That was the message Wednesday as Brownell, sophomore point guard Ace Buckner and senior center Carter Welling represented Clemson at the Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball Tipoff Media Day at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
Asked what his team needs to do differently to advance further in the postseason, Brownell offered a straightforward response.
"Get healthy, first," Brownell said. "You know, again, we've had a bunch of guys [out]. I think we'll have great depth when we all get there. We might be different in how we play in terms of, I think we're a little more guard-centric than maybe the last few years. And so, we're trying to open the floor a little bit more, playing some spread ball screen stuff a little earlier in the clock and see how that goes."
The injury situation was evident during the summer trip to Italy, where the Tigers won all three exhibition games despite having four players unavailable.
Welling continued recovering from a torn ACL, Buckner was sidelined by a shoulder injury, Samford transfer Dylan Faulkner was dealing with a toe injury, and sophomore combo guard Zac Foster was recovering from a torn ACL.
Welling remains at least a couple of months away from returning, while Foster has recently resumed limited practice.
Despite those setbacks, Brownell believes Clemson has assembled the offensive pieces necessary to create a different look this season.
"I think we've recruited some really good shooters and worked really hard in that area to be able to space the floor," Brownell said. "If we can come together, be connected, and defend like most of the Clemson teams that I've coached, we have a chance to achieve the kind of things you talked about."
Clemson shot 34.1 percent from 3-point range last season, but hopes to improve that mark with the addition of transfers Cole Certa (Notre Dame), who connected on 35.3 percent of his 3-point attempts in ACC play, and Liutauras Lelevicius (TCU), a 45.0 percent shooter in Big 12 competition.
Sophomore Dallas Thomas also showed promise from the perimeter, making 12 of 21 attempts (57.1 percent), while Chase Thompson connected on 10 of 25 (40.0 percent).
Although the absence of several expected contributors limited Clemson during its Italian exhibition tour, Brownell believes the experience could pay dividends once the regular season begins.
Thomas, Thompson, and fellow sophomore Trent Steinour received additional playing time, while freshman guard Harris Reynolds gained valuable experience handling the ball.
Reynolds, a former four-star prospect ranked No. 90 nationally by 247Sports, led Clemson with 18 points in one of the three exhibition games.
Brownell acknowledged that Buckner's absence throughout the summer was particularly difficult because of the point guard's anticipated role this season. However, it allowed Reynolds and others to assume responsibilities they might not otherwise have received.
Buckner, who is expected to open the season as a starter, isn't overly concerned about the time he or others missed.
"It doesn't really worry me, to be honest," Buckner said. "I believe in the guys that we have in the locker room, and I believe in myself. I feel like Coach will get us there. He's done this for a very long time, and I got trust in him that he'll make sure we are where we need to be."
His role could become even more important with Foster not yet participating in everyday practices and veteran guard Dillon Hunter practicing full-time while awaiting a decision on his eligibility.
Hunter's potential return would provide Clemson with another experienced ballhandler, but until his status is resolved, Buckner figures to carry much of the responsibility for directing the offense.
While Buckner has already returned to the court, Welling faces a longer recovery process.
The 6'11 Utah native, who is expected to miss the early portion of the season, has been forced to find other ways to contribute while rehabilitating his knee.
"Yeah, I think something that I've started to do over these last couple of months is learn how to be a vocal leader," Welling said. "It's really easy to show the guys on the court, but now that I'm not on the court for a little bit, I've had to learn and to watch and learn the game even better and help the guys come along."
Welling's absence leaves the team without one of its most experienced interior players, placing additional responsibility on a frontcourt featuring several newcomers.
Faulkner (6'9) and San Francisco transfer David Fuchs (6'9) are expected to provide the primary starting combination inside, with Steinour (6'10) and Thompson (6'8) supplying depth.
The Tigers also have Blake Davidson (6'9), the younger brother of former Clemson player Nick Davidson, along with freshman Will Stevens (6'10).
Clemson will get its first opportunity to evaluate the roster with exhibitions against Georgia on Oct. 23 and Presbyterian on Oct. 28.
The Tigers officially open the 2026-27 season against Stetson on Monday, Nov. 2, at Littlejohn Coliseum.
