After getting up there in record and play style, the Clemson Tigers team amounted a (25-10) record. This is a great 8-win improvement since dropping to (17-16) in the 2016 season. Clemson now looks to get an even better record and hopefully move up among the elite in ACC conference play.
Returning Players:
Clemson is in a good position with their 2018-19 team because they return so many players from last year. The Tigers return a versatile guard in Marcquise Reed who had amounted the highest points-per-game on the team last year with (15.7). Also, the Tigers get back their other guard in Shelton Mitchell and their forward Elijah Thomas. All three of those players provided a great base for the Clemson starting line up last year and I’d like to see how they blend with players that will get more playing time such as Scott Spencer or A.J. Oliver. Whatever coach Brad Brownell comes up with, I am sure it will work just fine.
Incoming Players:
The Tigers will bring in three new faces to join the squad this year, all packed around the southeast region of the country. First off, we have guard John Newman who was a 3-star coming out of Greensboro Day. Newman can work well with the ball and make plays for other teammates. Additionally, the Tigers receive forward Hunter Tyson out of Piedmont Community Charter who was a 3-star, but is clearly much better than stated. Tyson can cause a lot of problems for defenses as he has a tendency to heat up the team. Both of those two came from the North Carolina area. Finally, we get to forward Trey Jemison from Hoover High School in Alabama. Jemison stands at 6-11 and will provide the shutout physicality that Clemson needs.
Key Games:
Nov. 26 v. Nebraska (ACC-Big Ten Challenge) – This is a very important game for the Tigers to win this year. First off, this is a ACC-Big Ten Challenge game and is a must win for Clemson in order for them to climb the CBB ladder. Also, Nebraska was a fierce team last year with a record of (22-11), which is good for playing in a competitive Big Ten. If Clemson can win this game, it will provide a good basis for the 2018-19 season.
Dec. 8 v. Mississippi State – This will be a great one for both teams. Each of these teams did great in their season play last year and will look to improve. These two are very similar in what their goal is in their respective conferences. I like the winner of this one, in the sense that they will make a name for themselves.
Jan. 5 at Duke – Time to silence the haters for Clemson. There is no further explanation for this one if you’re a fan. Duke has been built up to high expectations this year and a huge win in Durham would provide a key victory for Clemson to build their brand as a basketball school. This one has the potential to be a classic.
Projected Season:
Record: 26-9
ACC Tournament: Semifinals
NCAA Tournament: Third Round
Photo Credits: https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2018/4/6/17199546/clemson-basketball-what-will-2018-19-look-like
