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For the first time since the conclusion of the 2025-26 college basketball season, Clemson's men's basketball team will take the court in a game setting—though it won't count in the standings. The Tigers are scheduled to tip off against the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday night at Littlejohn Coliseum, providing fans and media with an initial look at Brad Brownell's latest squad. While the team has generated considerable buzz, recent injuries have disrupted what the group might have looked like moving forward. Nevertheless, the media had the opportunity to interview several players and observe 25 minutes of Monday's practice.
1. A Taller Starting Five Than Anticipated
The primary storyline entering the day was how Clemson would adjust without Zac Foster, who suffered another ACL tear and is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season. During Monday's practice, a group of five players led the team through drills. In the backcourt, Brownell appears to be preparing a three-guard lineup. Foster, junior Ace Buckner, and Notre Dame transfer Cole Certa were originally projected to power the Tigers' offense. However, with Foster sidelined, Buckner is handling point guard duties, while Certa—a dynamic shooting guard with two years of ACC experience—fills the off-guard spot. TCU transfer Liutauras Lelevicius and San Francisco big man David Fuchs occupy the three and four positions, respectively, while Samford transfer Dylan Faulkner is expected to man the center spot in relief of Carter Welling, who is also recovering from a torn ACL. Those five are likely to start against Georgia, with Fuchs presumably stepping in for Foster. Notably, Clemson's lineup now features three players taller than 6-foot-9.
2. A Bench Full of Glue Guys
While Buckner and Welling represented the team at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier this month, media members spoke with several other players who will shape the rotation. Wing Dallas Thomas, now in his third year with the program, said he has grown as a vocal leader amid a roster with many new faces. He also noted that rebounding and defense have been the areas where he has improved most. Sophomore Trent Steinour added 27 pounds over the season, and although he lost some of that weight in the summer, he told reporters that his touch around the rim has improved and that he has become a more physical rebounder. Others, such as sophomore Chase Thompson and Blake Davidson, expressed a willingness to do whatever is needed, setting the stage for a rotation built on making the right plays to put Clemson in the best possible position.
3. A Familiar Face on the Practice Court
Clemson is awaiting an eligibility decision on guard Dillon Hunter, a member of the 2024 Elite Eight team. In his fifth year, Hunter is currently ineligible to play, though that status can change quickly in college athletics. On Monday, Hunter practiced with the team, running with the second rotation and splitting point guard duties with true freshman Harris Reynolds. The Tigers would likely use Hunter in a role similar to his junior season—as a third guard who makes winning plays rather than serving as a primary scorer. Especially with Foster out, securing Hunter would be a crucial addition, bringing valuable veteran experience to a rotation that includes many new faces for Brownell.
Tip-off between the Tigers and Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum. Clemson Tigers on SI will be on-site for the exhibition.