ACC Preview #11 - Clemson

Poor Clemson. It’s always been really hard for the Tigers to compete in the ACC, and expansion has just made life tougher. And this year, they won't even have Littlejohn, as it's being renovated. The Tigers will play in Greenville instead.

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The Tigers have a superb coach in Brad Brownell, but the ACC is an unforgiving league. You fall behind, you stumble, and catching up is really tough.

Clemson had a tough time replacing KJ McDaniels. The 6-6 forward was a dynamic presence at Clemson and has made an impact in the NBA.

The Tigers do have Jaron Blossomgame, whose game has certainly blossomed. The 6-7 forward averaged 13.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg and is a solid defender.

He’ll be paired in the frontcourt with Donte Grantham, who averaged 8.8 ppg and who will be ready for a big step forward.

Landry Nnoko will return at center and the big (6-10, 255) Cameroonian has at times been very good.

Clemson loses Rod Hall, who was a solid but not spectacular guard, and returns Jordan Roper (6-0), who is a senior now. He’s reasonably athletic and like most of Clemson’s players, a gritty defender.

Sophomore Gabe DeVoe could claim a spot as well. The 6-3 sophomore from Shelby, NC, certainly had his moments as a freshman.

Brownell also has San Francisco transfer Avry Holmes, a 6-2 guard. He averaged 12.5 ppg and 3.1 apg before decamping to Clemson.

Clemson has a number of players who could be useful subs or role players. Sidy Djitte, 6-10, is a reasonable backup for Landry. At 6-8 and 245, Josh Smith is a powerful if not consistent presence in the post.

Marcuise Reed, 6-4, is a sophomore transfer from Robert Morris, where he was Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year as a freshman. He averaged 15.1 ppg.

Junior Austin Ajukwa, 6-6, is an athletic player who can contribute a lot defensively.

Clemson in Brit Legend Robertin, who is 7-0 and 250. He’s a JUCO transfer with three years eligibility.

Brownell also adds freshmen guards Lyles Davis (5-11) and Ty Hudson (6-1).

And in reserve he has former Wake commit Mitchell Shelton, who went to Vandy after Jeff Bzdelik was fired by the Deacs. He can play next season.

As always, Clemson will play rugged defense. The question, as it usually has been under Brownell, is whether or not Clemson can generate offense. There are some pieces here. If the offense isn’t offensive, the Tigers could move up some.

Our best guess: the Tigers are good enough that minimal offensive improvement and Brownell’s coaching talent could get them to an NIT bid. The NCAA seems like a long shot.