Written by William Warren
In Clemson’s 71-62 win over Wake Forest in the ACC tournament, freshman Chase Thompson delivered a timely performance to help power the Tigers past the Demon Deacons. Thompson finished with nine points and three rebounds providing a spark with his energy and physical play during the matchup.
When asked about stepping up in the biggest moment of his young career, Thompson credited the team’s depth.
“It just shows our depth,” Thompson said. “It can be anybody at the right time. Tonight it was me, tomorrow it could be somebody else. That just goes to the depth of our team and everybody getting an opportunity every night.”
The 2024-25 Minnesota Mr. Basketball player of the year made massive contributions on both sides of the ball in his 19 minutes. Logging a 57.1% field goal percentage and a team-high +14 plus minus, providing momentum every time he touched the floor.
“We showed a lot of intensity and effort,” Thompson said. “Coach Brownell’s been on us about that as of late.”
Clemson has deployed a platoon style system in preparation for tournament play where instead of the substitution style of one or a few players at a time, electing to utilize its depth to keep players fresh, subbing out all five players, and putting in a brand new group of five.
The strategy has benefitted the offense and allowed more scoring opportunities, Clemson made a total of 26 field goals against Wake Forest and ten players filled out the scoring column.
“Personally it’s just how can I affect the game, make winning plays and use my IQ to my advantage,” Thompson said. “It (the platoon system) brings five fresh guys going against guys that have been in the game for four or five minutes — that’s an advantage.”
Beyond strategy Thompson said that Clemson’s chemistry is what truly sets it apart especially in difficult moments.
“I think it’s just our togetherness,” Thompson said. “Everybody’s friends, everybody likes each other. We joke around off the court, but when it’s game time we’re serious and really rely on each other throughout the year.”
With the victory, Clemson will face No. 4 seeded North Carolina in the ACC Quarterfinals on Thursday night at 9:30 p.m. in Charlotte at Spectrum Center. The game will be televised on ESPN.