CHARLOTTE — Clemson University men’s basketball was predicted to finish sixth in the ACC preseason poll, according to the media.
The Tigers are coming off its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and have the second-most overall wins (98) and second-most ACC wins (55) dating back to the 2022-23 season. Clemson won two games in the 2026 ACC Tournament over Wake Forest and North Carolina before falling to #1 Duke in the semifinals.
The team returns one starter from last year’s team, senior Carter Welling who is still rehabbing a torn ACL in the ACC Tournament on March 12 against Wake Forest. The Tigers also return six players, including four with significant playing time a year ago.
The Tigers’ returning leading scorers: Welling (10.2), Ace Buckner (8.3), Zac Foster (6.9), Chase Thompson (2.3), Dallas Thomas (2.2), Trent Steinour (1.0).
Tigers' freshman Harris Reynolds received one vote for Preseason ACC Freshman of the Year.
Clemson will host Georgia in a public exhibition on Friday, October 23 and Presbyterian on Wednesday, October 28. Admission to both exhibitions is free and tickets can be claimed HERE.
Preseason Men’s Basketball Poll – ACC Media: 1. Duke (45); 2. Virginia (1); 3. Louisville (1); 4. Miami (Fla.) (1); 5. North Carolina; 6. CLEMSON; 7. Florida State; 8. NC State; 9. Virginia Tech; 10. SMU; 11. Syracuse; 12. Pittsburgh; 13. Stanford; 14. Wake Forest; 15. California; 16. Notre Dame; 17. Boston College; 18. Georgia Tech
First-place votes in parentheses
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