Clemson's Carter Welling Ruled Out for ACC Tournament Semifinal

The 6-foot-11 junior suffered a right knee injury in the Tigers' quarterfinal win over Wake Forest.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:18pm

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Clemson big man Carter Welling has been officially ruled out for the Tigers' ACC Tournament semifinal matchup against North Carolina on Thursday. Welling suffered a right knee injury late in the first half of Clemson's 71-62 quarterfinal win over Wake Forest on Wednesday. Head coach Brad Brownell said it was unlikely Welling would be able to play in the semifinal game.

Why it matters

Welling is a key player for Clemson, averaging 10.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season. His absence will be a significant blow to the Tigers as they try to advance to the ACC Tournament final and improve their NCAA Tournament seeding.

The details

Welling was driving to his right when his right knee gave out, sending him to the ground in pain. He had to be helped off the court and went straight to the locker room. Welling was later seen on the bench using crutches and wearing a brace on his right knee.

  • Welling suffered the injury late in the first half of Clemson's 71-62 win over Wake Forest on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Clemson and North Carolina are scheduled to play their ACC Tournament semifinal game on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Carter Welling

A 6-foot-11, 240-pound junior forward for the Clemson Tigers basketball team. He is second on the team in scoring with 10.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 5.5 per game.

Brad Brownell

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, they are going to do MRIs and all of those things. I find it unlikely he will play tomorrow, but I have not been told anything definitive.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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