Clemson basketball starter injured, may miss UNC game

Key player Carter Welling suffered a knee injury in ACC Tournament win

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:50pm

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Clemson basketball player Carter Welling left Wednesday's ACC Tournament game against Wake Forest with a knee injury late in the first half. Welling is considered "unlikely" to play in Clemson's upcoming matchup against rival North Carolina due to the injury.

Why it matters

Welling is a starter for the Clemson basketball team, so his potential absence could significantly impact the team's chances against a tough UNC squad in a crucial conference tournament game.

The details

Welling, a junior forward, was injured late in the first half of Clemson's ACC Tournament win over Wake Forest on Wednesday. The extent of the injury is still being evaluated, but Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said Welling is "unlikely" to play in the team's upcoming game against North Carolina.

  • Welling was injured late in the first half of Clemson's ACC Tournament game against Wake Forest on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Clemson is scheduled to play North Carolina in the next round of the ACC Tournament on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Carter Welling

A junior forward and starter for the Clemson basketball team.

Brad Brownell

The head coach of the Clemson basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Carter Welling is unlikely to play in our next game against North Carolina due to the knee injury he suffered.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach, Clemson Basketball

What’s next

Clemson will evaluate Welling's injury further and determine his status for the team's upcoming game against North Carolina in the ACC Tournament.

The takeaway

Welling's potential absence could be a significant blow to Clemson's chances against a tough UNC team, highlighting the importance of depth and injury management in college basketball, especially during high-stakes conference tournament play.