Former Tiger Explains Why Clemson Basketball Is Thriving

Clemson men's basketball team is off to a strong 19-4 start despite losing most of last year's roster.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:47am

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The Clemson men's basketball team has gotten off to a 19-4 start this season, including a 9-1 record in ACC play. Despite losing most of last year's roster, the Tigers have continued to thrive under head coach Brad Brownell. Former Clemson player and current ACC Network analyst Terrence Oglesby breaks down the three key factors behind the team's success: their 'collective IQ,' 'defensive attention to detail,' and ability to have 'any guy' step up on a given night.

Why it matters

Clemson's strong start is a bit surprising given the significant roster turnover from last season. The Tigers' ability to quickly reload and remain competitive in the ACC is a testament to the program's coaching and player development. Their success this year could set them up for an NCAA Tournament berth, which would be a major accomplishment.

The details

Clemson has won 12 of its last 13 games and is currently 19-4 overall and 9-1 in ACC play. The Tigers are ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25 and are projected as a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Oglesby highlighted three key factors behind Clemson's success: their 'collective IQ' and smart, unselfish play; their 'defensive attention to detail'; and their ability to have different players step up on any given night rather than relying on a single prolific scorer.

  • Clemson has won 13 consecutive ACC road games dating back to last season, tied for the third longest such streak in ACC history.

The players

Dillon Hunter

The only non-freshman who returned from last season's Clemson team.

Brad Brownell

Clemson's head basketball coach.

Terrence Oglesby

A former Clemson basketball player from 2007-09 who is now an ACC Network basketball analyst.

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What they’re saying

“This is a Clemson team, it doesn't matter the night, it can be somebody different. Seven guys on the team have led them in scoring in a different game this season. They share the basketball. They're smart. They get it to the open guy, and they do a terrific job of just passing to the open guy.”

— Terrence Oglesby, ACC Network basketball analyst, former Clemson player

What’s next

Clemson will look to continue its strong ACC play and secure an NCAA Tournament berth in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Clemson's ability to quickly rebuild and remain competitive in the ACC despite significant roster turnover is a testament to the program's coaching, player development, and team-first mentality. Their unselfish, smart play and defensive intensity have been key factors in their success this season.