Brownell Joins ESPN College GameDay Ahead of Clemson-Duke Clash

Clemson head coach discusses team culture, star Duke player Cameron Boozer, and injured player Carter Welling's status.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Clemson basketball head coach Brad Brownell joined ESPN's College GameDay show to preview the highly anticipated matchup between Clemson and Duke. Brownell discussed the challenge of slowing down Duke star Cameron Boozer, praised his team's consistency and team-first culture, and provided an update on the status of injured player Carter Welling.

Why it matters

Clemson vs. Duke is always a marquee ACC matchup, and this year's game carries major conference implications. Brownell's appearance on College GameDay underscores how far the Clemson basketball program has come, as they are now regularly featured on national broadcasts when facing elite opponents like Duke.

The details

Brownell was first asked to assess the atmosphere inside Cameron Indoor Stadium, to which he jokingly replied that it's "probably not as good as the officials, but it will do." He then discussed the challenge of slowing down Duke star Cameron Boozer, saying Clemson might have to employ an unorthodox defensive strategy of "five guys covering Boozer on the drive." Brownell also reflected on his team's consistency and team-first culture, calling them a "true program" that recruits to specific styles. To close the interview, Brownell provided a positive update on the status of injured player Carter Welling, saying he is "good to go."

  • Clemson vs. Duke is scheduled for later today (February 14, 2026).

The players

Brad Brownell

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers men's basketball team, who is in his 18th season leading the program.

Cameron Boozer

The star player for the Duke Blue Devils, who is projected to be a top-5 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

Carter Welling

A player on the Clemson Tigers men's basketball team who was previously injured but is now cleared to play.

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What they’re saying

“It's outstanding. Probably not as good as the officials, but it will do.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach, Clemson Tigers (ESPN)

“Well, we might have five guys covering Boozer on the drive. He's just unbelievable. Certainly, maybe the first or second couple of picks in the draft.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach, Clemson Tigers (ESPN)

“We just have a true program. We have styles that we recruit to. I'm just really proud of this group. This is a really true team, and this is a team to celebrate for sure.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach, Clemson Tigers (ESPN)

“He's good to go.”

— Brad Brownell, Head Coach, Clemson Tigers (ESPN)

What’s next

The highly anticipated Clemson vs. Duke game is scheduled to tip off later today, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Brownell's appearance on College GameDay underscores how Clemson basketball has become a consistent national power, able to compete with elite programs like Duke on the biggest stages. The Tigers' team-first culture and ability to recruit to specific styles have made them a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.