Clemson dad's lifelong dream comes true as son joins Tigers

Efrem Johnson Sr. watched his son Butta play his senior year for the Clemson Tigers, fulfilling a longtime goal.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Efrem Johnson Sr. grew up as a diehard ACC basketball fan. Now, his son Butta is playing his senior season for the Clemson Tigers, allowing Johnson to watch his son live out his own childhood dream of playing for an ACC school.

Why it matters

This story highlights the deep connection between parents and their children's athletic pursuits, as well as the special significance for a lifelong fan to see their child compete at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

Johnson Sr. has been a massive ACC basketball fan since his youth, cheering for teams like North Carolina and Duke. Now, he gets to watch his son Butta, a senior guard for the Clemson Tigers, play in the same conference that Johnson grew up loving.

  • Butta is playing his senior season for the Clemson Tigers in 2026.

The players

Efrem Johnson Sr.

A lifelong ACC basketball fan whose son Butta is playing his senior season for the Clemson Tigers.

Butta

Efrem Johnson Sr.'s son, who is a senior guard for the Clemson Tigers basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Watching my son play for an ACC school has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I'm so proud to see him living out my own childhood aspirations.”

— Efrem Johnson Sr.

The takeaway

This story is a heartwarming example of how sports can bring families together and allow parents to vicariously live out their own dreams through their children's athletic pursuits.