Clemson to flex depth with big rotation vs. Gardner-Webb

Field Level Media|published: Thu 6th November, 21:52 2025

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-McNeese State at Clemson

Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Brad Brownell signals to his players during the first half against the McNeese State Cowboys at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

With a diverse group of players, including only one who played minutes for Clemson last year, coach Brad Brownell isn't sure how his lineup will ultimately shape up.

For now, Brownell is happy to rotate most of his players equally, meaning the Tigers will utilize their depth on Friday when they face visiting Gardner-Webb.

"Right now, I'm heavily committed to playing a lot of players," Brownell said. "I just think that's the best thing, long term, for our team to be successful and for our program to continue to grow."

On Monday, in Clemson's 88-38 romp at home over New Hampshire, ten different Tigers played between 15 and 22 minutes.

In his college debut, freshman Ace Buckner led Clemson (1-0) with 18 points. RJ Godfrey, who returned to Clemson after a season as a starter at Georgia, added nine points and nine rebounds.

The Tigers' lineup includes six transfers, four freshmen and one experienced returnee, Dillon Hunter.

The deep rotation is a departure from last season, when three Clemson players averaged more than 33 minutes per game.

"We have a lot of different players that can play," Brownell said. "So it's really hard as a coach. Alright, who's doing it tonight? Who's playing well?"

Gardner-Webb (0-1), a North Carolina school that plays in the Big South Conference, lost its opener at Minnesota, 87-60.

The Runnin' Bulldogs were over-matched from the start, missing their first 10 shots and falling behind 23-1.

Gardner-Webb recovered in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 40-34 behind reserves Julius Clark (13 points), Jacob Hudson (12 points, eight rebounds) and Spence Sims (12 points).

The Runnin' Bulldogs will have a challenging task against a Clemson defense that limited New Hampshire to 25% shooting from the floor and 4 for 27 (14.8%) from 3-point range.

"Really pleased with the defensive execution of our game plan," Brownell said.

The Runnin' Bulldogs went 11-20 last season under Jeremy Luther in his first season as head coach.

--Field Level Media