Clemson Basketball Expectations
Clemson basketball arrives as a welcome distraction from the struggles of Clemson football. Few fans expected that only a few months ago. Now the hope is to predict the basketball season with more accuracy than the football one.
Season Highlights
The Tigers experienced both stunning highs and painful lows. At their best, they played exceptional basketball, including a standout victory over Cooper Flagg’s Duke Blue Devils at Littlejohn Coliseum.
"Last year they delivered a memorable win over Cooper Flagg’s Duke Blue Devils in Littlejohn Coliseum."
Duke ultimately reached the Final Four, and Flagg was selected first overall in the NBA draft. Clemson dominated most of the ACC season, posting an impressive 18-2 conference record—the best in program history.
Disappointments and Challenges
Despite their record, Clemson did not claim the ACC regular-season title after a triple-overtime home loss to a struggling Georgia Tech team. The Tigers ended up behind Duke and tied with Louisville.
In the ACC Tournament, they managed a win over SMU before falling again to Louisville. Their NCAA Tournament run ended suddenly in the first round, losing to McNeese State.
"McNeese’s coach, Will Wade, is a Clemson graduate who later took the NC State job and could remain a persistent rival for the Tigers."
Legacy and Outlook
The year simultaneously marked the most remarkable conference campaign in school history and one that produced only a fleeting NCAA Tournament appearance banner. Clemson basketball now looks to build on its accomplishments while exorcising the disappointments of last season.
Author’s Summary
The 2024–25 Clemson basketball season blended record-breaking conference dominance with crushing postseason setbacks, leaving fans hopeful yet cautious for what comes next.