Clemson basketball: Tigers headed to France and P.J. Hall injury update

Less than a week ago there was news that Clemson basketball star P.J. Hall had successful knee surgery and was expected to return sometime in November.

This week, in talking about his team’s trip to France, Head Coach Brad Brownell talked about the often overlooked mental aspect of recovering from such an injury.

"“It was really disappointing,” Brownell said. “Your heart feels for him. The mental aspect of it is just as much as the physical. The next few weeks will be hard for him. As he starts to gain ground, his confidence will come back. His spirit will come back a little bit, but it’s been hard here the last month.”"

Hall averaged 15.5 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the floor, including 30.8% from three and 78% from the free throw line last season and if the Tigers are going to be successful they need him in the lineup for key non-conference games, not to mention ACC contests.

Brownell’s squad is dealing with a myriad of injuries to other players including Chase Hunter (thigh bruise) and Devin Galloway (illness).

With five freshman (including redshirt freshman Josh Beadle) and two new coaches on staff the Tigers will have a different look during the 2022-2023 season, a crucial one in Brownell’s tenure at Clemson.

Brownell likes his young players and is hopeful they’ll be able to contribute early and often.

"“I really like our freshmen class,” Brownell said. “I think they’re physically probably more ready than most that we’ve had here. I think they’re going to be really good. It’ll take time. They’ve got a lot to learn.”"

While the full schedule for the 2022-23 campaign has not been released, late November games  with Iowa and TCU/Cal in the Emerald Coast Classic on November 25th and 26th, followed by Penn State in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge on November 29 are early season matchups that will have an impact on the success or failure of this team.

Clemson leaves on August 3 and will play 3 games over a week and a half against All-Star teams in France.