Head coach Brad Brownell said the Clemson Tigers do not plan to pursue midseason roster additions, even as injuries have tightened the rotation and expanded minutes for the backcourt.
“I don’t know if we’re going to do that,” Brownell said after Sunday’s win over Cincinnati. “I really haven’t gotten into it with my staff. My staff hasn’t come to me with some guy that they feel like we need to add to the roster. I think it can also do some harm, so you’ve got to juggle it.”
Why Clemson Is Holding the Line
Midyear additions — including overseas players and former G League prospects — have gained traction across the sport. The trend accelerated earlier this season when Louisville added guard London Johnson, reopening the door for older, experienced players to return to college basketball.
Brownell, however, emphasized Clemson’s offseason investment in culture and continuity, suggesting a midseason addition could disrupt chemistry more than it helps.
“That part of it bothers me a little bit,” Brownell said earlier this fall. “I don’t love that part of it, but I understand why the NCAA’s allowing it. Everybody’s pushing every boundary that they possibly can.”
Injuries Test the Depth
Clemson’s stance comes amid real roster pressure. True freshman Zac Foster suffered a season-ending ACL injury after emerging as a key rotational piece through the first 12 games. Guard Butta Johnson has also been limited, logging just eight minutes in Sunday’s win after nursing an injury since the South Carolina game.
The result has been heavier workloads for starters Dillon Hunter and Jestin Porter, who each played more than 31 minutes against Cincinnati. Ace Buckner was the lone reserve guard to see extended action, finishing with 27 minutes.
Explored — But Not Pursued
Brownell acknowledged Clemson did explore contingency options earlier in the month, including communication with former G League guard T.J. Clark. Clark ultimately chose Ole Miss, leaving Clemson to move forward with its current roster.
“I mean, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to be competitive,” Brownell said. “So it’s something we’ll look at.”
For now, Clemson isn’t looking.
Staying the Course
Johnson is expected to be healthy when Clemson returns to action against Syracuse on Dec. 31, easing some of the immediate strain. Still, Brownell reiterated the challenge of integrating a new player on the fly.
“Getting a guy here, getting him acclimated and trusting him enough — that’s not easy either,” he said.
As Clemson enters the heart of ACC play, the message from the top is clear: trust the roster, protect the culture, and manage the minutes.