Brad Brownell isn’t just searching for bodies—he’s hunting for Tigers who can change the game and put Clemson back where we belong.
Now that the NCAA transfer portal floodgates are open, Brownell and his staff are attacking the trail with the kind of relentless energy Tiger fans expect. After saying goodbye to some beloved faces and feeling the sting of that season-ending loss, there’s a sense of unfinished business in Tiger Town. The rumor mill is churning with talk of high-major targets, rare talents, and maybe even a local legend ready to come home and wear orange.
The Hunt for Frontcourt Size
Losing Carter Welling to that gut-wrenching ACL injury and seeing Nick Davidson hit the portal left a gaping hole in the paint. Brownell knows he needs more than just size—he needs a Tiger with pedigree. Enter Riley Allenspach, a name that should ring a bell for anyone who’s followed Clemson hoops for more than a minute.
The 6-foot-11 George Mason big man averaged 13.6 points and snagged Second Team All-A10 honors last season, and he’s already talking with Clemson. Allenspach’s blood runs orange—his uncle Adam was a force in Littlejohn from 1997 to 2001. Bringing Riley home, ranked as the No. 11 center in the portal, would give the Tigers a proven scorer and some much-needed stability down low.
But Brownell isn’t stopping at just one big man. Clemson is right in the thick of it for Oregon State’s Johan Munch, a 6-foot-11 Danish sophomore who shot an eye-popping 52.7% from the floor. And if you want a true unicorn, look no further than Quinnipiac’s Grant Randall. At 6-foot-9, Randall exploded for a 500% scoring jump last year, turning into a guy who can bully defenders inside and step out to drain threes.
Backcourt Firepower and Local Flavor
With Dillon Hunter, Jestin Porter, and "Butta" Johnson all entering the portal, the Tigers need an infusion of skill and leadership in the backcourt. Enter KJ Lewis.
Tiger fans haven’t forgotten Lewis—he was the guy who torched us for 26 points and five steals last November, breaking Clemson hearts in a Georgetown win. Now, the 6-foot-4 wrecking ball could be suiting up in orange. Brownell saw his talent up close and personal, and you can bet he’d love to have that kind of competitor on our side.
Maybe the most heartwarming name in the mix is Monmouth guard Justin Ray. He’s a Greer, South Carolina native and a legend at Eastside High, where he poured in 1,810 points. Ray didn’t get the national hype at first, but he showed he’s Power Four material by knocking down 42% from deep last season. Bringing him back to the Upstate, just a short drive from his old stomping grounds, would give Clemson the sharpshooter we missed so badly last year.
Building for Stability
Whether it’s Munch’s rim protection, Randall’s all-around scoring, or the homegrown magic of Justin Ray, Brownell is going big-game hunting. With five spots to fill and new assistant Chris Harriman known for reeling in top talent, the Tigers are primed to reload with a veteran group that can shake up the ACC.