So much for a "full rebuild."
The Clemson Tigers, a team supposedly "cobbled together" with transfers and three-star recruits, continued their scorched-earth start to the 2025 season, obliterating Gardner-Webb 97-59 in another dominant display at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The win moves Brad Brownell's new-look squad to 2-0, with their first two victories coming by a combined 88 points.
In a stunning display of team basketball, the Tigers had 11 different players score, eight different players hit a three-pointer, and—most impressively—dished out 25 assists to just three turnovers. That 8.33 assist/turnover ratio is the third-highest in school history and a clear sign that this team's chemistry is already elite.
"This roster isn't 'new,' they're a team," one analyst might say, "and they're already playing with a mid-season connection."
The New Stars Shine Bright
After losing all five starters from last year, the question was who would step up. The answer, apparently, is everyone.
- Utah Valley transfer Carter Welling was the primary catalyst, recording his first double-double as a Tiger with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
- Fellow transfer Nick Davidson continued his hot start, leading all scorers with 18 points to go with six boards and two assists.
- Former Georgia forward RJ Godfrey was perfect, going 5-for-5 from the field and 3-for-3 from the line for 13 points and six rebounds.
- Redshirt freshman Ace Buckner reached double-figures for the second straight game, adding 11 points off the bench.
Even true freshman Zac Foster, who didn't score, played a perfect floor game, leading the team with five assists and committing zero turnovers.
The Tigers left no doubt, jumping out to a 16-3 lead and never looking back. They opened the second half on a 14-2 run to turn the game into a rout, leading by as many as 38.
After being picked to finish in the middle of the ACC pack, Clemson is playing with a ferocity that suggests they have no intention of rebuilding. They're reloaded, and they're already firing on all cylinders.
Clemson (2-0) returns to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to host Morehead State.