Losing nine guys from a roster that went 27-7 overall and finished second in the ACC behind Duke would crater most programs, but Brad Brownell has Clemson basketball trending up.
The Tigers have not only made up for all of the losses this offseason ranging from Ian Schieffelin and Chase Hunter to Del Jones and Asa Thomas. Clemson has added six guys from the transfer portal after picking up a commitment from Middle Tennessee star Jestin Porter this week.
Outside of Porter, the Tigers have landed Butta Johnson (UAB), Jake Wahlin (Utah), Carter Welling (Utah Valley), RJ Godfrey (Georgia), and Nick Davidson (Nevada) in the portal and they're bringing in Trent Steinour, Chase Thompson, Blake Davidson, and Zac Foster with the 2025 class.
Nine out, 10 in, which makes the roster officially set at capacity for the 2025-26 season.
Final (likely flawed) projection for Clemson MBB w/ 13 scholarships filled:
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) April 22, 2025
C, Nick Davidson, Trent Steinour
PF, Carter Welling, RJ Godfrey, Chase Thompson, Blake Davidson
SF, Jake Wahlin, Dallas Thomas
SG, Jestin Porter, Butta Johnson, Zac Foster
PG, Dillon Hunter, Ace Buckner
I did a projection of the starting five on Wednesday and it looked a little different from Jon Blau's above as I had Porter starting at the point, Johnson at the two (likely Dillon Hunter), Godfrey at the three (probably won't happen but I like him there in a bigger lineup), Welling at the four, and Davidson at the five. I think there are a lot of options for Brownell to work with.
Clemson has itself a solid team heading into the 2025-26 season and while it's too early to say they won't miss a beat from this past season, I do think that's a tournament roster.
If the younger guys can step up and play well like Ace Buckner and Zac Foster, I will buy all the way in on Clemson next season.