How Good Is Clemson? Ex-NBA Star Reflects on Early Unbeaten Success

Running on an 8-game winning streak, #24 Clemson Tigers bagged another win when they humbled the South Carolina Gamecocks by 72-67. The two are the largest universities in South Carolina. They’ve been competing in the Palmetto All-Sport Series for the past 8 years.

But while USC has been winning the series each year, the results have now favor the Tigers as they beat down the Gamecocks hands down. So, is it an early sign for what’s coming next? At least, a former NBA player thinks so.

Roaring Tigers

In the recent Field of 68 episode, sports analyst Rob Dauster entered into a discussion with ex-NBA Star Tyler Hansbrough, along with Louisville University’s head coach Chris Mack. As the conversation moved forward, Rob asked Tyler if he believes Clemson is the best team in the ACC.

Responding to Rob’s query, Tyler said, “I would believe it, yeah, cuz Mack called it his sleeper team in the ACC. Before we were, you know, doing the preseason stuff, but I actually was a big fan of PJ Hall last year. And I thought he was probably their best player and I knew he was coming back and I thought they could build momentum off of what they did last year. Also, watching them play this shefflin kid has been pretty fun to watch. He does all the dirty work, not too big of a surprise.”

Moreover, talking about Clemson’s forward Ian Schieffelin’s gameplay, Rob Dauster said, “Clemson’s forward Ian Schieffelin he just crashes the glass, he gets offensive rebounds, he pounds the boards, he dunks on people, he screams in their face and he’s got a great flow. He’s fun to watch. He’s old school, for sure. I like how he bangs around and plays physical. It’s good to watch him, but yeah I mean Clemson’s playing well.”

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Clemson’s gameplay has been an outstanding one with Brad Brownell’s guidance.

Clemson’s performance this season

Chris Mack talked about Clemson’s head coach Brad Brownell saying, “He’s done a hell of a job, you know. I’ve been bullish on Clemson for a long time now. I feel, like you know, so much of what was talked about, maybe, before they started playing games was maybe how they finished the season a year ago. But Brad’s got some talent, he’s got some toughness, you know adding Joe Gerard to their team has made a huge difference in the backcourt. His ability to score, his ability at the end of games when you put the ball in his hands to get fouled and make that lead go from three to five with 30-40 seconds left in the game. That’s huge for a coach when you had that comfort of a 90% free throw shooter going to the line.”

So far in this season, Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin has been averaging 7.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, with a field goal percentage of 51.5. Last season, he made a career-high 6 assists along with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in a matchup against the Duke Blue Devils.

On the other hand, PJ Hall has been averaging 21.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, with a field goal percentage of 54.8. Last month Hall bagged 21 points, 8 rebounds, and dished 2 assists against Alabama.

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However, there are many other talented players on Clemson’s roster. What are your thoughts on Tiger’s winning streak? Will they be able to continue like this all through the season ahead?