Clemson's Backcourt Takes a Hit as Freshman Guard Zac Foster Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury
Clemson’s strong start to the season just hit a major speed bump. Freshman guard Zac Foster, a rising piece in the Tigers’ backcourt rotation, has been ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL during the team’s win over South Carolina on Dec. 16.
The injury occurred in the first half when Foster drove hard to the rim and planted awkwardly on his right leg. His knee buckled on takeoff, and the concern was immediate.
Head coach Brad Brownell, speaking after the game, said he was “crossing his fingers” the injury wasn’t serious. Unfortunately, the MRI the following day confirmed what no one wanted to hear.
“It’s an extremely unfortunate injury for Zac and our team,” Brownell said in a statement. “Zac is a hard worker and valuable member of our backcourt. I know he will be determined in his rehab and has a very bright future ahead of him here in Clemson.”
Foster’s absence is a blow, no doubt. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound freshman brought a unique blend of length, athleticism, and confidence to the Tigers’ guard corps.
He was still finding his rhythm on the offensive end-shooting just 31% from the field and 28% from three in 12 games-but his potential was evident. He had 12 points in a tough road loss at Alabama and added 10 in a win over Mercer, flashing that next-level explosiveness with a pair of highlight-reel, one-handed dunks.
“He actually gets more in-game dunks than practice,” teammate Dillon Hunter said. “He doesn't even dunk in practice, but then he'll just come out of nowhere and dunk it in the game. It's crazy.”
That kind of vertical pop and fearless attacking mentality gave Clemson an extra gear off the bench. Foster was still raw, sure, but he was a willing shooter and a dynamic slasher-traits that don’t always show up on the stat sheet but can shift the energy of a game.
Now, Clemson will need to lean even more heavily on its depth. The good news? The Tigers have it.
In the same game where Foster went down, reserve guard Ace Buckner stepped up and led the team with 19 points. Transfers Jestin Porter and Butta Johnson have also carved out roles in the backcourt, and Hunter continues to be a steady presence. Brownell has options, and while none may fully replicate what Foster brought to the table, the rotation still has the versatility to compete.
“I’m feeling good about our team,” Brownell said after the South Carolina win. “I like what we have.
I think we have some versatility. I'm crossing my fingers that things are gonna be good with Zac, because he's another important piece that has a different element.
But I think we're improving, which is important.”
That last point is key. Clemson is trending upward.
And while losing Foster stings, especially given the flashes he showed early in the season, the Tigers aren’t short on talent. The challenge now is keeping that backcourt healthy and continuing to build chemistry with the pieces still in play.
Foster’s season may be over, but his future remains bright. For now, Clemson will regroup and press forward-battle-tested, deeper than most, and still very much in the mix.