Clemson Loses Promising Freshman Guard Zac Foster to Season-Ending ACL Injury
Clemson’s backcourt just took a major hit.
Freshman guard Zac Foster will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL during Clemson’s win over South Carolina on December 16. The injury was confirmed by the school the following day, and while there’s no timetable yet for his return, it’s a tough blow for both Foster and a Tigers team that had come to rely on his presence off the bench.
Foster’s injury occurred early in the rivalry matchup at Littlejohn Coliseum. With just under 13 minutes left in the first half, Foster was driving on a fastbreak when his layup attempt was blocked.
He hit the floor hard and immediately grabbed at his knee. The scene turned somber quickly as teammates surrounded him while trainers rushed in.
Though he eventually walked off under his own power, the concern was evident-and unfortunately, the MRI confirmed the worst.
“It’s an extremely unfortunate injury for Zac and our team,” head coach Brad 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 at Clemson.”
Foster had quietly carved out a key role in Clemson’s rotation this season. Though he wasn’t a starter, he was often trusted in late-game situations-a sign of the coaching staff’s confidence in his poise and playmaking.
He was averaging 6.9 points per game and ranked second on the team in assists with 2.5 per contest. That kind of production from a freshman guard, especially one coming off the bench, speaks volumes about his impact.
In the South Carolina game, Foster logged just two minutes before the injury, finishing with two points and one assist. After initially staying on the trainer’s table behind the bench, he was later seen walking to the locker room under his own power, though a staffer had crutches ready if needed. It was a hopeful sign at the time, but the diagnosis confirmed that his season is over.
With Foster sidelined, Clemson will now lean more heavily on its remaining guards. Dillon Hunter, who stepped in immediately after Foster went down, will continue in his starting role, while Jestin Porter and depth option Ace Buckner are expected to see increased minutes. The Tigers (9-3) are preparing for a tough non-conference matchup against Cincinnati on December 21 in Greenville, and the rotation will need to adjust quickly.
There’s no sugarcoating it-losing Foster is a significant setback. But the freshman has already shown he’s a fighter. If his on-court determination is any indication, expect him to attack his rehab with the same drive that made him one of Clemson’s most promising young contributors.