Clemson's basketball practice gym had an unusual vibe on Thursday. Instead of the usual hustle of drills and game prep, the Tigers took a breather, focusing on video sessions and recovery. This came after their third consecutive loss, this time to Wake Forest.
Head coach Brad Brownell explained the decision: “We just didn’t have the energy we needed, so we took a break from the court. We spent a lot of time watching film, learning from our mistakes against Wake, and prepping for Florida State. It was about getting the guys refreshed, and I think it worked.”
The Tigers, who recently lost three straight for the first time since January 2023, knew they needed a change. Veteran guard Dillon Hunter and R.J. Godfrey, two of Clemson’s top performers, backed their coach’s call.
Brownell noted, “Dillon’s been great, especially after the Duke game. We had a long chat right after that game, and he’s been working hard with Coach Donlan since Wake. He and R.J. have been key in keeping team morale high.”
The decision to take a day off from full practice was aimed at boosting the team’s vitality. It paid off in the first half against Florida State, with Clemson’s defense holding them to just 33 points. However, the Tigers struggled in the second half, shooting only 21 percent from three-point range, leading to their first loss to Florida State in six years.
Starting the season strong at 20-4 and 10-1 in ACC play, this four-game skid is a stark departure from their early dominance. Clemson hasn’t experienced such a losing streak at Littlejohn Coliseum since 2022. Their past successes, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2024, came with their own challenges, like a tough January where they went 3-5.
Reflecting on past adversity, Hunter shared, “During my sophomore year, when we reached the Elite Eight, we faced a lot of challenges. It’s important to show the younger guys that ups and downs are part of the journey.”
Hunter, who missed last season’s NCAA Tournament due to injury, has been a steady presence. Against Florida State, he led with three assists and three rebounds, shooting 5-of-9 over five consecutive games. His energy has been unwavering.
For Brownell, Hunter, and the Tigers, facing adversity is nothing new. With a week to rest before taking on Louisville, the team is looking to find that spark for their elusive twenty-first win.