Clemson basketball might not be the hottest topic in national media right now, especially after a tough winless week, but the Tigers have a staunch supporter in ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. In his latest Bilas Index update, Bilas ranks Clemson at No. 29 nationally, a testament to the team's impressive body of work despite a challenging three-game losing streak.
The real story for Bilas isn't just the recent setbacks; it's the leadership of head coach Brad Brownell. In a season where Clemson had to overhaul nearly its entire rotation, Brownell has guided the Tigers to a strong 20-7 overall record and a 10-4 mark in ACC play.
Bilas praises Brownell, saying, “Brad Brownell is one of the best coaches in the country. The real measure of a great coach isn’t only when he has talent.
Brownell can do it when he doesn’t. Amazing.”
Bilas describes the season as a "triumph of teaching," highlighting how unexpected the Tigers' success might have seemed without returning experience. While recent headlines focus on road losses to Duke and Wake Forest, Bilas' rankings remind us of Clemson's impressive journey. Before hitting this "bump in the road," the Tigers were on fire, winning 13 of 14 games, including a remarkable 14-game ACC road winning streak that ended at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Clemson's spot in the Bilas Index Top 30 is more than just recognition; it suggests that the Tigers' quality of play remains strong, despite recent results. With a crucial matchup against Florida State looming, Clemson faces a must-win scenario to validate Bilas’ confidence.
A win could set the stage for Clemson's second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011. As the Tigers prepare to take on the Seminoles at noon ET on Saturday, they'll be eager to prove that their Top 30 status reflects their potential and not just their past.