Stanford Men’s Basketball Narrowly Falls to No. 20 Clemson, Eyes Bounce-Back vs. Georgia Tech
Stanford men’s basketball is back on The Farm this weekend, hosting Georgia Tech in what will be the Cardinal’s penultimate ACC home game of the season. Tip-off is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. PT on ESPNU, and while the team enters the matchup on a five-game slide, there’s still plenty on the line - and plenty of talent to watch.
Let’s break it down.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and High-Level Talent
Stanford sits at 14-9 overall, and despite the recent skid, this is a team that’s proven it can compete with the best. The Cardinal holds four quadrant one NET victories - a key metric in NCAA Tournament selection - and has already taken down ranked ACC opponents in North Carolina, Louisville, and Virginia Tech. Those aren’t just resume-boosters; they’re statements.
One of the biggest reasons for Stanford’s success this season? Freshman phenom Ebuka Okorie.
The 6-foot-6 guard is putting up 21.6 points per game, which ranks ninth nationally and third among freshmen. That puts him in elite company - only Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa are scoring at a similar clip among first-year players. Okorie’s blend of scoring ability, poise, and athleticism has earned him top-10 recognition in national freshman of the year rankings across major outlets.
He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s doing it efficiently and in big moments. In the recent two-point loss to Clemson, Okorie added 18 points and three assists, continuing to be the engine of Stanford’s offense.
Aidan Cammann Breaks Out
While the Clemson game didn’t go Stanford’s way, it did offer a glimpse of another emerging contributor. Aidan Cammann had a career night, pouring in 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including two from deep and a perfect 3-for-3 at the line. He added five boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks - a complete performance that nearly lifted Stanford to an upset win over a top-20 team.
Cammann’s growth adds another layer to a Stanford squad that’s already shown it can hang with high-level competition. With continued development from players like him, the Cardinal have the pieces to make noise down the stretch.
Oskar Giltay: Mr. Efficiency
Oskar Giltay quietly put together a rock-solid game of his own against Clemson, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for eight points, while grabbing 11 rebounds and adding two steals and a block. He’s not always the flashiest player on the floor, but Giltay’s ability to impact the game on both ends makes him a valuable piece in Stanford’s rotation.
A Championship Moment
Let’s not forget Stanford’s early-season hardware. The Cardinal took home the Acrisure Invitational title in Palm Desert, thanks to a buzzer-beater from Benny Gealer against Saint Louis on Nov.
- That win, paired with a solid showing against Minnesota, showed the kind of resilience and clutch gene this team can tap into when it’s clicking.
Looking Ahead: Georgia Tech and the ACC Grind
Saturday’s matchup against Georgia Tech is more than just another game - it’s a chance for Stanford to right the ship and get back in the win column. The five-game losing streak is the longest under head coach Kyle Smith since 2022, but the team remains tied for second in the ACC in quadrant one wins. That’s a big deal, especially with postseason implications looming.
The Yellow Jackets come in as a team capable of disrupting rhythm, but Stanford has the offensive firepower and home-court advantage to seize control early. If Okorie continues his scoring tear and the supporting cast steps up like they did against Clemson, the Cardinal have a strong shot to snap the skid.
Stanford’s NBA Pipeline Still Producing
While the current squad fights through the grind of the ACC schedule, Stanford’s recent alumni are making their presence felt at the next level.
Maxime Raynaud, who graduated in 2025 after one of the most dominant seasons in program history, is now with the Sacramento Kings and averaging 9.5 points per game - 11.3 as a starter. That’s a solid rookie campaign for the All-American big man.
Ziaire Williams is putting up 9.7 points per game, and Spencer Jones has started 34 games, averaging 6.0 points, and 7.5 as a starter. Meanwhile, veterans Brook Lopez and Dwight Powell remain key rotation players for the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers, respectively.
It’s a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level - and a reminder of the kind of pedigree Stanford basketball brings to the court.
Bottom Line: Stanford may be riding a rough patch, but the talent is there, the résumé is solid, and the opportunity to turn things around starts Saturday. With Okorie leading the charge, Cammann stepping up, and a hungry squad looking to get back on track, don’t count this team out just yet.