Clemson Tigers Poised for Breakout Season: Schieffelin Leads the Charge

The Clemson Tigers Men's Basketball team is gearing up for a highly anticipated 2024/25 season, aiming to build on their impressive run to the Elite Eight last year. With a talented roster and a seasoned leader in Ian Schieffelin, the Tigers are poised to make a deep postseason push and potentially reach new heights in program history.

Clemson's Resurgence: A Glue Guy's Crucial Role

Returning Firepower and Roster Continuity

The Tigers will return the majority of their key contributors from last season's 24-12 (11-9 in ACC) campaign, which saw them finish fifth in the conference. Despite the departure of four players, the team's integral pieces remain intact, setting the stage for a potential breakout year.One of the Tigers' most valuable assets is senior forward Ian Schieffelin, who was recently named one of college basketball insider Jon Rothstein's "glue guys" to watch in the 2024/25 season. Schieffelin's impact on Clemson's success last season was undeniable, as he averaged a near double-double with 14.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in the NCAA Tournament.

Schieffelin's Ascent: From Unsung to Indispensable

Schieffelin's journey with the Tigers has been one of exceeding expectations. Since joining the team, the 6-8 forward has consistently improved his game, becoming an integral part of Clemson's success. Last season, he started all 36 games and logged a career-high 27.5 minutes per contest, showcasing his versatility and reliability.Schieffelin's regular-season performance was equally impressive, as he averaged a double-double with 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. His efficiency on the court was a standout, with a field goal percentage of 56.4% and a 46.9% mark from behind the arc, earning him the ACC Most Improved Player award in 2024.

Schieffelin's Leadership and Glue-Guy Mentality

As Schieffelin prepares to lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament, his role as the team's glue guy becomes even more crucial. Head coach Brad Brownell has praised Schieffelin's ability to complement the team's playing style and his invaluable contributions on both ends of the floor.Schieffelin's performance in last year's NCAA Tournament, where he was named to the All-West Region Team, further solidified his status as a key cog in Clemson's success. His ability to fill the "mortar in between the bricks," as described by Rothstein, has been a driving force behind the Tigers' resurgence.

Sights Set on History: Reaching New Heights

As the Tigers embark on the 2024/25 season, their sights are set on making history. With Schieffelin leading the charge, Clemson will look to reach its first-ever Final Four, a feat that has eluded the program throughout its history.Schieffelin's continued development and leadership could also put him on the radar for potential opportunities at the professional level, as he seeks to extend his playing career beyond the collegiate ranks. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a valuable asset for the Tigers and a player to watch closely in the upcoming season.

Preparing for the Challenge Ahead

Clemson's journey to the 2024/25 season begins with an exhibition game against August on October 30th, followed by the regular-season opener against Charleston Southern on November 4th. The first four contests, including the preseason matchup, will be held at Littlejohn Coliseum, providing the Tigers with a familiar home-court advantage.The Tigers will then open ACC play on December 7th, facing off against the Miami Hurricanes on the road. As they navigate the challenging conference schedule, the team will rely heavily on Schieffelin's leadership and the continued development of their core players to make a deep postseason run.With a talented roster, a seasoned leader in Schieffelin, and a burning desire to reach new heights, the Clemson Tigers are poised to captivate college basketball fans in the 2024/25 season. As they embark on this exciting journey, the Tigers' faithful eagerly await the opportunity to witness their team's ascent to the national stage.