Clemson Basketball: Moving Forward After the 2025 NCAA Tournament Loss
Clemson basketball’s 2024-25 season came to a disappointing end with a 69-67 loss to No. 12 seed McNeese State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2025. The Tigers, seeded fifth in the Midwest Region, entered the postseason with high expectations after a stellar regular season that saw them finish with a program-record 26 wins and an 18-2 mark in ACC play. However, a sluggish first half and uncharacteristic struggles from key players like Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin ultimately derailed their March Madness hopes. As head coach Brad Brownell and the program turn their attention to the 2025-26 season, roster attrition, emerging needs, and the team’s outlook paint a picture of both challenges and opportunities.
Roster Attrition: A Changing Landscape
Clemson’s roster will undergo significant changes heading into next season, as the team bids farewell to several key contributors from its 2024-25 campaign. The most notable departures include four of the five starters from the McNeese State game: Chase Hunter, Ian Schieffelin, Chauncey Wiggins, and Jake Heidbreder. Hunter, a dynamic guard who earned All-ACC First Team honors, and Schieffelin, a Second Team All-ACC forward who averaged a double-double, have been the heart and soul of the team. Their eligibility is exhausted, leaving massive voids in scoring, leadership, and rebounding. Wiggins, a versatile wing, and Heidbreder, a sharpshooting guard, also move on, further depleting the Tigers’ experienced core.
Additionally, the loss of Viktor Lakhin, a transfer big man who provided rim protection and rebounding, adds to the turnover. These departures strip Clemson of roughly 70% of its scoring production and a significant portion of its defensive identity. While the Tigers have thrived under Brownell’s system with veteran-led teams—evidenced by their Elite Eight run in 2024—the exodus of talent signals a shift toward a younger, less proven roster.
Needs Moving Forward: Rebuilding the Core
With such extensive attrition, Clemson’s offseason priorities are clear: replenish the roster with talent capable of filling the gaps in scoring, interior presence, and leadership. The transfer portal will likely play a pivotal role, as Brownell has successfully utilized it in recent years to bolster the team—Lakhin being a prime example. Here are the key areas of focus:
- Guard Play and Scoring: Hunter’s departure leaves a gaping hole at the point guard position. His 30-point outburst against Boise State earlier in the season showcased his ability to take over games, and Clemson will need a dynamic ball-handler to replace him. Rising sophomore Dillon Hunter, Chase’s younger brother, could step into a larger role after showing promise with a season-high seven assists against SMU. However, his scoring (averaging under 5 points per game) remains a work in progress, and the Tigers may seek a proven guard via the portal to share the load.
- Frontcourt Depth: Schieffelin’s rebounding prowess (a season-high 20 boards against Kentucky) and Lakhin’s shot-blocking (five blocks against Stanford) were critical to Clemson’s success. Without them, the Tigers lack a dominant interior presence. Sophomore Asa Thomas, a 6’7” forward with a reputation as a sharpshooter, could stretch the floor, but he’ll need to bulk up to handle ACC physicality. Brownell may target a veteran big man in the portal to anchor the paint.
- Leadership and Experience: Losing upperclassmen like Hunter and Schieffelin means Clemson must cultivate new leaders. Junior wing Chauncey Reeves, who will return as one of the few holdovers, could emerge as a vocal presence, but his development as a consistent scorer (he’s yet to average double figures) is crucial. The coaching staff will also lean on incoming recruits and transfers to mature quickly.
- Shooting and Depth: Clemson’s offense faltered against McNeese, shooting just 39% from the field. Improving perimeter shooting—especially with Heidbreder’s departure—will be a priority. Freshmen like guard Ace Buckner and forward Dallas Patterson, part of Clemson’s 2025 recruiting class, bring potential but lack the seasoning to contribute immediately.
Outlook for the 2025-26 Season: A Transition Year with Promise
The 2025-26 season shapes up as a transition year for Clemson basketball. After years of building a veteran-laden squad that peaked with back-to-back deep NCAA Tournament runs (Elite Eight in 2024, first-round exit in 2025), Brownell faces the challenge of integrating a younger roster into his system. The Tigers’ outlook hinges on how quickly the new pieces gel and whether the coaching staff can strike gold in the transfer portal.
On the positive side, Brownell’s track record inspires confidence. His 15-year tenure has seen Clemson evolve from an ACC afterthought to a consistent postseason contender, and his recent five-year, $20 million contract extension reflects the university’s faith in his vision. The returning core—Dillon Hunter, Reeves, and Thomas—offers a foundation of skill and upside. If Thomas can harness his shooting ability and Reeves takes a leap as a junior, Clemson could remain competitive in the ACC.
However, the loss of star power and experience tempers expectations. The ACC remains a gauntlet, with perennial powers like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia, plus rising programs like SMU and Wake Forest. Without significant portal additions, Clemson risks sliding toward the middle of the conference standings. A realistic projection might see the Tigers finish with 18-22 wins and flirt with the NCAA Tournament bubble, a step back from their 2024-25 dominance but a testament to Brownell’s ability to reload.
Final Thoughts
Clemson basketball stands at a crossroads after its 2025 NCAA Tournament loss. The sting of falling short against McNeese State will linger, but it also serves as motivation for a program that’s tasted success and hungers for more. Roster attrition presents challenges, but with strategic recruiting, player development, and Brownell’s steady hand, the Tigers can navigate this transition. The 2025-26 season may not replicate the heights of the recent past, but it offers a chance to lay the groundwork for Clemson’s next chapter in college basketball. Fans will watch eagerly as the pieces come together, hopeful that the roar of the Tigers will echo once again in March.
