New-look Clemson basketball team rolls in season opener. What we learned

New-look Clemson basketball team shines in season opener

The Clemson men's basketball team, under coach Brad Brownell, featured a record number of transfers in their 2025-26 season opener. They used 12 players on Monday, with only one returning from last year's roster.

The Tigers kicked off their campaign with a dominant 88-38 victory over New Hampshire at Littlejohn Coliseum. Despite New Hampshire’s poor 8-24 record last season and low NET ranking (355th out of 364 Division I teams), Clemson’s performance was a key step in integrating a largely new roster.

“We’ve still got to figure everybody out,” Brownell said after the game.

Key player debuts in the opener

Game context and significance

Clemson’s overwhelming 50-point win exceeded the 41.5-point spread predicted by FanDuel, confirming their clear talent advantage. More importantly, the game provided valuable on-court experience for a squad with 76% new players.

Looking ahead

The Tigers’ opener signaled a season of adjustment and opportunity as Brownell and his revamped team begin to build cohesion and chemistry.

Summary: Clemson’s basketball season opener showcased a heavily revamped team, integrating numerous transfers and freshmen, leading to a decisive win and essential game experience under coach Brad Brownell.

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The State The State — 2025-11-05

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