The Clemson Insider

Following wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina, the Clemson males’s basketball staff noticed its ACC Tournament run come to an finish Friday evening on the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., the place the fifth-seeded Tigers fell to top-seeded Duke, 73 -61, within the semifinal spherical.

Clemson was led by senior ahead RJ Godfrey, who posted team-highs with 18 factors and 6 rebounds, whereas including one block, a steal and an help.

“I thought he was good. I’m so proud of him,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell mentioned following the sport when requested about Godfrey. “He’s an improved player. What a young man. … He’s just special.”

Unprompted, after ending his reply about Godfrey, Brownell commented on what “a privilege” it’s to teach the 2025-26 Tigers — who personal a 24-10 file however, for the second straight season, got here one win wanting making the ACC Tournament championship sport.

“It’s a privilege to coach these guys,” Brownell mentioned. “I hate it because they’re hurting. Because these guys wanted to be in the final two [of the ACC Tournament], and we’re not going to get that opportunity.”

The Tigers now await their seed on Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. Clemson will watch the 2026 NCAA Tournament Selection Show at 6 p.m. Sunday within the Mathis Family Coliseum Club inside Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.

In his updated bracketology, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has Clemson as a No. 8 seed (down from a No. 7 seed) after the loss to Duke.

Despite the sting of defeat felt by Clemson within the fast aftermath of the Duke sport, Brownell says Selection Sunday shall be a celebration for the Tigers and what they’ve achieved so far through the 2025-26 marketing campaign.

“We’re going to celebrate Sunday. I know that,” Brownell mentioned. “We’re not on any bubble. We’ve had a hell of a year, and we’re going to have one hell of a fun Sunday.”