Brownell Discusses West Coast Swing Challenges
The Clemson basketball team is preparing for an important challenge as they embark on a West Coast swing that includes back-to-back games. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers departed late Monday for a midweek matchup against Stanford.
Upcoming Challenges for Clemson
The first game will take place against Stanford on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. EST. Following this contest, the team will head to Berkeley to face the California Golden Bears on Saturday. Brownell acknowledged the difficulties posed by the travel and time change, stating that adjustments will be critical.
Clemson’s Current Performance
The Tigers have been strong in conference play, having secured victories in eight of their first nine ACC matches. This impressive start has placed them in second position in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. Additionally, Clemson ranks No. 31 in the NET rankings.
Stanford’s Strengths and Key Player
Stanford, despite its struggles this season with a record of 3-8 in the ACC, has shown potential. They have recently lost four straight games but managed to defeat highly ranked opponents such as North Carolina and Louisville. Brownell highlighted the team’s freshman guard, Ebuka Okorie, who is averaging 21.8 points per game and poses a significant challenge.
- Key Stats:
- Clemson: 8 wins in 9 ACC games
- Stanford: 3-8 in ACC play
- Okorie: 21.8 points per game
Preparing for the West Coast Swing
Brownell is determined to maintain normal routines despite the challenges of travel. He emphasized the importance of hydration and physical recovery, mentioning that the team will shoot at Stanford’s gym the night before the game to adjust better.
While travel can create hurdles, Brownell remains focused on fostering a competitive mindset. He insists that his team must approach the games with confidence and a clear strategy. “We just got to figure it out,” he stated. Brownell believes that no matter the travel schedule, the team’s goal is to return home with two more wins.
As they step into this pivotal West Coast swing, all eyes will be on Clemson to see how they tackle these challenges and maintain their momentum.
