Clemson basketball is at a crossroads after a disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, and the Tigers now face the daunting challenge of overcoming a tough stretch of games, including a matchup with Duke and a showdown against the highly touted freshman, Cooper Flagg, in the coming weeks. The loss to Georgia Tech has highlighted several areas where Clemson must improve if they are to continue their push for a strong finish to the season and contend with some of the ACC’s elite teams.
The Aftermath of the Georgia Tech Loss
Clemson entered the game against Georgia Tech with a chance to strengthen its position in the ACC standings. However, they were caught off guard by a resilient Yellow Jackets squad, falling 78-72. Despite a solid individual performance from senior forward PJ Hall, the Tigers couldn’t overcome key defensive lapses and offensive struggles, especially in the second half.
The defeat has left Clemson fans wondering what went wrong and how the team can bounce back against powerhouse teams like Duke and a rising star in Cooper Flagg, who is becoming a focal point of college basketball.
Where Clemson Must Improve: Key Areas for Growth
1. Defensive Consistency
One of the most glaring issues for Clemson in the Georgia Tech loss was their defensive inconsistency. At times, the Tigers struggled to contain the Yellow Jackets’ offense, allowing open shots and easy baskets. While their defense has been a strength at points this season, the Georgia Tech game exposed vulnerabilities in Clemson’s ability to execute key stops when it mattered most.
Against Duke and Flagg, Clemson must drastically improve their defensive game plan. Flagg, a consensus top recruit who’s already showing signs of becoming a game-changer at the collegiate level, will test Clemson’s ability to protect the paint and cover shooters on the perimeter. The Tigers will need to be far more disciplined in their rotations, communication, and individual defense, especially against players with elite offensive skills like Flagg.
2. Late-Game Execution
Clemson’s struggles in the final stretches of games were evident in the Georgia Tech loss. Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers failed to execute in crunch time, which cost them the win. The team couldn’t hit critical shots or get stops when they needed them most, which has been a recurring issue in close games this season.
With games against high-level teams like Duke ahead, Clemson must improve its execution in clutch moments. Whether it’s better shot selection, enhanced decision-making, or improved free-throw shooting, the Tigers need to find ways to close out tight games, particularly when facing a team like Duke that thrives in high-pressure situations.
3. Rebounding and Physicality
In the Georgia Tech game, Clemson was outrebounded by the Yellow Jackets, an area where they’ve shown vulnerability throughout the season. Against a team like Duke, known for its aggressive and physical play under the rim, Clemson must establish dominance on the boards. This includes limiting second-chance opportunities for their opponents and securing critical rebounds in traffic.
Additionally, with Cooper Flagg being a dominant force both offensively and defensively, the Tigers will need to bring extra physicality to the floor to limit his influence. Whether it’s boxing out, maintaining position, or fighting through screens, Clemson must be able to match the intensity of their competition.
4. Offensive Efficiency
While Clemson has shown flashes of offensive brilliance this season, their ability to sustain that level of play throughout an entire game has been inconsistent. In the loss to Georgia Tech, their shooting percentage dropped in the second half, and they struggled to execute clean offensive sets. PJ Hall, who’s been a key contributor, needs more consistent support from his teammates to balance the offense.
Against Duke and Flagg, the Tigers will need to capitalize on every offensive possession. This means getting good looks for shooters like Hunter Tyson and finding ways to open up the floor for Hall inside. Efficient ball movement and avoiding turnovers will also be critical as they face teams that can capitalize on mistakes quickly.
The Duke Challenge: A Step Up
The Tigers’ next test comes against the perennial powerhouse Duke, who are known for their elite recruiting classes and strong defensive play. Coach Jon Scheyer has led the Blue Devils to consistent success, and Clemson will have to be at its best to compete with the likes of Duke’s high-level players.
Duke’s defense will challenge Clemson’s offensive rhythm, and with a player like Cooper Flagg on their roster, the Tigers will face a physical matchup both in the paint and on the perimeter. Flagg, already making waves as one of the most exciting young prospects in college basketball, brings both size and skill to the court, making him a tough matchup for any team. Clemson will need to key in on Flagg while also managing Duke’s depth and overall athleticism.
Moving Forward: Key for Success
Clemson’s upcoming games against Duke and teams with rising stars like Flagg will be critical to their NCAA tournament aspirations. To defeat these tough opponents, the Tigers must fine-tune their weaknesses, starting with defensive consistency and late-game execution. The team’s ability to improve in these areas could determine whether they stay in the hunt for a high seed or fall short in a competitive ACC.
With a strong roster and leadership from experienced players like Hall, Clemson still has the potential to make a deep run. However, they must step up their play on both ends of the court and find ways to beat the best if they are to achieve their postseason goals.
The road to a successful finish in the ACC starts with the next few games — Clemson will need to prove they’ve learned from their mistakes and can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
