Clemson basketball is calling for fan support this Saturday, as Brad Brownell’s Tigers face a crucial challenge against Memphis at Littlejohn Coliseum. Despite the unusually early start time of 11 a.m., the team has earned the backing of its community after a stellar start to the season.
While much of the Clemson fan base is fixated on the football team’s upcoming College Football Playoff matchup with Texas, the basketball team also deserves recognition. After a strong start to their campaign and a recent home win against then-No. 4 Kentucky, the Tigers have established themselves as a national contender. Saturday’s game presents a key opportunity for Clemson to secure a significant Quad-1 win, critical for bolstering their NCAA Tournament resume.
Coach Brownell acknowledged the challenges of the early tip-off, noting the impact it might have on his team’s preparation. “I don’t know that I’ve ever coached an 11 a.m. game,” Brownell said. “Pregame is at eight, and most of your work has to be done earlier in the week. You hope the guys are ready to go right away.”
The timing also raises concerns about fan turnout. With the game taking place the morning after finals, many students may have already left campus, and the atmosphere in the arena could lack energy without their usual presence. Brownell emphasized the importance of a lively crowd, drawing comparisons to last year’s electric environment in Memphis that helped the Tigers’ opponents eke out a narrow win.
“This is a big game,” Brownell said. “We need energy in the building. Memphis had a great atmosphere when we played them last year, and it made a difference. We need the same kind of support from our fans.”
As Clemson looks to cement its standing as a basketball powerhouse, Saturday’s game could play a pivotal role. For fans, it’s a chance to show the same level of commitment to the basketball program as they do to football. So set your alarms, Clemson faithful—this team deserves your cheers.
