As Clemson hits the road for its first of two consecutive away games, all eyes will be on senior forward Ian Schieffelin as he takes the court against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Schieffelin, a pivotal player for the Tigers, has been battling multiple injuries that could impact his performance in tonight’s matchup.
Head coach Brad Brownell revealed after Saturday’s victory over Florida State that Schieffelin is playing through a calf strain. To make matters worse, Schieffelin was seen wearing a back brace after the Florida State game, sparking concern about his physical condition. Despite these setbacks, Schieffelin still managed to contribute with six assists in 31 minutes, though his scoring was well below his usual standards—he recorded just two points and two rebounds.
For the season, Schieffelin has been one of Clemson’s standout players, averaging 12.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His rebounding average ranks 14th nationally, and he’s consistently been a dominant force for the Tigers. However, his injury-plagued performance against Florida State was a reminder that even the most reliable players can be affected by the physical toll of the ACC schedule.
Tonight’s game against Georgia Tech features a head-to-head battle between Schieffelin and Yellow Jackets power forward Baye Ndongo, who’s averaging 11.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Both players are crucial to their teams’ success, and whichever player performs better could play a key role in determining the outcome.
Schieffelin’s availability is crucial not just for tonight’s game, but for the Tigers’ overall success as they navigate the rest of their challenging ACC schedule. Brownell expressed confidence that Schieffelin would be available for the road trip, though he noted it was still unclear how much the senior would be able to play. Should Schieffelin be limited, other players like Viktor Lakhin and Chauncey Wiggins will need to step up.
As the Tigers look to continue their push in the ACC, Schieffelin’s health remains a major factor in their championship aspirations. Fans will be watching closely to see how he fares against Georgia Tech tonight.
