A Promising Start in Europe
Clemson’s men’s basketball squad traveled across the Atlantic for a three‑game exhibition swing, finishing the tour with a perfect 3‑0 record. The victories over BC Šilutė, Pro Camp and Orange Bassano served not only as a confidence boost but also as a live laboratory for a roster in flux.
Head coach Brad Brownell, now in his 15th season, used the trip to evaluate four newcomers acquired through the transfer portal. The group includes guard Cole Certa, forward Liutauras Lelevicius, big man David Fuchs and redshirt sophomore Dallas Thomas, each of whom brought a distinct skill set to the Italian courts.
Certa, who averaged 13 points per game with a 37% three‑point clip last season, lived up to expectations, scoring 10, 13 and 16 points in the three contests. His shooting rhythm suggested he could become a reliable perimeter threat for the Tigers.
Lelevicius stepped up as the team’s leading scorer in the second game, pouring in 16 points and grabbing five rebounds against Pro Camp. The Lithuanian forward’s ability to finish at the rim added a new dimension to Clemson’s offense.
Fuchs, a 6‑foot‑9 Austrian, dominated the paint, compiling 13 points and 18 rebounds across two appearances. His presence in the post gave the Tigers a more physical interior presence that had been missing in recent years.
Fresh Faces and Future Foundations
True freshman Harris Reynolds, a top‑120 recruit, made an immediate impact, delivering 9 points and four rebounds in game two before exploding for 18 points in the finale. Fellow sophomore Chase Thompson, a former state champion, contributed valuable minutes despite a limited role, showcasing the depth of the young core.
Redshirt sophomore Dallas Thomas continued to refine his game, posting 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in the final matchup. His all‑around performance hinted at a breakout season for the Arkansas native.
Injuries limited the participation of Zac Foster and Ace Buckner, who were recuperating from setbacks, while the program also said goodbye to half of its previous roster through transfers and eligibility expirations. Brownell’s response was to turn to the transfer market, securing talent that can compete immediately and nurture the next generation of Clemson players.
The Italian tour, therefore, was more than a warm‑up; it was a clear statement of intent. By blending experienced transfers with emerging underclassmen, the Tigers aim to rebuild a competitive lineup that can challenge for ACC supremacy in the upcoming season.