Rehabilitation Progress
Clemson’s basketball program is navigating a critical rebuilding phase as it prepares for the 2026‑27 season, with three key players working their way back from last year’s injuries.
Zac Foster, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in December, is now six months post‑surgery and reports steady progress in his rehabilitation, raising hopes that he could be ready when the season opens in October.
Carter Welling’s March ACL tear required surgery at the end of the month, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain, ranging from an early‑winter return to the possibility of missing most of the campaign.
Ace Buckner, despite a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery, managed to appear in every game last season and will enter the new roster as one of the most experienced players, a redshirt sophomore expected to anchor the frontcourt.
The absence of Foster and Welling has already shown up on the court, with Clemson going 1‑2 in its last three contests and being outrebounded in each, prompting the coaching staff to give increased minutes to freshman center Will Stevens and newcomers Cole Certa and Harris Reynolds during summer practices.
Looking Ahead
Coach Brad Brownell emphasizes that the team will need to adapt by playing faster and leveraging the depth being built around the returning stars, hoping that the full complement of healthy talent will translate into a more competitive lineup.