Brad Brownell and the Clemson men’s basketball team are making waves in the NCAA Tournament, securing a spot in the Sweet 16 with a nail-biting 72-64 triumph over the Baylor Bears. RJ Godfrey’s composure on the free throw line proved pivotal as he extended Clemson’s lead in the game’s closing moments. This hard-earned victory signifies a major milestone for the Tigers, marking their return to the Sweet 16 after a six-year absence.
With each player stepping up when it mattered most, Clemson showcased resilience and determination throughout the game, fending off Baylor’s challenges to emerge victorious. As they continue their tournament journey, the Tigers are poised to make an even deeper impact, fueled by their momentum and collective effort on the court.
For a team like Clemson to make a run like this means not only the players are performing but also the coach. Brownell has done a phenomenal job with this team, and Joe Girard and PJ Hall wanted to send the Brownell haters a message after their big win.
“I don’t like really doing this, but all those fire Brownell guys can, you know, kiss it,” Girard said to WYFF’s Marc Wideman. “He has done an unbelievable job here. He has built this program for 14 years. He has been in the league for so long. You don’t get that every day. You don’t get that everywhere.
“Brownell is an unbelievable coach. Obviously, he has a lot of strategy and techniques he likes to do and that is why he is so successful. Shoutout to Coach for making history. It is unbelievable.”
Hall added to the defense of their head coach, showing how much Brownell means to this squad.
“For four years I have had to listen to people hating on that man and they do not understand how incredible he is behind closed doors and how much of genius he is,” Hall said. “He is a blessing to be at Clemson.
“There are people that support him thick and through and we love that, but everybody needs to know that Coach Brownell is arguably the best coach to come through Clemson in terms of Xs and Os and we are trying to prove that right now.”
Next up for the Tigers is Arizona in the Sweet 16, Thursday (7 p.m., CBS) in Los Angeles.