Clemson head coach Brad Brownell shared heartfelt remarks On two significant player And the Tigers
As Clemson prepared to watch Sunday’s Selection Show on CBS, center Viktor Lakhin couldn’t help but beam with joy.
He wore a broad smile, sharing laughter and jokes with his teammates.
This excitement is exactly why he chose to come to Clemson; he aspired to compete in the NCAA Tournament. The same goes for guard Jaeden Zackery.
Both players transferred to Clemson last spring after witnessing the Tigers make a run to the Elite Eight during the NCAA Tournament, all while they watched from their homes.
“It was a great time. Those guys were thrilled to be in that moment,” graduate Chase Hunter remarked. “There were so many laughs and jokes. They’re definitely ready to play.”
Seeing Lakhin and Zackery so animated this past Sunday demonstrates the significance of the NCAA Tournament for seasoned players.
“The older players have a deeper understanding than the younger ones, who clearly don’t get it yet,” remarked Clemson head coach Brad Brownell.
Brownell highlighted that Clemson’s recent track record of success is not typical; over the past three seasons, the team has achieved remarkable wins: 23 in 2023, 24 in 2024, and a school-record 27 wins leading into the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
“Del Jones is part of a team that has achieved the most wins in Clemson history. It’s not the norm to win 27 games every year,” Brownell explained. “Players who have faced challenges over the years appreciate this success because they know how hard it is and what they’ve sacrificed.
“As you gain experience and your role within the program expands, you feel a responsibility, especially with our recent success, to continue to contribute.”
As the fifth-seeded Tigers prepare for their first-round matchup against No. 12 McNeese State in the Midwest Regional on Thursday, Brownell is confident that Hunter and forward Ian Schieffelin will guide the team both on and off the court, aiming for a repeat of last year’s tournament run.
Brownell expressed his pride in Chase and Ian, acknowledging the difficulty of their achievements. He mentioned that at the start of the year, he reminded them that while they were key contributors to the Elite Eight team, many people primarily think of P.J. Hall when reflecting on that team. P.J. earned that recognition with four years of dedicated play, often while injured, showcasing his competitive spirit and commitment to the program. Now, as seniors, Chase and Ian have the opportunity to shape their own legacy.
“They’ve created an impressive legacy with 27 wins. Naturally, they aim to replicate last year’s tournament success because of the fond memories it provided. They hope to create similar experiences with their current teammates.”
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