Busting Brackets
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Clemson Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Tigers

By Chris Kern

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 18: The Clemson Tigers bench reacts as the near the end of the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. The Clemson Tigers won 84-53. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 18: The Clemson Tigers bench reacts as the near the end of the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. The Clemson Tigers won 84-53. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 18: David Skara #24 of the Clemson Tigers looks for a rebound against Davion Mitchell #10 and Chuma Okeke #4 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 18: David Skara #24 of the Clemson Tigers looks for a rebound against Davion Mitchell #10 and Chuma Okeke #4 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Anthony Oliver

Anthony Oliver didn’t play a lot last year but he with the loss of Gabe DeVoe he should see at least a few more minutes. He averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds per game last season.

His shooting percentages were low last season but having not played much it was on limited shot attempts so that isn’t a big concern. He shot 31% from the field and 35% from three-point range.

Clyde Trapp

Clyde Trapp played a similar role to Anthony Oliver last season so it’ll be interesting to see who the main backup guard will be. Last season Trapp averaged just 1.8 points per game.

Trapp did play in 10 more games compared to Oliver last season so he may have the inside track at that spot. This is a competition that likely goes into the season so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Malik William

Malik William, like some of the other guys mentioned in this article, didn’t have a huge role last season. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.

This team doesn’t have a lot of depth inside and with an injury to freshman big Trey Jamison William will be asked to play a role on this team. They’ll go with a lot of small ball but they’ll still need William to play at least a few minutes to give Thomas some rest.

David Skara

David Skara transferred over from Valparaiso after his sophomore season and is one of four seniors on this team. Last season he only averaged 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

It is possible he starts over Simms or Newman but Clemson would likely prefer to go with a three-guard lineup.

Skara will be asked to come in and compete with the second unit but he likely also could play long stretches alongside the starters.