Clemson Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Tigers

By Joey Loose | Oct 10, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 19: Al-Amir Dawes #2, Nick Honor #4, Clyde Trapp #0, Aamir Simms #25 and Hunter Tyson #5 of the Clemson Tigers walk up court in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Clemson Basketball (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Guard – Josh Beadle (Freshman)

It’s hard to know what exactly to expect from freshmen, but Beadle is a 3-star recruit who filled up stats sheets and won multiple championships at Cardinal Newman. He’s instinctive and can play all over the backcourt, and we’ll have to see how he fleshes out his game as he transitions to the collegiate game, though he’s another solid long-range shooter to add to their ranks.

Forward – Ian Schieffelin (Freshman)

Schieffelin is a raw talent, a 3-star recruit from Georgia, who averaged 12.0 points and 12.0 rebounds last year at the top-ranked public high school in the state. Clemson’s frontcourt depth is a bit lacking this season and we’ll have to see if Schieffelin is ready to contribute in the ACC.

Guard – Chase Hunter (Sophomore)

Hunter got limited opportunities last season but didn’t really contribute offensively, scoring just 2.9 points per game. His best work came on defense, but he’s clearly going to need to take a step forward in shooting and ball-handling if he wants to contribute further.

Forward – Ben Middlebrooks (Freshman)

A recent commit to the program, Middlebrooks stood out last season at Westminster Academy in Florida, averaging 20.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. He’s a highly-rated and intelligent forward with size and a knack for finding the ball, and he chose Clemson over a bevy of other talented programs.

Guard – Alex Hemenway (Junior)

Hemenway played solid ball down the stretch last season, but his lack of athleticism and quickness may keep him out of the starting lineup initially, especially with his game similar to the other starting guards. He’s a good perimeter shooter who averaged 4.7 points per game last year, including 17 points in a late-season win at Wake Forest.

Forward/Center – PJ Hall (Sophomore)

Hall was a top 50 prospect last season who’s expecting to take a big step forward in his sophomore season, putting up just 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game last year. Hall could quickly work his way into the starting lineup at center if he continues to develop; he rates a solid rebounder and interior shooter as well.