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Brad Brownell’s Stunning Turnaround Is Making Clemson the Biggest March Madness Sleeper

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 4:27 PM ET

As March Madness approaches, No. 18 Clemson is emerging as one of the most dangerous under-the-radar teams in college basketball—and much of that credit belongs to head coach Brad Brownell. Now in his 15th season, Brownell has transformed a once-overlooked program into a legitimate NCAA Tournament threat, proving doubters wrong with a masterful coaching job.

Brownell’s Blueprint for Success

Clemson’s rise isn’t built on five-star recruits or flashy, one-and-done stars. Instead, Brownell has thrived by identifying hidden gems and developing talent into high-level contributors. Chase Hunter and Jaeden Zackery have flourished under his leadership, helping the Tigers become one of the most well-balanced teams in the nation.

Explosive Offense – Clemson boasts an attack that can heat up quickly, making them a threat to any opponent.
Elite Defense – The Tigers suffocate teams with relentless defensive pressure, a trademark of Brownell’s system.
Unmatched Chemistry – Unlike teams relying on individual stars, Clemson thrives on cohesion and disciplined play, making them tough to scout and even tougher to beat.

Clemson’s Roster Has the Depth to Make a Run

Clemson’s well-rounded roster is built for a deep tournament run, with multiple players stepping up in key areas. Chase Hunter leads the team with 460 points, while also contributing 68 assists and 37 steals. Ian Schieffelin has been a dominant force inside, grabbing a team-high 255 rebounds, including 79 offensive boards, making him a key factor in second-chance opportunities. Jaeden Zackery is the Tigers’ playmaker, dishing out 92 assists and leading the team with 55 steals, anchoring Clemson’s tough defensive unit.

With the Tigers also excelling on the glass with 949 total rebounds and limiting turnovers, Brownell has built a team that can grind out wins against top competition. Their balanced attack and defensive intensity make them a nightmare matchup for any opponent in March Madness.

Can Clemson Make a Deep March Madness Run?

Momentum is everything in March, and Brownell’s Tigers are peaking at the perfect time. His in-game adjustments, ability to maximize talent, and defensive-minded approach make Clemson a nightmare matchup in the NCAA Tournament.

As the Tigers continue to fly under the radar, don’t be shocked if Brownell’s squad crashes the party and makes serious noise in March Madness.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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