Some things to watch during Clemson’s season

Who’ll replace Jaron Blossomgame?

Donte Grantham, a 6-foot-8 senior, and Gabe DeVoe, who maybe deferred to their leader and star too much at times to assert themselves. The Tigers will certainly need a healthy, dynamic season from junior point guard Shelton Mitchell, the team’s top returning scorer at 10.7 points per game. The Vanderbilt transfer has been bothered by a knee problem.

Defensive Skara

Valparaiso transfer David Skara might fix the defense all by himself. Coach Brad Brownell said the 6-foot-8 forward is the team’s top defender “and it’s not really that close.” He said Skara enjoys doing the difficult things and does not worry too much about his offensive output.

Adding Donnal

Michigan transfer Mark Donnal has the most NCAA Tournament experience on Clemson’s roster. He helped the Wolverines make the NCAAs each of the past two years. Donnal played in 101 games and started 35.

Changing Style

Brownell said he’ll probably start his defensive pressure earlier coming downcourt to take advantage of the Tigers’ quick backcourt and compensate for not having anyone taller than 6-9. “I’m hoping our depth can create problems for teams and we can wear some teams down a little bit,” Brownell said.

Stopping The Streak

Death, taxes, Clemson losing at North Carolina. The Tigers get another chance to end their 0-58 mark in Chapel Hill when they play at North Carolina for the first time in two years on Jan. 16.

Associated Press