Brad Brownell updates health of Alex Hemenway

Clemson guard Alex Hemenway battled plantar fasciitis for much of last season. He is now dealing with another injury.

Hemenway missed Wednesday’s exhibition win over Newberry. Head coach Brad Brownell provided an update on the senior following the 90-39 victory.

“Yea, he’s still got a hamstring that, I think, he’s closer. But he still hasn’t practiced, so yea, it’s been a little frustrating,” Brownell said. “I know he kind of got over some leg stuff and was doing a little bit better for about a week. And then the hamstring happened about 10 days ago, I think, and he just hasn’t been able to shake it.”

Alex Hemenway has started 25 games over the course of his career, including 12 last season for Clemson as he battled an injury.

He shot 47.1 percent from 3-point range last season and is a 43 percent 3-point shooter over the course of his career.

Brownell is hopeful he will be able to get back on the court soon and help the Tigers soon.

“We’re hopeful that maybe he’ll practice some over the weekend or beginning of next week and he’ll be ready to at least get back out there,” Brownell said.

Clemson got off to a strong start to the season on Wednesday, even if it was just an exhibition.

The Tigers played 15 players in the victory, with no one playing more than 27 minutes.

PJ Hall led the way for Clemson, finishing with 14 points, 1 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal over 12 minutes of action. Ian Schieffelin also scored in double figures, finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while playing 26 minutes.

Transfer guard Joe Girard also had a solid game for Clemson with 8 points and 3 assists in 15 minutes.

“A well-played game by our team. Newberry was down a man or two, which I hate for them, and for us. But having said that, I liked the way our guys played,” Brownell said. “I thought we really shared the ball. Our passing has been good. It was good in our scrimmage, it was good today. So that’s one of the strengths of our team.”

Clemson will hold its regular season opener on Monday when the Tigers host Winthrop.

There are high expectations for Clemson this season after just missing the NCAA Tournament last year.

“Very pleased. We had a lot of guys get the chance to play and a lot of guys scored,” Brownell said. “We’re still trying to put the pieces together, but I like what we have so far.”