Brad Brownell analyzes Clemson's improved defense against Miami

While not often the case under head coach Brad Brownell, the 2023-24 Clemson hoops team is leading with offense. However, they got back to their defensive roots to secure a comfortable home victory over Miami Wednesday evening.

The last time Miami and Clemson met, the Tigers went down to Coral Gables only to give up their highest point total of the season, 95, to a Hurricane squad that has significantly dropped off compared to last season, even if they do still have some dangerous pieces. But that performance kicked off a rough five-game stretch, where the Tigers lost four and put up some woeful defensive outings.

During that stretch losing four of five, Clemson posted the No. 14 defensive efficiency in the conference, only clearing Louisville, according to Bart Torvik’s metrics. However, from Jan. 16 through the Valentine’s Day win vs. Miami, the Tigers righted the ship on that side of the ball, posting the No. 3 defensive numbers on Torvik since the Georgia Tech loss.

But don’t get too caught up in those numbers, said Brad Brownell after Clemson came out and held Miami to 60 points in a 17-point victory.

“You know, we’ve worked on our defense. I’ve said this — and I think our numbers are probably skewed a little from a couple of bad games — I don’t think we’re as bad defensively as maybe what we look like in KenPom,” the Tiger head coach commented after the win Wednesday night. Particularly, he was impressed with his bench on that end of the floor.

“We’re not as good as we want to be or maybe have been some years in the past. I think our guys have been fighting and competing, and I think when our bench plays well, I think that helps us on the defensive end. Because we got guys like Josh (Beadle) and RJ (Godfrey) and Dillon (Hunter), Chauncey (Wiggins) who bring a level of athleticism to our team. That also keeps our starters a little bit more fresh, and then that helps us late in games like tonight.”

One key difference in the first and and second meetings was the depth of that bench unit. The first time around, veteran forward Jack Clark wasn’t available, and his athleticism and defensive ability was definitely appreciated this time around.

“You know, we didn’t have Jack in the first game and it just helps with matchups,” explained Brownell. “It helps us when we need to play smaller. He can play some four, we can play three guards to match them, and you know, it just changes our team a little bit.”

Clemson has a strong guard duo, but it’s the versatility and depth of their front-court that’s also been a huge driver of their success. With a full roster and improved defensive performances, plus the best offense yet in Brownell’s 14 seasons, Clemson is looking dangerous at the right time of year.