Brad Brownell does not anticipate Jack Clark, Alex Hemenway playing before Christmas

Clemson basketball forward Jack Clark just can’t seem to get right, and head coach Brad Brownell had another frustrating update to share on the senior this week.

Clark’s presence on the court has been off and on so far this season, and when he does play, the NC State transfer certainly hasn’t been 100% healthy due to a groin injury that dates back to the preseason. Well, according to Brownell, that groin injury is still bothersome and is forcing Clark to miss games at the moment.

When asked about Clark and reserve guard Alex Hemenway at this week’s press conference, Brownell delivered the news that folks should not expect either guy back until after the Holidays.

“Still waiting. Jack actually was getting an MRI today, so you know, I don’t anticipate either one playing before Christmas. You know, it just, I think we’re hoping that they’re progressing. They seem to be.”

Brownell then explained why Clark’s injury has had a few more snags.

“Jack’s been a little more frustrating and and it feels like he took a couple steps forward for a while, and then just, maybe a step or two back and just haven’t been able to get him to where he really feels comfortable.”

Perhaps Clark will just have to play without being totally comfortable physically.

“You know, I think it’s one of those deals where he’s never going to feel great all the time, and you kind of get to a point sometimes in your career where it’s going to be uncomfortable at times,” added Brownell.

“It just can’t be, you know, where he’s danger of getting hurt more. And so, I think we’re trying to kind of get to that point where you almost have to relax their mind to know that you’re okay, you can play through some stuff. Now, we’re going to have to figure it out. We’re kind of in the process with both of them on that.”

Sounds like a tricky situation for Jack Clark, his groin and the Clemson medical staff, but hopefully he can get back on the court for conference play.

Meanwhile, in the absence of him and Hemenway, Clemson is still carrying on like a top-25 team on the court and remain an undefeated 9-0 so far and have replaced Clark beautifully. In fact, he may have some trouble finding minutes once he does come back, because in his absence, big-bodied forwards like Ian Sheffelin and RJ Godfrey have stepped in, as has Chauncey Wiggins. Plus, there’s PJ Hall hogging up a ton of minutes down low as well.

This is all good news to Brad Brownell, though, who will have a deep bench of options in the front-court once Clark is finally back.