Ian Schieffelin details how Clemson maintains positivity through tough stretch

Clemson has passed every test so far this season, but the schedule isn’t letting up. Up next, the Tigers travel to Memphis to face Penny Hardaway‘s Tigers.

No. 13 Clemson can improve to 10-0 on the year with a win and earn another critical victory early in the season.

The Tigers have won four straight games over Power 6 teams, having beaten Alabama, Pitt, South Carolina and TCU over their past four games. Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin recently discussed how Clemson has stayed positive during this difficult stretch.

“Winning definitely helps,” Schieffelin said. “You win games, I mean, you’ve got guys coming in here the next day lifting, dancing. Just good vibes. We know every game’s going to be a challenge, especially when we’re on the road. But we just trust each other.”

Ian Schieffelin has been key to Clemson getting off to a hot start.

He doesn’t get the attention that PJ Hall, Joe Girard and others get, but there’s no doubt he has been vital to Clemson’s success so far this season.

Schieffelin is averaging 8.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season. He has pulled down at least 9 rebounds in six straight games, including an 8 points and 17 rebounds performance against Pitt.

“We believe in each other, and it’s done pretty good for us so far,” Schieffelin said.

Brad Brownell gives initial impressions of Memphis matchup

In order to reach a 10-0 start, Clemson has a significant test in front of it in Memphis. Brad Brownell knows it, too, based on his assessment of his Tigers’ matchup with the Tigers.

Brownell broke down Memphis to open his press conference on Wednesday. He started by noting their two leading scorers, David Jones at 20.1 ppg. and Jahvon Quinerly at 13.1 ppg., as legitimate talents that’ll be difficult to stop with their respective skillsets.

“Quinerly and David Jones are terrific players,” said Brownell. “I mean they can really score, one-on-one and, obviously, within their offense. They’re just gifted players.”

However, Memphis is more than just that duo. They also have key pieces such as Caleb Mills, Jaykwon Walton, and Jordan Brown.

That’s before you even get to their style of play that’s designed to make a mess out of the game. With all those factors in play, Brownell knows that Clemson is going to have their hands full.

“I think they run some unique stuff – good stuff with good spacing,” said Brownell. “Defensively? They muck the game up a little bit. They’ll press you some, they’ll trap every once in awhile on their own. Obviously, Penny (Hardaway) calls some of it. You can see him calling it. They’re just trying to be disruptive and not let you get into any rhythm. They’ve got good depth. I think they play really hard.”