Brad Brownell says Alex Hemenway remains sidelined, will not play against Duke

Head coach Brad Brownell has Clemson off to a flying start this season, currently sitting at the top of the ACC standings. All six conference games have ended in victories for the Tigers, including the last five in a row. Duke is next up on the schedule with a real opportunity to make a statement.

However, Clemson is going to run out onto the court without Alex Hemenway once again. The senior guard has not played since Dec. 17 against Richmond due to a foot injury. Brownell gave an update on Hemenway Wednesday and ruled him out against Duke.

“He won’t play Saturday,” Brownell said. “I don’t know when he’s going to play. He’s doing better, he’s had a good week. This has been a better week but that’s doctors. He hasn’t practiced, he’s just on the side doing stuff. What does that mean? I don’t know.”

It sounds like Hemenway will miss more than just the Duke game as well. Only ACC games remain on the schedule for Clemson but some key opponents are coming up. The Blue Devils will be the first, with the Tigers having the opportunity to play at home.

Hemenway has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 9.8 points per game. He has added 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists a night. A key player for Clemson early in the season before getting into the thick of ACC play.

Wake Forest is the lone conference opponent to see Hemenway on the court, where he dropped 12 points, a rebound, and two assists. While Duke will be facing off against an improved Clemson team, not having Hemenway out there will be considered a positive for Jon Scheyer‘s team.

Once Brownell can get Hemenway back into practice, there will be a better timeline as to when he will return for Clemson. Until then, he will be on the sideline, watching his team.