iStockphoto
The Clemson basketball team had one of its most successful seasons on the floor in 2022-23. The Tigers finished in sole position of third place in the ACC, the highest conference finish in 15 years.
It’s 14 league wins were the program’s most ever, while the 23 regular season victories were the most the recorded in a decade.
After what many would consider a great year, the Tigers were snubbed by the NCAA Tournament committee. Despite going 5-0 against Pitt, NC State, and Penn State on the floor, the committee gave those three programs the tournament nod while leaving the Tigers on the bubble.
Unfortunately, bad losses to South Carolina, Loyola-Chicago, and Louisville were enough to sway the decision.
The Tigers’ bubble burst on Selection Sunday, and many believe it should be the end of Brad Brownell’s time as Clemson’s basketball coach.
They’ve now begun to post reactions online calling for the athletic director Graham Neff to make a move.
Why does Brad Brownell still have a job? Paging @GrahamNeff, you are needed in Littlejohn Coliseum to do your job. Paging Graham Neff.
— John Masslon (@masslon) March 12, 2023
While the Tigers experienced a historic season in many ways, fans are upset with the lack of postseason success. Clemson has been to just three NCAA Tournaments in Brownell’s tenure.
Brownell a loser. 13 years, 3 tournaments, has never won 2 games in a row in the ACCT.
He’s gots to go
— FQ Buck Frownell (@FQClemson) March 12, 2023
They also point to preseason comments made by Neff saying the Tigers needed to make the Big Dance this year to keep his job.
The question is now is if Brownell gets fired or not. Neff said has already said the standard was making the tourney.
— Heath Culpepper (@heath_culpepper) March 12, 2023
Unfortunately, those fans won’t get their wish, at least for now. Neff has already made the decision to retain Brownell for at least one more season.
Clemson AD Graham Neff has made the decision that Brad Brownell will return next season, he told @stadium.
Neff said fan support was good this season, and feels that Clemson will have a good chance to make the NCAA tourney next year.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2023
If next year ends in a similar fashion, those Clemson basketball fans will have the pitchforks ready.