Clemson had a historic 2024-25 basketball season as the Tigers set a new program record for all-time wins, showcasing their growth and consistency throughout the year.

With a strong presence and key performances in the ACC, the team entered March Madness with high hopes. However, its season came to an end in the first round, as No. 12-seeded McNeese State delivered a stunning upset, cutting Clemson’s tournament run short. Despite the early exit, the Tigers’ record-breaking campaign will be remembered as a milestone in program history.

Sarah Pepe, senior reporter for The Tiger, asked Clemson students their thoughts on the season as a whole.

What are your overall thoughts about the end of our season?

“Overall, it was a very disappointing end given that last year was a worse team and we made a solid run in March Madness. Last year gave us false hope for this year, coming in with a better team. Beating teams like Kentucky, Duke and UNC. This all gave false hope. Coming into the tournament and losing to a team people never really heard of was unexpected. They did not play their best game, or up to this season’s full potential. So overall, it was a disappointing end to a good run.”

Isaac Ritter, junior biological sciences major

How did it feel watching the Tigers this season?

“Although the season didn’t end how we all had hoped, as a senior it was very exciting to see the Tigers make it to the ACC Tournament and March Madness. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the ACC game in Charlotte, which was a super cool experience!”

Alyssa Petrone, senior marketing major

What do you think about the players that entered the transfer portal and what that means for the program?

“I am very satisfied with the fact that Clemson Basketball has started to use the portal more. We were able to acquire a few key players that helped us to have one of our best seasons in a long time. I was very disappointed with how cold we got at the end of the season and was not impressed with our postseason run. We have had a few players enter the transfer portal in the last few weeks but it hasn’t bothered me too much because some of the players shouldn’t even be seeing the court here.”

Daniel Sobke, junior marketing major

How do you feel about the entire season?

“I think Clemson had a good run. They played some great games and had great wins against Kentucky and Duke. They made history and will be considered one of the best historic Clemson teams yet! Obviously, the end of their season was sad but that’s what happens in March. Hopefully they can get some good recruits or transfers for next season.”

Jenna Mennona, senior biological sciences major