Transfers let Clemson basketball dream big about 2024-25. Imagine what Chase Hunter return could do

There’s no easy way for Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell to replace NBA-bound big man PJ Hall – one of the top players in program history – but Brownell has hit the recruiting ground running.

So how is Clemson’s 2024-25 team sizing up?

Well, this much is certain: With the recent additions of Christian Reeves, a former 4-star prospect who began his career at Duke, and Cincinnati transfer Viktor Lakhin, Clemson has the potential to have an imposing front line in 2024-25, in sheer size if nothing else.

After all, Reeves is 7-foot-1; Lakhin is 6-11.

It will mark the first time the Tigers’ roster has listed two 6-11 or taller players since, well, ever.

They aren’t likely to prove a reincarnate of Elden Campbell and Dale Davis – the Tigers’ “Duo of Doom” of the early 1990s – or even Tom Wideman and Adam Allenspach, for that matter, but as coaches are wont to say “you can’t coach height.”

Whether either can be of immediate offensive help remains to be seen, but they’ll certainly add depth and the potential for some serious shot alterations.

Lakhin had some success at Cincinnati, starting 56 games over the past two seasons and averaging 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 55.8% from the field. He blocked a season-high five shots against Oklahoma last season.

Reeves is more of an unknown. The fourth 7-footer in Clemson history, joining Tree Rollins, Allenspach and Catalin Baciu, Reeves was a highly regarded prospect out of Oak Hill (Va.) Academy, but saw precious little court time with the Blue Devils.

He was sidelined by injury and surgery for the majority of last season, but in 16 career games he averaged 1.6 points and 1.1 rebounds.

Given that, the most intriguing portal find for Brownell in this year’s cycle might prove to be Jaeden Zachery, a transfer guard from ACC rival Boston College who shot 40.5% from 3-point range and averaged 11.3 points and 4.2 assists last season. Included in that mix was a 22-point game that helped oust Clemson in the second round of the ACC Tournament in March.

Apparently Brownell noticed.

Combine that trio of newcomers with the Tigers’ three-person freshman recruiting class that is ranked No. 22 nationally by 247Sports, and it’s evident that Brownell is cashing in on his team’s accomplishments of last season.

Such are the spoils to be expected when a team goes 24-12, defeats nine NCAA Tournament teams and advances to the Elite Eight for just the second time in program history and the first time in 44 years.

Given Brownell’s track record of success with transfers, each of the latest three may turn out to be key contributors, but for now the jury’s still out.

Besides, forward Ian Schieffelin, who was named the ACC's Most Improved Player, and guard Chase Hunter are far more important to the Tigers’ ultimate success in the coming season. Hunter, who came on strong in the postseason and was a driving force in the team’s run to the Elite Eight, is still pondering his professional options, but Brownell said Thursday that he’s optimistic that he’ll return for another season.

In the meantime, Brownell also can look forward to a new contract, which is certain to include an extension as well as a bump in pay from his $3 million per year.

For all the doom and gloom and negativity that surrounded being shunned by the NCAA Tournament and ousted in the first round of the NIT in 2022-23, Brownell is in a much different place a year later.

In fact, Brownell’s future is so bright perhaps he should invest in some shades.

Scott Keepfer covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at  skeepfer@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ScottKeepfer

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why Clemson basketball, Brad Brownell can dare to dream big in 2024-25