CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson
Last season: 25-10, reached first Sweet 16 since 1997.
Nickname: Tigers.
Coach: Brad Brownell.
Conference: Atlantic Coast.
Who's gone: Shooting guard Gabe DeVoe, forwards Donte Grantham, forward Mark Donnal.
Who's back: Guard Marcquise Reed was the team's leading scorer who considered the NBA before coming back for senior season. Point guard Shelton Mitchell, like Reed, also tested his NBA prospect before returning to form one of the ACC's most experienced backcourts. Forward Elijah Thomas, who led the Tigers with 8.1 rebounds a game, is also back for his senior season. Clemson made it four-for-four in returning seniors when David Skara, a 6-foot-8 forward who is considered the Tigers' best defender, first chose to leave and play professionally in his native Croatia, then in the summer changed his mind and came back to college.
Who's new: 6-10 forward Javan White transferred from Oral Roberts and has two years left at Clemson as a graduate student. Freshman Trey Jemison is a 6-11 forward and tallest player on the Tigers.
The Skinny: The Tigers were a surprise last season in winning 11 ACC games to finish third in the league. They won't sneak up on anyone this year. But with four experienced seniors to lead the way, a return to the NCAA is expected.
Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have Clemson as long shot to win the NCAA Tournament at 120-1, on par with Arizona, Butler and Mississippi State.
