BYU vs Clemson: A Preview of the Jimmy V Classic
BYU is gearing up for their final non-conference test, a showdown with Clemson at New York City's iconic Madison Square Garden. This highly anticipated match-up in the Jimmy V Classic will pit the Cougars against a Clemson team that's looking like a potential tournament contender. With a strong start and a solid record, Clemson presents a formidable challenge for BYU, aiming to bolster their non-conference resume ahead of March.
The Tigers have some intriguing ties to BYU and the state of Utah. Starting Center Carter Welling, for instance, attended Corner Canyon HS, while Jake Wahlin, a former BYU commit, played at Timpview HS. Forward Nick Davidson's dad, Kirk Davidson, briefly played basketball at BYU, adding a layer of familiarity to the game.
The game tips off on Tuesday at 6:30 pm ET on ESPN, and the stakes are high. Here's a breakdown of the teams and a preview of what to expect.
BYU vs Clemson: The Numbers
- Clemson (KenPom): 25
- NET Ranking: 26
- Record: 7-2
- Best Wins: West Virginia (N), Georgia (N)
- Losses: Georgetown (A), Alabama (A)
AP Ranking: N/A
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NET Ranking: 8
Record: 7-1
AP Ranking: 10
KenPom Prediction: BYU 79, Clemson 74 — BYU 67% win probability
Point Spread: BYU -5.5
Point Total: 152.5
Clemson Overview
Clemson, picked to finish 7th in the Preseason ACC Poll, is off to a strong start. They boast a solid neutral court win over Georgia and put up a fierce fight against Alabama on the road, trailing by just 6 points before ultimately falling. Clemson's balanced approach sets them apart from BYU, as they rely on their deep bench rather than a few key players. The Tigers' top nine players average 16-25 minutes and 6-12 points per game, showcasing their versatility.
Offense: Clemson's offense is efficient, with minimal turnovers and a knack for getting to the foul line. They're not shy about shooting threes, though their success rate has been modest this season (32.8%, ranking 197th nationally). Clemson's sets are well-executed, and they have multiple bigs in their rotation.
Defense: Clemson's defense is solid but not overly aggressive in terms of forcing turnovers. They're physical and force opponents to rely on the shot clock. Clemson is top-25 nationally in three-point defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 28% from beyond the arc. Alabama struggled against Clemson's defense, shooting 12-34 (35%) from three.
Key Players to Watch
- RJ Godfrey, Forward: Godfrey leads Clemson in scoring (12.1 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) and shoots 67% from the field. At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, he's a physical presence in the frontcourt. While not a threat from distance, he punishes opponents inside. Godfrey's performance against Alabama was impressive, scoring 19 points and looking like the best player on the court.
- Carter Welling, Center: Welling, a Utah native, transferred to Clemson this offseason after a season at UVU. He's averaging 10.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, with a respectable 5-13 three-point shooting record in 9 games. Welling struggled against Alabama's athletic frontcourt, scoring just 2 points in 17 minutes.
- Jestin Porter, Point Guard: Porter, Clemson's starting point guard, transferred from Middle Tennessee State after three seasons. He leads in field goal attempts but hasn't been efficient, shooting 34.6% from the floor and 33.3% from three. Porter's ability to score outside the structure can open up Clemson's offense when he's on fire.
- Dillon Hunter, Guard: Hunter, a 6-foot-3 guard, has been a consistent contributor at Clemson for four years. He averages 9.2 points and shoots 42% from three on three attempts per game.
- Jake Wahlin, Forward: Wahlin, a Provo native, transferred this offseason and is the starting three-man at 6-foot-10. He's averaging 8 points and has improved his outside shooting, shooting 11-27 (41%) from three early in the year.
- Nick Davidson, Forward/Center: Davidson, a Nevada transfer, averaged 16 ppg for the Wolf Pack last year but has taken a secondary role for Clemson. He's averaging 8 points and 5 boards, scoring 11 points against Alabama. He's an x-factor off the bench with his scoring ability.
Prediction
This game promises an intriguing contrast between BYU's star power and Clemson's balance and depth. Clemson's well-coached team doesn't have a single standout player that's easy to key on. While Godfrey is their top player, BYU will face a balanced challenge unlike any they've encountered this year.
Clemson's lack of a rim protector could be a boon for BYU. Players like Rob Wright and AJ Dybantsa will have opportunities to dominate the rim, and even teams with rim protectors have struggled to contain them. Dybantsa's performance at the Boston Garden under the lights could be a key factor in this game.
Ultimately, I predict BYU will prevail, with their individual talent outshining Clemson's collective strength. The final score: BYU 82, Clemson 75.
