Preparation is one thing, but playing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time brings a level of excitement unlike any other in the sport.
Clemson made its first appearance in March Madness since 2018 and the excitement was high around the team. It was galvanized into a 77-56 win and that same effort will have to be replicated.
When asked about the jitters, forward Chauncey Wiggins said the entire team will be far more calm heading into Sunday.
“The first game, we were all just very excited. March Madness…You know it’s your first time being here so we’re all very excited,” Wiggins said.
Winning one game is a positive, but making the Sweet 16 is an impressive achievement for any team. Baylor will be no easy feat, but the Tigers have the length to disrupt one of the most prolific offenses in the country.
“They’re a very athletic, three-point shooting team. They’re a very good team, being ranked high so a lot of length will probably disturb them,” Wiggins said.
Looking at the Bears, there’s three guards 6-foot-4 and over in the rotation and their size in the frontcourt includes five players 6-foot-8 or taller. That’s not something every team can match, but Clemson can.
If the Tigers can deliver a strong performance and reach the Sweet 16, it would be a statement similar to 2018, where Brad Brownell and Clemson reached the second weekend as well.
“That would be a dream come true,” Wiggins said. “If we beat Baylor, that would be very good and make it to the Sweet 16 just like they did in 2018. Just like Clemson before.”
The No. 6 seeded Tigers take on the No. 3 Bears Sunday at 6:10 p.m., televised on TNT.