Brad Brownell on Clemson’s Rise, NIL & Building to Last | The David Glenn Interview

<p>Three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. An Elite Eight run. An 18–2 ACC season. Brad Brownell explains how Clemson basketball built its momentum — &amp; what it takes to sustain success in the era of NIL &amp; the transfer portal.Entering his 17th season leading the Tigers, Brownell joins THE DAVID GLENN INTERVIEW, exclusively on the North Carolina Sports Network, to discuss the work behind Clemson’s rise, a reshaped coaching staff &amp; his belief that retaining players remains essential to building a program.From investments at Littlejohn Coliseum to recruiting, player development &amp; institutional support, Brownell traces the progress that helped change expectations for Clemson basketball. He also explains why the Tigers’ next step begins with relationships, roster continuity &amp; finding players who fit.🐅 WHY CLEMSON FEELS LIKE HOMEBrownell reflects on his long tenure, the relationships he has built &amp; the stability that has allowed his vision to develop.🏀 THE WORK BEHIND THE BREAKTHROUGHA closer look at Clemson’s recent NCAA Tournament success, the 2024 Elite Eight run &amp; an 18–2 ACC record with a second-place finish in 2025.🌴 A CHANGING NATIONAL REPUTATIONWhat opportunities such as the Dickie V Classic &amp; an upcoming Maui trip say about how Clemson basketball is viewed beyond the ACC.🤝 NEW STAFF, SHARED STANDARDSBrownell discusses significant offseason staff changes, new hires &amp; the general manager’s role in a changing college basketball operation.🇮🇹 LESSONS FROM ITALYHow a summer trip gave younger players valuable experience amid injuries — &amp; helped the staff learn more about the roster.🔄 RETENTION, THE PORTAL &amp; NILWhy keeping players is central to Brownell’s approach, how he evaluates transfers from mid-major programs &amp; the challenge of assembling a team with a new playing style.There’s room for a little humor along the way, too — including a memorable exchange about pronouncing Fuchs.What stands out most about Brownell’s approach to building Clemson basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome Coach Brownell01:34 Why Clemson Feels Like Home02:51 Explaining Clemson’s Three-Year Surge04:42 Changing the Program’s National Perception05:26 New Staff &amp; General Manager08:30 Italy Trip Takeaways10:13 New Roster, New Style11:55 Retention &amp; the Transfer Portal13:13 Keeping Players in the Program14:56 The Fuchs Name Joke16:02 Evaluating Mid-Major Transfers17:02 Sign-Off &amp; Network