Clemson basketball 'close' to finally being back to full strength

It has been more than six weeks since the Clemson basketball team has been at full strength, but that could be about to change.

Tigers guard Chase Hunter returned to action on Saturday after missing three games and scored the game-winning basket and free throw in the final seconds.

Fellow guards Alex Hemenway and Brevin Galloway missed the game against the Seminoles but could be back soon after missing time.

Hemenway has been out since mid-December with a foot injury, while Galloway suffered an “abdominal injury” last week and is day-to-day.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell was asked during the ACC teleconference on Monday if he has an update on Hemenway and Galloway. The Tigers return to action on Tuesday at Boston College.

“I don’t know what both guys are going to look like. We didn’t really practice much yesterday. They were down there walking through some stuff with our guys,” Brownell said. “We’ll see what they look like today in practice, then have an update more tomorrow or whatnot. Day-to-day is what those guys are. They’re both close, but are they good enough? I don’t know yet.”

Galloway has only missed one game thus far and has started 20 of the 21 games he has played in. The senior is averaging 10.6 points per game and is second on the team with 55 assists.

Hemenway has started all 12 games he has been able to play in and is averaging 9.8 points per game. The two injured Tigers are two of the top 3-point shooters on the team.

While Hemenway and Galloway are questionable for Tuesday’s game against BC, it appears as though Hunter will once again be able to play.

Brownell said he was concerned with how the Clemson junior would feel following Saturday’s win over the Seminoles, but Hunter responded well.

“He seemed good yesterday. We didn’t do much. Obviously that was a high-energy game. He logged a lot of minutes in the second half,” Brownell said. “He seemed fine. He obviously played, had more juice and did not favor the ankle really that much during the game. Didn’t hear any complaints in the training room, so I assume everything is fine. We assume he’ll be good for practice and ready to go tomorrow night.”

Hunter scored 26 points for the Tigers against Florida State, including 19 in the second half.

He is averaging 14.6 points per game for the season, which ranks second on the team. Hunter is also averaging a team-high 4 assists per game.

Clemson is 18-4 (10-1) and atop the ACC standings entering Tuesday’s game against BC.