Louisville coach shares takeaways after facing Clemson hoops

The Clemson basketball team continued its impressive start to the 2022-23 season on Wednesday with an 83-70 victory over Louisville at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Clemson improved to 6-0 in the ACC with the win and is off to its best start in ACC play in school history.

Louisville basketball coach Kenny Payne shared his thoughts on the Tigers after the game.

“A very good team, veteran team, experienced team. It’s obvious that they play for each other,” Payne said. “They love each other. They have a culture that when you’re sitting there watching them play, you’re hearing them talk to each other. That’s what coaches love to see. You can see they’re connected.”

Clemson shot 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range against the Cardinals, and the Tigers currently lead the ACC in 3-point shooting.

Four players scored in double-figures as Clemson continues to find ways to win without starting guard Alex Hemenway. The senior remains out with a foot issue, and there’s no timetable for his return.

“They shoot the ball well, they post well. They’re an excellent passing team. And if you’re not desperately defending them, they’re going to burn you,” Payne said. “I just think they’re a hell of a team.”

While Hunter Tyson, Brevin Galloway, PJ Hall and Chase Hunter all reached double digits for the Tigers against Louisville, it was Tyson who led the way.

The fifth-year senior finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, recording a fifth consecutive double-double.

He now has nine double-doubles on the season and is averaging a double-double on the year.

Making the performance even more impressive is the fact that Louisville’s top goal against Clemson was to slow down Tyson. Clearly, they struggled to do so.

“Amazing that he’s the one guy on this team that we wanted to target. Target meaning know where he is at all times. And he gets 28 and 11,” Payne said. “That goes to show he plays hard, he’s skilled, he passes the ball, he’s not selfish, he lets the game come to him, he’s efficient. He’s a hell of a player. … I love the fact that he’s skilled and can hurt you in the post. He can hurt you catch and shoot, running off screens. He’s just a complete basketball player.”

Up next, Clemson will host Duke at 5 p.m. on Saturday in what is a huge opportunity for Brad Brownell’s team.

Payne expects Clemson to continue to hold its own in league play as the season goes along and stay at or near the top of the league standings.

“There’s a reason they’re in first place in this conference,” he said.