Brad Brownell Finds His Formula: 6-Foot-10 Forwards Anchor Clemson’s Transfer Portal Strategy
CLEMSON, S.C. – In the ever-evolving world of college basketball’s transfer portal, one thing has become clear this offseason: Brad Brownell has a type. The longtime Clemson head coach, entering his 16th season, has zeroed in on a very specific piece for his roster rebuild—versatile 6-foot-10 forwards who can stretch the floor, anchor the paint, and switch across multiple positions.
Call it a blueprint. Or maybe, a quiet revolution.
Within a span of just three weeks, Clemson has added two high-impact transfers: Andre Wallace, a 6-foot-10 junior from Utah State known for his rim protection and smooth mid-range jumper, and Milan Petrović, a Serbian-born forward out of Saint Mary’s who brings a rare blend of finesse, physicality, and international experience. Combined, the pair represent a decisive shift in Brownell’s recruiting approach—longer, more agile frontcourt players who can guard guards on a switch and hit corner threes.
“We’re looking for guys who can play inside-out, run the floor, and defend in space,” Brownell said during a post-portal availability. “Size matters, but versatility is what separates players now. These aren’t just bigs—they’re basketball players.”
Wallace, who averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks last season in the Mountain West, was courted by several Power Five programs before choosing Clemson. He cited Brownell’s defensive schemes and developmental track record as key factors in his decision.
“He knows how to use guys like me,” Wallace said. “I’m not just here to block shots—I’m here to play free and win games.”
Petrović, on the other hand, brings a European flair and a sniper’s touch. At 6-foot-10 with a 7’2” wingspan, he hit 39% from three last season and was often tasked with guarding opposing wings. His tape against Gonzaga—where he held a projected first-round pick to single digits—caught the attention of Brownell’s staff immediately.
“He moves like a guard but bangs like a center,” said associate head coach Antonio Reynolds Dean. “That’s rare. That’s what wins in March.”
Brownell’s preference for 6-foot-10 forwards is more than a trend—it’s a strategic pivot. In the wake of P.J. Hall’s departure to the NBA Draft, Clemson needs a new frontcourt identity. Rather than replace Hall with a traditional post, Brownell is opting for a multi-headed hydra—players who can adapt, react, and stretch defenses out to the arc.
The decision comes with risk, of course. Neither Wallace nor Petrović has ACC experience. But in today’s portal-fueled landscape, coaches are betting on potential over pedigree, and Brownell is doubling down on his belief in length, mobility, and feel.
As the Tigers gear up for summer workouts, there’s a sense that something new is brewing in Clemson—a roster designed less around old-school positions and more around adaptability and speed. And at the center of it all? Two towering transfers who just might redefine what a Clemson forward looks like.
“6’10,” Brownell said with a grin, “is the new
Want this turned into a media release, recruiting g
raphic, or player breakdown next?
