Clemson University’s men’s basketball team will participate in the 2025 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, one of college basketball’s premier early-season tournaments. The event will take place at TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina, marking a significant opportunity for the Tigers to test themselves against a competitive national field ahead of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.
The Charleston Classic, hosted annually by ESPN Events, has built a strong reputation for attracting top-tier programs and delivering high-quality matchups. Since its inception in 2008, the tournament has featured teams from across the country, offering a platform for programs to showcase their talent on national television and gain valuable non-conference experience.
For Clemson, participation in the 2025 edition of the tournament underscores the program’s commitment to maintaining a high level of competition. The Tigers, led by head coach Brad Brownell, will look to build on recent success and use the Charleston Classic as both a measuring stick and a momentum-builder early in the season. With a solid core of returning players and a promising recruiting class, expectations are high for Clemson heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
TD Arena, located on the campus of the College of Charleston, offers a picturesque and energetic setting for the three-day tournament. The venue has become synonymous with intense, closely contested matchups and passionate fan engagement. For Clemson fans, the proximity of the event offers a convenient and exciting opportunity to support their team in a tournament atmosphere without leaving the Palmetto State.
While the full bracket and game times have not yet been announced, the Charleston Classic traditionally features an eight-team format with a mix of major conference programs and top-tier mid-majors. Past participants have included programs like Villanova, Florida, LSU, and Houston, among others. Clemson’s inclusion signals the Tigers’ growing reputation as a consistently competitive team in the national college basketball landscape.
Participation in the Charleston Classic also provides valuable exposure for Clemson. The games are broadcast across ESPN networks, offering national visibility and helping with recruiting efforts. Early-season tournaments like this one often set the tone for the rest of the year, offering players and coaches a chance to face adversity, build chemistry, and evaluate performance against quality opponents.
As the 2025 Charleston Classic approaches, anticipation will continue to build. Fans, alumni, and college basketball enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how the Tigers fare in a high-stakes, high-energy tournament setting. The experience gained in Charleston could prove pivotal for Clemson as they prepare for a rigorous ACC schedule and aim to make a strong postseason run.
Details about the bracket, game times, and television schedule will be released closer to the event. In the meantime, Clemson supporters can mark their calendars and look forward to seeing their team compete on one of college basketball’s early-season stages.
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