New AD on Brownell: Doing Things ‘Right Way’ is ‘Non-Negotiable’ at Clemson

Brad Brownell and the Clemson Tigers knocked off Florida State 75-69 on Wednesday night in Littlejohn Coliseum to improve 12-9 overall and 4-6 in ACC play.

Prior to the home victory, new athletic director Graham Neff met with the media and was asked about his expectations for the Tigers’ basketball program under the guidance of Brownell.

“I just get really excited for how he goes about it,” Neff said. “We all know how he leads the men in the locker room, culture and how he has engaged former players.”

Brownell is the winningest coach in program history, but he’s also the longest tenured, and his time at Clemson has been met with sharp criticism by some inside the fan base.

However, Neff recognizes the obstacles that Brownell is faced with and said the program will judged on things that go well beyond wins and losses.

“Obviously academics and compliance, particularly in men’s basketball, is certainly something that is a non-negotiable at Clemson as far as play by the rules and do it the right way,” Neff said. “And when you have a head coach like Brad in a sport like college basketball and what that means, it’s just a huge comfort and a huge value quite frankly. So all of those things off the court, Brad is spades. And get excited about where he has the roster and what is left in the season.”