2026-27 Clemson Women's Basketball Preview

ACC Digital Network host and former National Champion Kelley Deyo sits down with Clemson women’s basketball head coach Shawn Poppie and Rusne Augustinaite to discuss expectations for the 2026-27 season and how the Tigers have improved on and off the court. After being picked to finish 11th in the ACC preseason poll last year, Clemson exceeded expectations by finishing eighth and delivering a historic regular-season upset over an undefeated Duke team. Now, Coach Poppie looks to build on that momentum with a retooled roster featuring five transfers and a highly rated recruiting class, adding size, versatility and perimeter skill. Returning guards Rusne Augustinaite and Mackenzie Nelson provide valuable continuity, shooting and backcourt stability, while newcomers Edie Clarke, a 6-foot-4 frontcourt presence from the West Coast Conference, and Yakiya Milton bring added length and versatility to the lineup. With nine newcomers joining the program, Clemson will rely on balanced scoring, defensive intensity and team chemistry rather than a single superstar to lead the way. As the Tigers continue building their identity, they face a demanding ACC schedule that includes home matchups against Stanford, Notre Dame and North Carolina at Littlejohn Coliseum, along with challenging road trips to Louisville, Duke and NC State. Deyo, Poppie and Augustinaite discuss the team’s offseason growth, the importance of sisterhood and development, and the expectations within the program as Clemson prepares for the 2026-27 women’s basketball season. .ly/Oqg3iE

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