Clemson AD Graham Neff Underscores ‘High Importance’ of Men’s Hoops Revival Amidst Strategic Overhauls originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
CLEMSON, S.C. – While football often dominates the Power Four financial discussion, the revitalization of Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball is a “high, high importance” strategic priority, according to Clemson Athletic Director Graham Neff. The conference, historically a titan of college basketball, is actively implementing changes to reclaim its consistent spot among the nation’s elite, a move Neff views as crucial for the ACC’s overall competitive health and brand.
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“We spent a lot of time talking on basketball, men’s and women’s, but men’s basketball performance, like high, high importance,” Neff emphasized on the “Gramlich and McLean podcast.” He alluded to concrete “strategies for that,” including adjustments to “the number of conference games, et cetera, on the men’s side.” This suggests a deliberate effort to optimize scheduling for NCAA Tournament résumés and enhance the quality of regular-season play.
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Furthermore, Neff noted the influx of “new faces” among coaching staff across the league, a sign of widespread “investment within the league.” These changes, coupled with strategic scheduling and a renewed focus, aim to ensure the ACC is not just a participant but a dominant force come March Madness. This renewed focus on basketball excellence aligns with the ACC’s broader goal of maximizing its national footprint and revenue potential across its premier sports. While the direct financial impact may differ from football, a strong basketball showing significantly boosts a conference’s prestige and appeal.
Neff’s comments highlight a concerted effort to elevate ACC men’s basketball back to its historical perch. In an era where the Big Ten and SEC are flexing their financial muscles, a strong basketball showing provides the ACC with another critical avenue for national relevance and attracting top talent.
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For programs like Clemson, contributing to this resurgence means not only improving their own tournament prospects but also strengthening the entire conference, which in turn, under new revenue models, could indirectly benefit all members. The strategic changes Neff mentioned are the first steps in what appears to be a long-term commitment to ensuring the ACC remains synonymous with elite college basketball.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
