As the Clemson Tigers prepare for their first-round matchup against Iowa in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, one name has been on the lips of every college basketball analyst: Ace Buckner. The redshirt freshman guard has not only stepped into a starting role due to late-season injuries but has also channeled the legendary spirit of his father, Greg Buckner, to help propel the Tigers through a historic ACC Tournament run.

Buckner’s masterclass season reached a crescendo in Charlotte last week. In a script that seemed written for Hollywood, Ace led the Tigers to a thrilling 80-79 upset over North Carolina on March 12—exactly 30 years after his father hit a famous game-winning dunk against the Tar Heels in the same city. The younger Buckner finished that contest with double figures and a series of clutch defensive stops, proving that the "clutch gene" is very much a family trait in the Buckner household.

---

Stepping Into the Spotlight

While Buckner spent much of the regular season as a vital spark plug off the bench, the postseason has seen him evolve into a primary offensive threat. Following the season-ending injury to center Carter Welling, head coach Brad Brownell turned to his young guard to provide additional scoring and energy. Buckner responded with poise, averaging over 10 points per game during the ACC Tournament and showcasing a perimeter game that has become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

His performance has been characterized by high-IQ play and an unshakeable confidence. In the semifinals against Duke, even in a losing effort, Buckner was one of the few Tigers who remained aggressive, finishing with 11 points and two steals. His ability to navigate high-pressure environments at such a young age has earned him comparisons to the Clemson greats of the 90s.

---

The Hunter-Buckner Backcourt

Buckner’s rise has been bolstered by the mentorship of senior point guard Dillon Hunter. The duo has formed a formidable backcourt that anchors a Clemson team currently boasting 24 wins. Hunter, who is having a career year with 7.5 points and a team-high 103 assists, has praised Buckner's work ethic. "Ace doesn't play like a freshman," Hunter noted. "He’s seen what it takes to win at this level his whole life. When the lights got bright in Charlotte, he just got better."

Clemson enters the NCAA Tournament as an No. 8 seed, and their success in Tampa will likely hinge on whether Buckner can maintain this high level of production. The Tigers are looking to erase the memory of last year's first-round exit, and with Buckner’s emergence, they have a dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot when the offense stalls.

---

Continuing the Mission in March

For Ace, the journey is just beginning. "It's fun to be able to celebrate these moments with my guys," Buckner said following the selection show. "We know we have work to do. We’re not just happy to be here; we want to make a run." With a roster featuring eight players averaging at least 6.0 points per game, the Tigers have the depth to be dangerous, but it is Buckner’s star power that might just be the X-factor Clemson needs to reach the second weekend of the tournament.