CLEMSON – The road back from injury can feel lonely, tedious, and endless, especially for athletes accustomed to sprinting through defenders, soaring above the rim, and hearing the roar of packed arenas. But for Clemson’s Carter Welling, Zac Foster and Ace Buckner, the Tigers’ upcoming summer trip to Italy has become both a target and a symbol — proof that recovery is finally moving toward something tangible.
Clemson coach Brad Brownell said all three players continue progressing through rehabilitation programs following significant injuries and procedures suffered during or after the 2025-26 season, with the Tigers hopeful that at least some of them could participate during the exhibition tour in late July and early August.
“Both are doing well, I think, on schedule,” Brownell said of Welling and Foster. “We’re hopeful that Zac might be able to play some in Italy. I’d love for him to be able to play some, though it’s still a little too early to tell.”…