The Clemson Tigers were picked seventh in the preseason ACC men's basketball poll at the league's Operation Basketball in Charlotte. The Tigers are coming off a 22 season that saw them win one round in the NCAA Tournament. Brad Brownell has five newcomers and must replace key pieces Demontez Stitt and Jerai Grant. The Tigers open the season on November 12th at home against Gardner-Webb. Coastal Carolina visits Littlejohn Coliseum on November 22nd.
From TheACC.com - preseason poll and preseason all-conference team
| 2011-12 ACC Preseason Predictions |
| ACC Operation Basketball, Charlotte, N.C. |
| 59 Ballots |
| Team Finish: |
| 1-North Carolina (57) | 706 |
| 2-Duke (2) | 649 |
| 3-Florida State | 560 |
| 4-Virginia | 463 |
| 5-Miami | 455 |
| 6-Virginia Tech | 411 |
| 7-Clemson | 403 |
| 8-NC State | 316 |
| 9-Maryland | 264 |
| 10-Georgia Tech | 176 |
| 11-Wake Forest | 109 |
| 12-Boston College | 90 |
| Preseason All-ACC: | |
| Harrison Barnes, UNC | 59* |
| John Henson, UNC | 47 |
| Tyler Zeller, UNC | 46 |
| Malcolm Grant, Miami | 32 |
| Seth Curry, Duke | 20 (t) |
| Mike Scott, Virginia | 20 (t) |
| *denote unanimous |
| Preseason Player of the Year: | |
| Harrison Barnes, North Carolina | 57 |
| John Henson, North Carolina | 2 |
|
| Preseason Rookie of the Year: |
| Austin Rivers, Duke | 57 |
| James Michael McAdoo | 1 |
| Nick Faust, Maryland | 1 |