CHARLOTTE — Zac Foster’s first season at Clemson ended almost as quickly as it began.

Foster joined Brad Brownell’s program with a lot of hype after a stellar high school career that saw him grow into a Top 70 prospect nationally.

However, back in December, Foster went down with an injury. It was later discovered he’d torn an ACL, and just like that, his season was over. Three months later, the freshman guard is out of his brace and getting closer to running again.

“I am doing pretty good,” Foster told The Clemson Insider. “I just got out of my brace a little while ago. I am three months into my recovery. I am walking and I will be running and jumping soon.”

Watching from the sidelines has been challenging. It was especially hard over the past few days as Foster watched the Tigers make a run to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.

“It has definitely been difficult, knowing I just want to compete out there with my teammates,” he added. “I am just ready to get back sooner than later.”

While dealing with the injury has been difficult, Foster believes he’s learned something about himself.

“Just that I can withstand adversity,” Foster said. “I will be back.”

Despite the disappointing loss to Duke on Friday night, Clemson’s season is not yet done. The Tigers are a lock for the NCAA Tournament.

While there is more season to play, Foster can’t help but get excited thinking about next season when he will finally be back on the floor. Along with him, Ace Buckner will be back and another season more experienced. Highly-touted signee Harris Reynolds also joins the fold, giving the Tigers a lot of firepower in the backcourt.

“We got a good group of young guys, so I feel like when I do get back, you will see a lot of fast-paced tempo and just team chemistry,” Foster said. We like each other a lot off the court, so hopefully that will flow onto the court.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright