Cintron and Basinger Capture ACC’s Top Individual Honors as Clemson Baseball Lands Seven Total All-ACC Selections in Strong Showing

Clemson’s baseball program added another chapter to its proud legacy as Cam Cintron and Austin Basinger claimed two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s highest individual honors while leading a group of seven Tigers named to the 2025 All-ACC teams. The strong representation reflects Clemson’s sustained success throughout the regular season and highlights the contributions of several key players in the Tigers’ pursuit of postseason glory.

Cintron, a dynamic presence in the infield and an emotional leader in the clubhouse, was named the ACC Player of the Year after a sensational season that placed him among the national leaders in multiple offensive categories. A junior from Tampa, Florida, Cintron has been a model of consistency, providing a spark atop Clemson’s lineup while playing elite defense at shortstop. His blend of power, speed, and patience made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense.

Basinger, a sophomore right-hander from Lexington, South Carolina, was awarded ACC Pitcher of the Year after a breakout campaign that saw him evolve into one of the most dominant arms in the country. In just his second season, Basinger showcased a mature approach on the mound, combining pinpoint command with an electric fastball and devastating secondary pitches. His ability to silence opposing bats gave Clemson a true ace, often setting the tone in critical series.

The recognition for Cintron and Basinger marks a rare double for Clemson, which has not seen both the league’s top player and pitcher awards head to the program in the same season in over a decade. Their achievements, however, only scratch the surface of Clemson’s dominance in ACC postseason honors.

In total, seven Clemson players received All-ACC recognition, tying for the most selections of any team in the conference. The honors not only reflect the top-end talent led by Cintron and Basinger but also the Tigers’ depth, resilience, and strong coaching throughout the season.

Among the first-team All-ACC selections was junior outfielder Trey Hanneman, who solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. Hanneman, known for his bat speed and aggressive approach at the plate, hit over .340 with double-digit home runs and numerous clutch hits during conference play. His presence in the middle of the lineup was a vital complement to Cintron’s work at the top, creating one of the ACC’s most potent offensive duos.

Also earning first-team recognition was veteran catcher Carter Matson, whose leadership behind the plate was as important as his contributions with the bat. Matson hit .318 on the season and provided a steady hand for Clemson’s pitching staff. His defensive acumen, pitch-framing skills, and ability to manage a game were instrumental in Basinger’s emergence and the Tigers’ overall pitching success. It is rare for a catcher’s value to be fully reflected in statistics alone, but Matson’s impact was impossible to ignore.

Sophomore first baseman Elijah Miles was named to the All-ACC Second Team after a solid campaign that featured several long stretches of hot hitting. Known for his patient approach and keen eye, Miles posted a team-high .430 on-base percentage and consistently found ways to reach base. His glove at first base was equally valuable, often saving runs with scoops and stretches that kept the infield defense tight.

Another second-team honoree was junior reliever Ryan Velasquez, who emerged as one of the top closers in the league. Velasquez finished the regular season with an ERA under 2.00 and recorded nine saves, often entering high-pressure situations with the poise of a seasoned professional. His velocity and fearlessness on the mound were essential for closing out games and sealing series wins for the Tigers.

Rounding out the All-ACC selections was freshman third baseman Jalen Forrester, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team following a sensational debut season. Forrester hit .312 with six home runs and provided several highlight-reel plays at the hot corner. His poise and maturity were notable, and his rapid development throughout the year gives Clemson fans plenty of reason for optimism about the program’s future.

The sweep of awards and honors also speaks to the work of head coach Erik Bakich and his staff, who have fostered a culture of competitiveness, development, and unity. In just his third season at the helm, Bakich has turned Clemson into a perennial contender, blending experienced upperclassmen with emerging stars and maximizing each player’s strengths. The Tigers’ success in conference play and their loaded All-ACC haul are testaments to his leadership and vision.

Cintron and Basinger’s awards also carry historical weight. Cintron becomes only the fifth Clemson player ever to win ACC Player of the Year, joining legends such as Khalil Greene and Seth Beer. Basinger’s Pitcher of the Year nod is similarly rarefied air—he is just the fourth Clemson hurler to receive the distinction, with his performance already drawing comparisons to recent big-league alumni.

The buzz surrounding Clemson’s star duo has also caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts, with both Cintron and Basinger projected as early-round picks in the upcoming MLB Draft. Their elite production, combined with maturity and leadership, have made them highly sought-after prospects. Yet both have remained focused on finishing the season strong with their teammates, determined to lead Clemson deep into postseason play.

In fact, Cintron has frequently deflected praise, emphasizing the team’s collective effort over individual glory. “Awards like this mean a lot,” he said after the announcement. “But nothing is more important than what we’re trying to accomplish together. We have goals that go beyond regular season play, and every guy in this locker room is locked in on that mission.”

Basinger echoed the sentiment, noting the depth of talent across the roster. “I wouldn’t be in this position without the guys around me—our defense, our offense giving us leads, the coaching staff that’s believed in me. This is a team that has each other’s backs every day.”

With the ACC Tournament approaching and NCAA postseason play on the horizon, the Tigers will look to ride the momentum of their award-winning season. Clemson has all the ingredients of a dangerous postseason team: elite pitching, experienced bats, dynamic young talent, and a leadership core that has seen the highs and lows of a grueling schedule.

As the Tigers prepare for the challenges ahead, the recent honors serve not only as recognition of past accomplishments but as motivation to achieve even more. Clemson’s presence all over the All-ACC teams confirms what fans and opponents have known all year—this is a program on the rise, one that blends tradition with ambition and is primed to make noise when it matters most.

Whether it’s Cintron’s smooth double plays, Basinger’s overpowering fastball, Hanneman’s game-changing power, or Forrester’s youthful exuberance, the Tigers have stars at every corner of the diamond. And now, with postseason stakes ramping up, Clemson hopes the best is yet to come.