MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The national narrative, once again this season, was not very positive for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell has been vocal about how strong the league is and how things need to change.

After Clemson’s 72-64 victory over Baylor Sunday at the FedEx Forum, the ACC has four teams that have advanced to the Sweet 16, showing once again the strength of the league.

Brownell had another opportunity to preach for the league after the Tigers defeated Baylor. He was asked about his take on how the ACC has performed in this year’s tournament.

“I’m not surprised,” Brownell said. “I think we have a terrific league. I’ve been outspoken about disagreeing with some of the metrics and how the way teams are judged. I don’t know the best way to do it. I don’t have the answers.”

With some of the ACC’s legendary coaches no longer coaching Brownell isn’t shy about sharing his concerns.

“But I know this — I just know from, I’ve been in the ACC for 14 years. I’ve been here a long time. I’m probably outspoken now because Coach K and Roy Williams and Rick Pitino and Jim Boeheim and Mike Brey, I’ve coached against Hall of Famers, and we’re, like, there’s a lot of new guys now. You’ve got to hold up the banner of your league a little bit,” said Brownell.

The first Clemson coach to ever take two teams to a Sweet 16 has the experience to know when he sees quality teams.

“And I know the quality of play. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been a head coach for 22 years. I know when I’m playing against good teams, well-coached teams. And so I’m not surprised in the least that our teams are doing so well,” said Brownell.

The ACC should had more teams in this year’s tournament, according to the Tigers’ head coach.

“I’m happy for our league. I’ve talked about we need to figure out better ways to do it. I don’t think it’s easy to do. I respect the committee and know how hard it is. But I’ve said that Pitt and Wake Forest are both unbelievably talented teams, well-coached teams. They could easily be Sweet 16 teams as well.  And I’m really happy for the league. And I hope we can move forward and be successful,” said Brownell.

–Photo courtesy USA Today Sports.