USA Today/AP #19 Clemson Takes on Winthrop

When: 7:30pm, November 23, 2009
Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC
Watch: Online only via Tiger Cast
Follow: SCACCHoops- Live Stats and (Gametracker via Clemson Tigers)
Listen: WCCP-FM

The Tigers moved up to #19 in Today's AP/USA Today poll. The Coaches' poll will be released shortly.

It's early, but the Tigers are ranked. And with this being early, many crazy things can happen. Several ranked teams have lost- for one, Jeff Capel's Sooners to former OP Assistant, Shaka Smart. (Congratulations Shaka.) Also, GT,UNC, and Dayton, amongst others. The time is now for smaller, less nationally recognized teams to try to make an early name for themselves.

But, let's get things straight, Winthrop is not good. They have not been good since Gregg Marshall left. Tonight should be the final tuneup before the competition level increases. Read the all-time Winthrop/Clemson stats on the official Clemson Basketball page.

That having been said, and yes, this is early in the year, but the Tigers still have some work to do before they head out to Anaheim, CA.

Plus:
David Potter- he has played well in his new starting role.
Andre Young- efficient, composed.
Booker- production
Freshmen: have stepped up when necessary, Noel and Milton.
Team: different members have risen to the occasion, shows a team mentality
Tanner: He is taking a leadership role through his hard work and dedication

Delta:
Full Time defensive dedication, no possession should be uncontested.
Lack of consistent offensive performance.
Lack of continuous defensive intensity.
No rotation down low.

Many of these issues will work themselves out throughout the course of the season, but as soon as we arrive in California, we will be marked. The competition is direct and head on. No longer will we be the the expected winner. Maybe we can feed off some type of ACC-disrespect, or bias or whatever, while on the left coast, but that will only get the team so far. I am sure any decent coach knows how OP operates, respects him, and lets his players know as much.

So until then, welcome Winthrop Eagles. Welcome to Littlejohn, thanks for everything.

Go Tigers!