The OP Stat of the Game: 11-30 team 3pt shooting
I've thought about it.
I can't say that I am surprised.
Disappointed, yes.
Surprised, no.
Last night's game was a microcosm of Clemson Basketball: start strong, show some resilience, then forget how to play basketball, collapse.
Of the eight losses this season, here are the point differentials for the 1st half:
vs. TXA&M: -13 (neutral)
vs. Illinois: +20 (home)
vs. Duke: -18 (the 12 pt half) (away)
vs. GT: -6 (away)
vs. Duke: tied (home)
vs. BC: -17 (away)
vs. VT: -7 (away)
vs. MD:9 (away)
Of the wins starting with Butler:
vs. Butler: -7 (neutral)
vs.SC: +3 (home)
vs. Furman +17 (home)
vs. ECU +17 (away)
vs. CofC +18 (home)
vs. WCU +11 (home)
vs. SCSU +11 (home)
vs. BC +12 (home)
vs. UNC +18 (home)
vs. NCSU +17 (away)
vs. MD +7 (home)
vs. FSU +13 (home)
vs. UM +5 (home)
vs. UVA +19 (home)
Except for the NCSU game, the Tigers have not been able to keep their momentum going in away games. And the win in Raleigh almost didn't happen. The wolfpack played much better than the Tigers in the second half.
What does this mean? I don't exactly know. But, I think it can be construed in two differing ways.
1. This team can win and can maintain control and momentum throughout a game.
1a. Provided the Tigers are playing at home.
1b. The NCSU win is an anomaly.
2. This team cannot maintain control and momentum throughout a game.
2a. Provided the Tigers are playing an away game
2b. The Illinois game is an anomaly.
2c. Duke is Duke.
About last night's game, what do I need to say?
Here is what OP had to say about the performance:
“Defensively we didn't play well enough to win. Obviously offensively we had a good first half and I thought that certainly the pace was what we liked and that's probably why we scored so well. Defensively, we stopped getting into our pressure; as a result we started to give them some easy baskets."
Decorum aside, here is what I wished he would have said:
"Defensively, we didn't play. Obviously we had a good first half, but can we really rely on Mr. Dependability, David Potter? I thought that the pace was what we liked and that's why we scored well. Defensively, we sucked. Our team identity is predicated on one thing: defense. We couldn't even do that. And did you see Vasquez mopping the floor? What a piece of ****."
OP obviously has more decorum than most and that is why he is where he is.
About Grant? The MD return was a bust last night. Potter fared better in his return, but we shouldn't have to rely on the outside shot. That should be just one component of the inside-outside game. Grant's presence down low was missed in the second half. The Tigers couldn't create the space for Booker and with the 3pt shots not falling as frequently, they couldn't get Booker the ball, though Trevor did manage to connect with Devin for a big alley-oop dunk. That quieted the crowd for about two seconds before the Terps went down to the other end for a quick score.
So all in all, what did we learn last night?
Re: MD
1. Vasquez is in fact the most pompous player to wear any ACC uniform in a long time, trumping Reddick.
2. Vasquez is a good player.
3. Vasquez is not the only player on the MD team.
Re: Clemson
1. The Tigers still cannot seal the deal
2. They have the ability, but seem to lack the drive.
3. The Tigers are running out of time to improve.
Up next, FSU in Tallahassee. Let's see how the Tigers respond to another away game challenge.
Go Tigers!
Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryland. Show all posts
Thursday, February 25
Monday, November 2
ACC Basketball Teams as Car Companies: Teams 1-6
I am planning to buy a new, or at least newish, car in the near future. As I was starting to do some research, I began to think about cars, brands, and now that it is November, my mind obviously turned to Basketball. And sure this is probably lame, but its given me something to think about until the season starts this weekend. There is no methodology, just a sustained metaphor, which might even be weak at times.
In alphabetical order:
Boston College- Toyota.
BC is always solid and dependable, and rarely flashy. For as long as Al Skinner has been in Chestnut Hill, the Eagles have found a way to win. While they might not always field the strongest players, they usually have at least one or two who can get it done. This year it looks like that job will have to fall to either Rakim Sanders or Joe Trapani, both of whom return what might be one of the most veteran teams in the ACC this year.
Clemson- Hyundai.
As much as it pains me to say it, I think this is about where the Tigers are. Think back to the laughable, but efficient Hyundai Excel to now. A lot has changed for Hyundai, they are competing with the bigger, more established car manufacturers. The same can be said for the Tigers, while they had some success 10-15 years ago, that was a blip on the Clemson Basketball radar. Now with Oliver Purnell and this year's strong recruiting class, the Tigers, with preseason All-ACC selection Trevor Booker, are poised to topple some of the more traditional, established basketball powers of the ACC.
Duke- Mercedes.
Expensive, subtle, but not always dependable and long lasting. A Mercedes is, well, a Mercedes. Their price alone separates them from the other German car manufacturers. Historically, they have had unreliable vehicles, but things shifted a bit in the past. Now, with the exception of the ill-conceived SMARt Car, which of course, it is not, Mercedes is making a comeback in this area. Duke, much like Mercedes, is ready to do the same. Coach K is undoubtedly a good coach, whether you like him or not, but...he hasn't been able to break through recently. He has achieved more with his players than any other coach could have with the same team; however, he now has the added luxury of a strong recruiting class of athletes- which Duke has lacked. It could be a big year for Duke if everything runs well with the position adjustment of returning players Singler and Scheyer.
Georgia Tech- Ford.
The metaphor almost seems too easy- big successes early, recent poor performing vehicles, strong innovation, lack of execution, marketing, and follow through. Sounds about like a Paul Hewitt coached basketball team. This year, we will see what Coach Hewitt can do with his prized recruit, Derrick Favors. Now, Georgia Tech, Paul Hewitt, and all the Ramblin' Wrecks, which incidentally is a Ford Model A, are set to make a return to NCAA tournament after many lean years. Hewitt has the pieces this year to make things happen. And even though the Yellow Jackets were 2-14 in conference play last year, expectations are high- NCAA and beyond- following the Carmelo blueprint.
Florida State- Nissan.
Nissan has tried different branding (beginning with Datsun), sleek new designs, sexier and sportier ad campaigns, but just can't hit their stride. And while a Nissan is not a bad car, far from it, they are always seem poised to do something well, but it always seems to be lacking. Much the same can be said for Florida State. Last year the Seminoles cracked into the NCAA tournament after being left out the previous year. They were on the precipice of solid improvement and a larger win total. However, the key losses of Toney Douglas and Uche Echefu will hurt them. FSU has some reason to be happy, as they have a - if not the- most dominating center in the ACC in Solomon Alabi. With Alabi and a possible starting line up with no one under 6'7", the Seminoles could be formidable and imposing.
Maryland- Chevrolet.
Oh Chevrolet. You have tried everything except the most logical options. Rather than downsizing all of your employees at every turn, how about downsizing the redundant car/truck offerings. How many different names can a Chevy Silverado, s-10, GMC whatever have. Pick a brand and a model and stick to it. Stop sucking. You have potential, but it is limited by your lack of a cohesive identity. If you could do this, you could legitimately say you have the bestselling truck, but you can't. Oh Maryland! Oh Gary Williams! Maryland has a wildly passionate fan base, a la Chevy truck people, but they cannot seem to find the accidental greatness they had with Lonnie Baxter and Juan Dixon. Instead, Gary Williams supposedly refuses to play the recruiting games- good for him, possibly bad for Maryland, and their teams hopes are pinned to incendiary guard Grevis Vasquez. If these two hotheads can hold it together throughout the season, they should reach at least the round of 32, if not 16 in the NCAA tournament.
Teams 7-12 tomorrow.
In alphabetical order:
Boston College- Toyota.
BC is always solid and dependable, and rarely flashy. For as long as Al Skinner has been in Chestnut Hill, the Eagles have found a way to win. While they might not always field the strongest players, they usually have at least one or two who can get it done. This year it looks like that job will have to fall to either Rakim Sanders or Joe Trapani, both of whom return what might be one of the most veteran teams in the ACC this year.
Clemson- Hyundai.
As much as it pains me to say it, I think this is about where the Tigers are. Think back to the laughable, but efficient Hyundai Excel to now. A lot has changed for Hyundai, they are competing with the bigger, more established car manufacturers. The same can be said for the Tigers, while they had some success 10-15 years ago, that was a blip on the Clemson Basketball radar. Now with Oliver Purnell and this year's strong recruiting class, the Tigers, with preseason All-ACC selection Trevor Booker, are poised to topple some of the more traditional, established basketball powers of the ACC.
Duke- Mercedes.
Expensive, subtle, but not always dependable and long lasting. A Mercedes is, well, a Mercedes. Their price alone separates them from the other German car manufacturers. Historically, they have had unreliable vehicles, but things shifted a bit in the past. Now, with the exception of the ill-conceived SMARt Car, which of course, it is not, Mercedes is making a comeback in this area. Duke, much like Mercedes, is ready to do the same. Coach K is undoubtedly a good coach, whether you like him or not, but...he hasn't been able to break through recently. He has achieved more with his players than any other coach could have with the same team; however, he now has the added luxury of a strong recruiting class of athletes- which Duke has lacked. It could be a big year for Duke if everything runs well with the position adjustment of returning players Singler and Scheyer.
Georgia Tech- Ford.
The metaphor almost seems too easy- big successes early, recent poor performing vehicles, strong innovation, lack of execution, marketing, and follow through. Sounds about like a Paul Hewitt coached basketball team. This year, we will see what Coach Hewitt can do with his prized recruit, Derrick Favors. Now, Georgia Tech, Paul Hewitt, and all the Ramblin' Wrecks, which incidentally is a Ford Model A, are set to make a return to NCAA tournament after many lean years. Hewitt has the pieces this year to make things happen. And even though the Yellow Jackets were 2-14 in conference play last year, expectations are high- NCAA and beyond- following the Carmelo blueprint.
Florida State- Nissan.
Nissan has tried different branding (beginning with Datsun), sleek new designs, sexier and sportier ad campaigns, but just can't hit their stride. And while a Nissan is not a bad car, far from it, they are always seem poised to do something well, but it always seems to be lacking. Much the same can be said for Florida State. Last year the Seminoles cracked into the NCAA tournament after being left out the previous year. They were on the precipice of solid improvement and a larger win total. However, the key losses of Toney Douglas and Uche Echefu will hurt them. FSU has some reason to be happy, as they have a - if not the- most dominating center in the ACC in Solomon Alabi. With Alabi and a possible starting line up with no one under 6'7", the Seminoles could be formidable and imposing.
Maryland- Chevrolet.
Oh Chevrolet. You have tried everything except the most logical options. Rather than downsizing all of your employees at every turn, how about downsizing the redundant car/truck offerings. How many different names can a Chevy Silverado, s-10, GMC whatever have. Pick a brand and a model and stick to it. Stop sucking. You have potential, but it is limited by your lack of a cohesive identity. If you could do this, you could legitimately say you have the bestselling truck, but you can't. Oh Maryland! Oh Gary Williams! Maryland has a wildly passionate fan base, a la Chevy truck people, but they cannot seem to find the accidental greatness they had with Lonnie Baxter and Juan Dixon. Instead, Gary Williams supposedly refuses to play the recruiting games- good for him, possibly bad for Maryland, and their teams hopes are pinned to incendiary guard Grevis Vasquez. If these two hotheads can hold it together throughout the season, they should reach at least the round of 32, if not 16 in the NCAA tournament.
Teams 7-12 tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 17
Clemson to bring the onions tonight against Maryland
Onions? Yes.
In the Bill Raftery manner, of course.
Tonight: 7:30pm, announced by Mike Patrick and Bill Rafferty
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: WCCP-FM
Follow: SCACCHoops
PS, I still love this girl.
Per tonight's game, Strelow of the The State seems to think the fates of Maryland and Gary Williams and Clemson and Oliver Purnell are inextricably interwoven. I don't know for sure. Hopefully, Maryland will lose tonight and win all of their other games, thus rendering any speculation about OP to Maryland a moot point.
Now, the Gary Williams Comedy Hour comes to Littlejohn.
And Grievis, supposing he made curfew last night, will be the player to watch on Maryland. He is hot-headed and makes lazy, splashy passes. Hopefully, our press will be able to clamp down on him and the rest of the team.
The Terrapins are undersized compared to FSU, Wake, and even UVA. However, with their lack of height, they will be looking to exploit our lack of size on the perimeter and dribble through the press. Maryland will do whatever it takes. Remember the knock against GW has never been that he cannot coach- it is the recruiting that the Terp fans, alum, etc., are up in arms about. Maryland will be ready.
The Tigers will need a senior performance from KC Rivers in addition to solid defensive performances from Potter, Sykes, and Grant. We have to control the inside. If they pack it in like UVA, it is going to be another long game, especially if the Tigers are not hitting their outside shots. Our defense will have to flex its prowess and stay mobile. If the start beating the press, we have to adjust, mix-it-up, whatever. Should the press not be entirely effective, it doesn't have to be abandoned- just tweaked at times.
This is a big game for the Tigers to get back on track. Conversely, it is also a big game for the Terps to do the same and establish a stronger foothold in clustered middle of the ACC.
Go Tigers!
In the Bill Raftery manner, of course.
Tonight: 7:30pm, announced by Mike Patrick and Bill Rafferty
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: WCCP-FM
Follow: SCACCHoops
Maryland would like nothing more than to beat Clemson in Littlejohn, especially after last year, as TO hit the game winning shot, was named ACC Rookie of the week and Greivis Vasquez became the second most hated player on that court. Then there was the Scott Van Pelt-TO exchange. Oh, the memories of last year.
PS, I still love this girl.Per tonight's game, Strelow of the The State seems to think the fates of Maryland and Gary Williams and Clemson and Oliver Purnell are inextricably interwoven. I don't know for sure. Hopefully, Maryland will lose tonight and win all of their other games, thus rendering any speculation about OP to Maryland a moot point.
GW- "Did Grievis make curfew last night?"Or something along those lines. It's hard to read his lips when he turns around to yell.
Other coach- "I think so."
GW- "Next time check again, because I think that girl wore him out last night; he looks tired and he's playing like sh*t."
And Grievis, supposing he made curfew last night, will be the player to watch on Maryland. He is hot-headed and makes lazy, splashy passes. Hopefully, our press will be able to clamp down on him and the rest of the team.
The Terrapins are undersized compared to FSU, Wake, and even UVA. However, with their lack of height, they will be looking to exploit our lack of size on the perimeter and dribble through the press. Maryland will do whatever it takes. Remember the knock against GW has never been that he cannot coach- it is the recruiting that the Terp fans, alum, etc., are up in arms about. Maryland will be ready.
The Tigers will need a senior performance from KC Rivers in addition to solid defensive performances from Potter, Sykes, and Grant. We have to control the inside. If they pack it in like UVA, it is going to be another long game, especially if the Tigers are not hitting their outside shots. Our defense will have to flex its prowess and stay mobile. If the start beating the press, we have to adjust, mix-it-up, whatever. Should the press not be entirely effective, it doesn't have to be abandoned- just tweaked at times.
This is a big game for the Tigers to get back on track. Conversely, it is also a big game for the Terps to do the same and establish a stronger foothold in clustered middle of the ACC.
Go Tigers!
Monday, March 3
Sunday, March 2
Tigers Win!! 73-70. Terrence Oglesby is a beast
The OP stat of the game: 73-70.
He looks so unassuming. Apparently, he is a terrapin-killer.
He looks so unassuming. Apparently, he is a terrapin-killer.With this Tiger comeback, its time to start booking your tickets to round 1 of the NCAA tournament.
I had forgotten how much I disliked Maryland. It feels nice to get this win. Our confidence is sky-high right now. I had nearly given up hope. I was tuned into Wedding Crashers for part of the game.
I have watched the end of the game more than once now. TO pulled it together. The team pulled it together. Mays played well with the soft cast and Booker held his own on the inside.
The Tigers made me proud, but more importantly, won and in so doing, moved one step closer to the NCAA tournament- a giant step.
T.O., Mr Basketball Tennessee, Gary Williams' Nemesis and sweat inspiration.
Go Tigers!!!
I have watched the end of the game more than once now. TO pulled it together. The team pulled it together. Mays played well with the soft cast and Booker held his own on the inside.
The Tigers made me proud, but more importantly, won and in so doing, moved one step closer to the NCAA tournament- a giant step.
T.O., Mr Basketball Tennessee, Gary Williams' Nemesis and sweat inspiration.
Go Tigers!!!
Monday, December 10
The ACC begins and Oliver Purnell's blog is updated.
The ACC season is on. And last night, BC and MD went down to the wire. It seemed every time I left the room, the team with the lead had changed. I wonder how much of the blame for MD's loss Greivis Vasquez puts on himself? Who gets a double foul? Oh, Greivis, that's right.
Here at the OP headquarters, here are a few links I have missed from the past few days.
Coach Purnell has a new entry on his blog.
An interesting textmap of connections to Oliver Purnell on the internet.
And in case you missed it, NCSU lost to ECU. The first ACC school ever to do so. Does this say more about the negative state of NCSU or the upswing of ECU? I would have to ask Terrence Oglesby for an answer to that one.
Until the end of Exams!
Go Tigers!
Here at the OP headquarters, here are a few links I have missed from the past few days.
Coach Purnell has a new entry on his blog.
An interesting textmap of connections to Oliver Purnell on the internet.
And in case you missed it, NCSU lost to ECU. The first ACC school ever to do so. Does this say more about the negative state of NCSU or the upswing of ECU? I would have to ask Terrence Oglesby for an answer to that one.
Until the end of Exams!
Go Tigers!
Thursday, February 22
Clemson Basketball: Break out your orange blazers!
"We're on the brink of ruining the season after we started out so good," [Cliff] Hammonds said. "It would be a disgrace to go to the NIT after the way we started the season." Despite the grammatical concerns, I echo your sentiments Mr. Hammonds and know we are going to need more than just OP's orange blazer. We all need to be wearing orange blazers, just not of the Bruce Pearl Tennessee variety.
Everyone knows what happened in Cameron. We could have made tonight's game mean something had we responded with a forward push after the dook debacle. Instead, we have focused on cruising in the opposite direction. Dook comes into LJ with a less-than-perfect resume, but comes in as a team looking to play in the tournament and looking to succeed. Neither of which the Tigers can seem to do.
While I do not know the remedy for maintaining a team's focus and getting them back on track, I do know something needs to be done-- and the MD loss will be the catalyst, as that game ended the losing streak and our losing ways.
Go Tigers!
Everyone knows what happened in Cameron. We could have made tonight's game mean something had we responded with a forward push after the dook debacle. Instead, we have focused on cruising in the opposite direction. Dook comes into LJ with a less-than-perfect resume, but comes in as a team looking to play in the tournament and looking to succeed. Neither of which the Tigers can seem to do.While I do not know the remedy for maintaining a team's focus and getting them back on track, I do know something needs to be done-- and the MD loss will be the catalyst, as that game ended the losing streak and our losing ways.
Go Tigers!
Monday, February 19
Clemson Basketball: Here's to the end of the losing!
Cheers!
Yesterday's loss to Maryland bookends our losses and puts an end to the skid the Tigers have been on. It has been a long trip:
Per this stretch of games, Clemson's Scoring Margin is -3.66 ppg
Opponents: 71.33
Tigers: 67.67
You can calculate the statistics yourself (if this sc link uses proper math, which it might or might not do).
Hooray, fans, the losing is now over. As losing 7 out of 9 is unacceptable in any sport, the Tigers have stopped. Losing is just unsatisfactory be it in baseball, basketball, or football.
Get ready for a new mini-season starting today.
Go Tigers!
Yesterday's loss to Maryland bookends our losses and puts an end to the skid the Tigers have been on. It has been a long trip:
| 01/13 | L 92-87 | |
| 01/17 | L 77-55 | |
| 01/20 | W 74-54 | |
| 01/25 | L 68-66 | |
| 01/28 | L 64-63 | |
| 02/03 | L 80-62 | |
| 02/07 | W 71-58 | |
| 02/14 | L 67-65 | |
| 02/18 | L 82-66 |
Opponents: 71.33
Tigers: 67.67
You can calculate the statistics yourself (if this sc link uses proper math, which it might or might not do).
Hooray, fans, the losing is now over. As losing 7 out of 9 is unacceptable in any sport, the Tigers have stopped. Losing is just unsatisfactory be it in baseball, basketball, or football.
Get ready for a new mini-season starting today.
Go Tigers!
Sunday, February 18
Digital Cable, I used to love you.
Today, with all of the CBS channels available on twc digital cable, I should be watching the Clemson-Maryland game right now. Instead, I am watching NC State who up by 23 on VT instead of missing our game, at this especially critical moment- singularly, as we are just down by two with 7:01 to go and in the grand scheme, as we are in dire need of a win.
Saturday, January 13
Clemson Basketball: 3-1
What is even worse, if the score holds, I don't think UNC will lose two in a row.
I still heart you Tigers.
Clemson Basketball: Pre-game Reading
From one of the other DC papers:
Maryland wants victory, revenge
From CSTV
Clemson hopes to Extend Historic Start Against Maryland
From the Plyler
Clemson Basketball
For those not lucky enough to have ESPNU(navailable), which is most of us, here are the links to gametrack and listen to the local radio broadcast. Another option is to visit a local sports establishment with the appropriate satellite technology and watch there, as I will be doing.
I, along with others, will be taking "the-OP" along with us and treading lightly into Blue Devil central for some basketball tailgating. And, depending upon the clientèle, we will cheer obnoxiously or with a respectful volume. Hopefully it will be the former.
Here's to 18-0.
Go Tigers!
Maryland wants victory, revenge
From CSTV
Clemson hopes to Extend Historic Start Against Maryland
From the Plyler
Clemson Basketball
For those not lucky enough to have ESPNU(navailable), which is most of us, here are the links to gametrack and listen to the local radio broadcast. Another option is to visit a local sports establishment with the appropriate satellite technology and watch there, as I will be doing.
I, along with others, will be taking "the-OP" along with us and treading lightly into Blue Devil central for some basketball tailgating. And, depending upon the clientèle, we will cheer obnoxiously or with a respectful volume. Hopefully it will be the former.
Here's to 18-0.
Go Tigers!
Friday, January 12
Clemson Tiger Basketball: Preview, thoughts, and all
Apparently Jeff Goodman of the Foxsports outlet really enjoys Clemson Tiger Basketball. James Mays is ranked as one of his potential POY candidates and he ranks the Tigers at #9 in his weekly power rankings.
Of course this ranking could change dramatically in the course of the next few days. Tomorrow at 2:00 post meridian, the Tigers take on the Terrestrial Turtles of the University of Maryland. The Comcast Center will be the stage for what will be the biggest matchup in the ACC this year, as both teams are ranked.
The Terps were thwarted in their last home game against Miami, shortly after Clemson beat NCSU to remain the last undefeated team in all of the world of Division I basketball teams. They are looking to extend their streak to 18-0 and establish the best-ever-start in the history of the ultraverse for a Clemson University Men's basketball team and the best ever streak on the planet with a player named James Mays.
Either Mays or Booker, or possibly defense by committee will be responsible for taking care of Maryland's leading scorers: DJ Strawberry, Mike Jones, and James Gist. It will be a tough assignment for the Tigers, who all-time against Maryland trail 84-46 and 3-1 in the Comcast Dome/Arena/Gymnatorium.
And if all of this excitement surrounding Clemson Tiger Basketball is not enough, Clemson might have a future coach lined up as Slab-Five leader Greg Buckner says his dream job would be to coach Clemson.
More Details to Come.
Go Tigers!
Of course this ranking could change dramatically in the course of the next few days. Tomorrow at 2:00 post meridian, the Tigers take on the Terrestrial Turtles of the University of Maryland. The Comcast Center will be the stage for what will be the biggest matchup in the ACC this year, as both teams are ranked.
The Terps were thwarted in their last home game against Miami, shortly after Clemson beat NCSU to remain the last undefeated team in all of the world of Division I basketball teams. They are looking to extend their streak to 18-0 and establish the best-ever-start in the history of the ultraverse for a Clemson University Men's basketball team and the best ever streak on the planet with a player named James Mays.
Either Mays or Booker, or possibly defense by committee will be responsible for taking care of Maryland's leading scorers: DJ Strawberry, Mike Jones, and James Gist. It will be a tough assignment for the Tigers, who all-time against Maryland trail 84-46 and 3-1 in the Comcast Dome/Arena/Gymnatorium.
And if all of this excitement surrounding Clemson Tiger Basketball is not enough, Clemson might have a future coach lined up as Slab-Five leader Greg Buckner says his dream job would be to coach Clemson.
More Details to Come.
Go Tigers!
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