Here is the rest of my teams as car companies review/revision for the remainder of the alphabet.
Miami- Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi is all over the place. They make decent cars that few people buy because they charge too much. They are the sole provider of rear projection- old school- large screen TVs. They are all of these things and simultaneously none of them. They are a conglomerate of independents working as a unit under the tri-diamond umbrella of the name. They operate much the same way under The U at times. This year they don't have the steady scoring and leadership of Jack McClinton. They will, instead, be lead by James Dews. Miami seems to still be selling the brand of 1990s football that brought Miami into the national media spotlight. They play decent basketball, have some decent players, but can't break through. It might be difficult this year as well; they were picked to finish 10th by the ACC Media writers.
North Carolina State University- Jaguar.
Jaguar, I think, was once a luxury car brand. They have a proud heritage that extends back to 1922. But last year, they were sold by Ford to Tata Motor Company, an Indian company. They have retained some of their essential British-ness, but little else other than the name still exists. NC State has long played the step-child to UNC in basketball, and really most other things as well. And while they haven't sold themselves to the enemy, that might have to be an option soon. The fan base seems to have a chip on their shoulder, but the players, at least under Sidney Lowe, lack this conviction. The athletic department hired Sidney Lowe in an attempt to bring NCSU back to its Valvano glory days and their national championship. That has not happened. It will not until NC State atones for its Sendek sins and admits it was wrong. The athletic department and even the fanbase is too stubborn to do that.
University of North Carolina- BMW.
BMW is the more sensible German car choice, at least when compared to a Mercedes. Their prices are much more reasonable and their cars have been consistently reliable, less a few hiccups - see the BMW redesign controversy-along the way. UNC is the same- think the Doherty era. This year, however, UNC will be reloading after their national championship run, but are still picked by the ACC media to finish first (tied with Duke) in the ACC. What UNC lost is more than most teams will ever have and what they have now is more than most as well. While UNC loses Hansborough, Lawson, Ellington, and Green, they have Thompson, Ginyard, Davis, Zeller and then the freshmen: Henson, McDonald, and the Wear twins, plus wild card Larry Drew II. It looks like another successful season in Chapel Hill.
Virginia- Dodge.
Ok Dodge, you need to stop making everything except trucks. I mean it. Everything else you make is sub-par- not in a good, golfing way. You have a niche; exploit it, carve it out, get comfortable. Virginia, I suggest you do the same. Find someone/something which you value, be it character, talent, or whatever and stick to it. The Cavaliers need to find an identity- fast. And though last year's ACC ROY Sylven Landesberg is returning with a new coach, Tony Bennet, who loves the glacially-paced offensive attack. And while it might not sell in the ACC just yet, at least UVA is looking. Hopefully they find the focus and identity they have been looking for since, oh, I don't know, Ralph Sampson.
Virginia Tech- Jeep.
Jeep is sort of in a class all its own. When they have tried to adapt to the times with smaller, less powerful vehicles, they have often failed. When they have stuck to what they do well, they have been successful. Much is the same with Virginia Tech. Seth Greenberg has found a strong guard in Malcolm Delaney and a powerful forward with Jeff Allen. With the departure of AD Vassallo, and little else in between Delaney and Allen, if someone else doesn't step up to fill the rest of the slots, VT could be on the outside looking in in March.
Wake Forest- Volkswagen.
I guess Volkswagen, why not? VW's have been around, they are associated with hippies and tie-dye, Wake Forest has that lame black and yellow tie-dye logo, ergo, VW. Beyond that, Volkswagen has tried to position itself as the people's car/wagon/whatever, but then put out the $90,000 Phaeton. Which one is it? The sleek VW that wants to be the Mac of the car world or their bubbly heritage driven by middle-aged women? Wake Forest, to me, is in much the same place with their identity. While they have a much stronger product than NCSU, as far as the "big four," German cars or NC-ACC teams, are concerned, they are usually a distant third, or sometimes fourth. Wake has had some strong years, but have also had some flame-outs. This year, the Deacons could be ready for a breakout with the return of Al-Farouq Aminu and Ish Smith. Additionally, they bring in a strong recruiting class lead by Ari Stewart. With this nucleus and Chas MacFarland, they could have what it takes to make a run in the Sweet 16.
Showing posts with label UNC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UNC. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3
Sunday, January 25
Tigers host Georgia Tech Tonight
Time: 7:45pm
Watch: Fox Sports
Listen: WCCP
Follow: SCACCHoops
The Tigers will be fighting to stay relevant in the ACC tonight. They will be playing against ACC 0-5 GT. The difference between a win and a loss is tied for fourth or sole possession of sixth. Should the Tigers tonight, they will be tied with UNC at 3-2.
The schedule works out well for the Tigers from here on out. Nonetheless, tonight's game could be huge. A win would be a fight against a slide similar to two years ago.
In the two consecutive losses, the Tigers have let the opponent play their game, rather than forcing them to play our game. This seems like an obvious observation, but it is something we are not doing. Generally, this year's team has played above the level of the competition. They couldn't keep up against UNC.
The Tarheels had too many open shots, as they were able to beat us off the dribble or catch us in transition. This could, of course, be rectified if we had hit our shots and had been able to set up most times down the floor.
In order to win tonight, we are going to need the following:
Booker and KC to show up
Stitt to make an assist- not just turn the ball over.
TO to let the shot come to him and not try to create it.
Establish an inside presence- on offense and defense.
Have a PG-Stitt or Young, or whoever- attack the basket.
Set the screen.
And most importantly, play like we care. Play with passion.
We cannot afford to be defeated this early in the season. This team is better than they played in Chapel Hill. However, if they play like they did against UNC, it is going to be a long season.
Here are some lazy links to get you caught up before tonight's game:
Clemson official game notes
Greenville News
The State
The State "blog"- Baicu in the mix?
Tigernet
Anderson Independent, 2
And some history:
The ACC- feature Clemson Mahaffey history
Go Tigers!
Watch: Fox Sports
Listen: WCCP
Follow: SCACCHoops
The Tigers will be fighting to stay relevant in the ACC tonight. They will be playing against ACC 0-5 GT. The difference between a win and a loss is tied for fourth or sole possession of sixth. Should the Tigers tonight, they will be tied with UNC at 3-2.
The schedule works out well for the Tigers from here on out. Nonetheless, tonight's game could be huge. A win would be a fight against a slide similar to two years ago.
In the two consecutive losses, the Tigers have let the opponent play their game, rather than forcing them to play our game. This seems like an obvious observation, but it is something we are not doing. Generally, this year's team has played above the level of the competition. They couldn't keep up against UNC.
The Tarheels had too many open shots, as they were able to beat us off the dribble or catch us in transition. This could, of course, be rectified if we had hit our shots and had been able to set up most times down the floor.
In order to win tonight, we are going to need the following:
Booker and KC to show up
Stitt to make an assist- not just turn the ball over.
TO to let the shot come to him and not try to create it.
Establish an inside presence- on offense and defense.
Have a PG-Stitt or Young, or whoever- attack the basket.
Set the screen.
And most importantly, play like we care. Play with passion.
We cannot afford to be defeated this early in the season. This team is better than they played in Chapel Hill. However, if they play like they did against UNC, it is going to be a long season.
Here are some lazy links to get you caught up before tonight's game:
Clemson official game notes
Greenville News
The State
The State "blog"- Baicu in the mix?
Tigernet
Anderson Independent, 2
And some history:
The ACC- feature Clemson Mahaffey history
Go Tigers!
Wednesday, January 21
Tigers take on the Tarheels Tonight in Chapel Hill
Watch: ESPN
Listen Online: WCCP
Follow Online: SCACCHoops
Do I really need to add anything to this storyline? 0-53; never won in Chapel Hill; should have won twice maybe even three times against UNC last year-home, away, tournament.
It snowed in Hell last night;let's hope its still frozen over.
UNC is favored by 13- Should you take it? Maybe.
And again, remember our San Jose friend? Apparently, our loss to Wake bumped us out of his top 25. He also has Duke #1, Wake #4, and UNC #9. See how he compares to other AP Voters.
I will post pictures after the game, win or lose.
Read what others have to say:
Anderson Independent, 2
Greenville News
The State
Chapel Hill News
Daily Tarheel
USA Today
ESPN
The Sports Network
Go Tigers.
Listen Online: WCCP
Follow Online: SCACCHoops
Do I really need to add anything to this storyline? 0-53; never won in Chapel Hill; should have won twice maybe even three times against UNC last year-home, away, tournament.
It snowed in Hell last night;let's hope its still frozen over.
UNC is favored by 13- Should you take it? Maybe.
And again, remember our San Jose friend? Apparently, our loss to Wake bumped us out of his top 25. He also has Duke #1, Wake #4, and UNC #9. See how he compares to other AP Voters.
I will post pictures after the game, win or lose.
Read what others have to say:
Anderson Independent, 2
Greenville News
The State
Chapel Hill News
Daily Tarheel
USA Today
ESPN
The Sports Network
Go Tigers.
Monday, January 19
The Tigers, despite losing to Wake, stay in the Top 10
For the love of Tree Rollins, the Mahaffey Brothers, the Slab Five, OP, and anyone who has ever followed or played Clemson Basketball, let it be this year.
And while I am not the Clemson S.I.D., I don't know when, if ever, we have played UNC when both teams were ranked in the top ten.
Truthfully, I don't care.
I just want to break 0-53.
Go Tigers!
And while I am not the Clemson S.I.D., I don't know when, if ever, we have played UNC when both teams were ranked in the top ten.
Truthfully, I don't care.
I just want to break 0-53.
Go Tigers!
Sunday, February 10
Clemson goes to 0-53 as UNC receives "referee treatment"
I really wanted to title the post: "UNC receives referee handjob." I probably should have.
Nonetheless, we "clemson-ed" that game away. I probably lost 3-5 years off my life tonight, as the Tigers were unable to seal the game after being up by 15.
15.
Now, The OP Stat of the Game: UNC 36 FTA, Clemson 7 FTA.
That is right, 7. Despite the fact UNC supposedly played defense throughout the game, they were called for 14 fouls, we were called for 31.
Apparently, Hansbrough is the best basketball player in the history of planet, Clemson will always be treated as outsiders, and UNC should list their official colors as black and white.
Yes, we should have hit more shots at times.
Yes, we should have done something else, etc.
But, really. Really. From the end of the 2nd half, the world knew what was going to happen- the refs knew. The refs knew when they stopped the game after a made three for UNC nearly 5 seconds after we had the ball.
Guess what, if the refs don't see the initial TO, it didn't happen. No matter how loud you complain-- unless the game is in Chapel Hill.
Tigers, I wish you would have pulled it out. I hate that it has to be this way. I really want to sing the song Duke sings when they play UNC.
I am not going to call anyone out for this game, you can look at the stats yourself, but I bet Uncle Cliff is open. Get the ball in his hands.
Go Tigers!
Nonetheless, we "clemson-ed" that game away. I probably lost 3-5 years off my life tonight, as the Tigers were unable to seal the game after being up by 15.
15.
Now, The OP Stat of the Game: UNC 36 FTA, Clemson 7 FTA.
That is right, 7. Despite the fact UNC supposedly played defense throughout the game, they were called for 14 fouls, we were called for 31.
Apparently, Hansbrough is the best basketball player in the history of planet, Clemson will always be treated as outsiders, and UNC should list their official colors as black and white.
Yes, we should have hit more shots at times.
Yes, we should have done something else, etc.
But, really. Really. From the end of the 2nd half, the world knew what was going to happen- the refs knew. The refs knew when they stopped the game after a made three for UNC nearly 5 seconds after we had the ball.
Guess what, if the refs don't see the initial TO, it didn't happen. No matter how loud you complain-- unless the game is in Chapel Hill.
Tigers, I wish you would have pulled it out. I hate that it has to be this way. I really want to sing the song Duke sings when they play UNC.
I am not going to call anyone out for this game, you can look at the stats yourself, but I bet Uncle Cliff is open. Get the ball in his hands.
Go Tigers!
Monday, January 7
Reflections, links, lessons from last night's loss to UNC
The OP stat of the game, actually 3,: 9-9, 5-8, 11-19; Ellington, Wayne.
If last night's game would have been broad cast on ESPN, we would be able to watch it again today on ESPN-Classic, instant classic. My stomach is still in knots from last night's pre- and during game revelry, coupled with the pain of my stomach dropping out as the gameclock expired in OT.
The Tigers certainly captured some attention across the nation as they actually moved up in the AP poll and remained in the same spot in the USA Today poll.
All of this comes at a now difficult time:
James Mays is hurt. He fractured his hand in pre-game warm-ups last night.
Also, Trevor Booker has a slightly sprained ankle.
Both should be ready to go against Charlotte.
The Tigers need to take positives away from this game rather than the loss get them down. Wednesday's game against Charlotte could be a dangerous trap game if OP doesn't let the Tigers dwell on Sunday's performance.
Our chances look good in the ACC and last night proved it.
Go Tigers.
If last night's game would have been broad cast on ESPN, we would be able to watch it again today on ESPN-Classic, instant classic. My stomach is still in knots from last night's pre- and during game revelry, coupled with the pain of my stomach dropping out as the gameclock expired in OT.
The Tigers certainly captured some attention across the nation as they actually moved up in the AP poll and remained in the same spot in the USA Today poll.
All of this comes at a now difficult time:
James Mays is hurt. He fractured his hand in pre-game warm-ups last night.
Also, Trevor Booker has a slightly sprained ankle.
Both should be ready to go against Charlotte.
The Tigers need to take positives away from this game rather than the loss get them down. Wednesday's game against Charlotte could be a dangerous trap game if OP doesn't let the Tigers dwell on Sunday's performance.
Our chances look good in the ACC and last night proved it.
Go Tigers.
Saturday, January 5
Clemson Basketball vs. UNC: pregame links
Links from around the interweb:
Clemson finds a sniper in Oglesby
Thin Tarheels Visit Clemson
Guarding Lawson a tough test for Stitt
Shrinking Bench Concerns UNC's Williams
Oglesby finds his Range
Friday look ahead: Tigers' roar has resonance this time
Until tomorrow,
Go Tigers!
Clemson finds a sniper in Oglesby
Oglesby may not have a conscience, but he’s certainly been unconscious from beyond the 3-point arc this season, particularly recently.Seriously. Is this considered clever and witty these days?
Thin Tarheels Visit Clemson
While watching tape, Clemson assistant Ron Bradley has timed Lawson getting the ball from end to end in 2 1/2 seconds. That makes Lawson difficult to trap.Thin is apparently opposite of Deep when it comes to describing a teams bench.
Guarding Lawson a tough test for Stitt
At first glance, it seems unusual for Clemson coach Oliver Purnell to go into ACC play and Sunday’s conference opener against top-ranked North Carolina counting so heavily on freshman guards.But...in a world where danger meets desire, nevermind.
Shrinking Bench Concerns UNC's Williams
But with Clemson healthy and UNC not so much, it may be the perfect time to try to tire the Tar Heels and pull an upset.Ominous or prophetic?
Oglesby finds his Range
A reporter approached and asked a question: Just how long is your shooting range, anyway?I feel like I should say, "That's what she said." But, I don't know if it fits.
Friday look ahead: Tigers' roar has resonance this time
Game Worth Flying to See in Person.Schedule a direct flight from wherever you are to Clemson-Oconee County Airport.
Until tomorrow,
Go Tigers!
Thursday, January 3
Clemson Basketball Predictions
Tuesday, January 1
Clemson defeats Alabama 87-61
I am debuting a new feature for the new year, The OP stat of the game.
What qualifies a statistic to be the OP stat of the game?
The qualities are arbitrary in nature and contingent upon the player, game, location, and situation. Thusly,
The OP Stat of the Game: 100% FT shooting (7-7)
The game began inauspiciously enough. The Roll-tiders were riding a six game streak following a ten point loss to Georgetown. Their expectations were high, as their previous game resulted in a 93-57 win over George Washington.
For the first half, it was a game of short runs and missed defensive stops for each team. The Tigers finished the first half with a five point lead. (And key to that lead was the noticeable absence of Sam Perry's T-shirt under his jersey. Keep it up Perry.)
This was as close as the game stayed, as the Tigers tightened up on defense, moving away from team full-court pressure on each possession and mixing man-to-man pressure within. This resulted in many open shots, especially for my man TO, who was 5-9 3pt%, Trevor Booker,18 pts and 8 rebounds, Mays ,18 points, and Mr. Consistent, KC Rivers, with 15.
Now it is on to the Tarheels this weekend. I might patrol the tarheel message boards to see if I can find any interesting info.
Hopefully, we use this game as a tune-up for the tarheels and didn't peak too soon. If we play like we did today against the tarheels at home in Littlejohn, we have a legitimate chance to win.
Go Tigers!
What qualifies a statistic to be the OP stat of the game?
The qualities are arbitrary in nature and contingent upon the player, game, location, and situation. Thusly,
The OP Stat of the Game: 100% FT shooting (7-7)
The game began inauspiciously enough. The Roll-tiders were riding a six game streak following a ten point loss to Georgetown. Their expectations were high, as their previous game resulted in a 93-57 win over George Washington.
For the first half, it was a game of short runs and missed defensive stops for each team. The Tigers finished the first half with a five point lead. (And key to that lead was the noticeable absence of Sam Perry's T-shirt under his jersey. Keep it up Perry.)
This was as close as the game stayed, as the Tigers tightened up on defense, moving away from team full-court pressure on each possession and mixing man-to-man pressure within. This resulted in many open shots, especially for my man TO, who was 5-9 3pt%, Trevor Booker,18 pts and 8 rebounds, Mays ,18 points, and Mr. Consistent, KC Rivers, with 15.
Now it is on to the Tarheels this weekend. I might patrol the tarheel message boards to see if I can find any interesting info.
Hopefully, we use this game as a tune-up for the tarheels and didn't peak too soon. If we play like we did today against the tarheels at home in Littlejohn, we have a legitimate chance to win.
Go Tigers!
Wednesday, February 7
Clemson Tigers: endgame
1:44 left, 62-52.
Come on Tigers, don't get Echefu-ed!
UNC/dook- looks like a little fracas on the floor.
1:41, 63-52.
Its nice to see KC back in the game.
1:27, 64-55.
Mays at 2-8. That is not the type of production we need from him.
And still, they have way too many offensive rebounds: 12 to our 6.
1:14, 64-58.
1:09, 66-58.
:57, 66-58.
UNC on the comeback, 21-24.
The officials need to control this game. And for god's sake, do not listen to Billy Packer, no matter what you do.
:38, 68-58.
:32, 69-58.
:00, 71- 58 FINAL!
Win.
Go Tigers!
Come on Tigers, don't get Echefu-ed!
UNC/dook- looks like a little fracas on the floor.
1:41, 63-52.
Its nice to see KC back in the game.
1:27, 64-55.
Mays at 2-8. That is not the type of production we need from him.
And still, they have way too many offensive rebounds: 12 to our 6.
1:14, 64-58.
1:09, 66-58.
:57, 66-58.
UNC on the comeback, 21-24.
The officials need to control this game. And for god's sake, do not listen to Billy Packer, no matter what you do.
:38, 68-58.
:32, 69-58.
:00, 71- 58 FINAL!
Win.
Go Tigers!
Wednesday, January 17
Clemson Basketball: Bilas Wrap
John (Anderson, SC): If Clemson beats UNC tonight, will this convince all the critics that this team is for real and will be a legitimate threat in the NCAA Tourney?
Jay Bilas: How could Clemson get more attention? According to us talking heads, the Clemson press is better than Wooden's UCLA teams and Richardson's Forty Miniutes of Hell combined. Clemson is very good. They can beat anyone out there, including UNC. Clemson gets to play Carolina at home but not on the road, so the Tigers have a better shot at the ACC title. I like that team a lot.
How much does Bilas love Clemson? I don't know, but I am sure less than Duke.
Go Tigers!
Jay Bilas: How could Clemson get more attention? According to us talking heads, the Clemson press is better than Wooden's UCLA teams and Richardson's Forty Miniutes of Hell combined. Clemson is very good. They can beat anyone out there, including UNC. Clemson gets to play Carolina at home but not on the road, so the Tigers have a better shot at the ACC title. I like that team a lot.How much does Bilas love Clemson? I don't know, but I am sure less than Duke.
Go Tigers!
Clemson Basketball: Something to Prove?
- Maybe the worst titled article of the day concerning Clemson Basketball.
- Here are the game notes for tonight's game via scout.com and Clemson/fansonly.
- If you live off the ESPN-grid, here is the gametracker and radio link.
- Goodnews, DickieV will not be providing commentary. You should have known this, as this is not a Duke game. The commentary, according to the weekly press release will be provided by Mike Patrick and Len Elmore, both of whom, I am sure, will be wholly pro-UNC. And because the game is not on CBS, no Billy Packer!
- And about the loss, OP says about the possibility of the loss being a relief:
"I don't think so," he said. "I think they're disappointed they didn't get that win, disappointed the streak's not still going. Now, it's important we channel that disappointment into work."
Go Tigers!
Tuesday, January 16
Clemson Basketball vs. UNC: Preview Links
- Positive or Negative, inside or out, here is a video of Clemson students waiting for tickets for the UNC game tomorrow night.
- A preview of tomorrow's game: Clemson vs. UNC via, inside carolina.
- Link to UNC messageboard discussing the possibilities and ramifications of UNC losing to Clemson.
- Pro-Clemson Article from the New York Sun.
Go Tigers!
Clemson Basketball: Riding the OP wave.
Apparently, students at Clemson care more about basketball today than when Barnes was the coach. Well, you might be able to extrapolate this information from the article posted on the Clemson Basketball site. More students care now as we are ranked 16 and 19 in the respective polls, than when we were ranked #2 and were playing #2 Wake Forest, who had all-everything, Tim Duncan. I am not sure if this is more of a reflection of Clemson today as opposed to 1997, or even of OP vs. Barnes. Certainly, OP is more affable and approachable than Barnes and his tailored shirt collars.
The students lining up at Littlejohn would rather see the Tigers beat UNC than Duke according to an article from the Greenville News. I could get behind this sentiment if Clemson were playing in Chapel Hill this year. As we are not, I would rather beat Duke, though UNC is ranked higher. Speaking of, Duke is ranked one spot lower than Clemson in the ESPN/USA Today poll, and Clemson is ranked lower than Duke in the AP Poll.
UNC pre-game preview to come later. To get your thoughts back on the OP wave you were riding prior to the loss at Maryland, here is an article from Yoni Cohen posted on FOXSPORTS. A very positive, pro-Clemson article; which is, as you know, a rarity in the world of collegiate sports.
Go Tigers!
The students lining up at Littlejohn would rather see the Tigers beat UNC than Duke according to an article from the Greenville News. I could get behind this sentiment if Clemson were playing in Chapel Hill this year. As we are not, I would rather beat Duke, though UNC is ranked higher. Speaking of, Duke is ranked one spot lower than Clemson in the ESPN/USA Today poll, and Clemson is ranked lower than Duke in the AP Poll.
UNC pre-game preview to come later. To get your thoughts back on the OP wave you were riding prior to the loss at Maryland, here is an article from Yoni Cohen posted on FOXSPORTS. A very positive, pro-Clemson article; which is, as you know, a rarity in the world of collegiate sports.
Go Tigers!
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