Clemson Basketball ranked 18 and 19 in most recent polls

Despite dropping a game to Texas A&M in the opening game of the 76 Classic in Anaheim, the Tigers retained their #19 ranking in the ESPN Coaches’ poll and actually moved up one position to #18 in the AP poll, coincidentally, one spot ahead of Texas A&M.

Check out the pollspeak site which catalogs the votes for each team. This is where many chose to express their dismay with last year’s whipping boy, Jon Wilner.

The polls were not as kind to Clemson’s next opponent, Illinois, as they dropped from both polls after losing two in a row this past week. Clemson’s ACC/Big Ten challenge game was setting up to be another game against a ranked opponent for the Tigers, but instead has turned into a redemption game for the Illini.

The Tigers are seeking another win against the Illini, who they beat last year in Urbana-Champaign 76-74. This year, the Tigers welcome the Illini to Littlejohn on Wednesday for a nationally televised matchup.

Also this week, the Tigers have a little university-wide redemption game against the Gamecocks. Last year, the Tigers defeated the Gamecocks in Columbia 98-87.

These national games are keeping the Tigers in the collective basketball consciousness of the AP voters. These games, like OP said, have NCAA tournament implications. Voters and tournament committee members only get to see some teams once or twice throughout the year and strong showing can only help.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Tigers ranked 24 in preseason Coaches' Poll

It seems at least some coaches are starting to show some poll for the Tigers, as they are ranked #24. Elsewhere in the top 25, UNC is #4, Duke #8, Georgia Tech #20,

This year could/should be the year an Oliver Purnell team breaks the winless NCAA streak.

And this week, just as last year, the Tigers will played a closed scrimmage against UGA, this time in Tigertown- supposedly. There were rumors. It's was all so hush-hush. Then the next thing you know- NCAA bylaws and such.

Also today, the official Naismith preseason watch list was announced. Big 35 Trevor Booker was listed as one of the top 50, as voted on by the Atlanta Athletic Club.

On the Naismith watch list from the ACC:
Solomon Alabi (Florida State)
Al-Farouq Aminu (Wake Forest)
Trevor Booker (Clemson)
Ed Davis (North Carolina)
Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech)
Sylven Landesberg (Virginia)
Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech)
Kyle Singler (Duke)
Greivis Vasquez (Maryland)

The ACC looks stacked for top players this year, with nine.

Today is a big day.

The Clemson Basketball Media Guide is now available.
The ACC Basketball Media Guide is also available.

And tip-off is just two weeks away.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball chosen to finish 3rd in the ACC.

(From theacc.com)

Following the elation of the Clemson Football OT win at Miami, today during the annual ACC Basketball Media day, OP's troops were chosen to finish 3rd, behind UNC and Duke, who were chosen, in a tie, to finish 1st. Does this mean we are second on a technicality? I never understood such.

Booker just missed out on ACC preseason player of the year, behind, but was an All-ACC pre-season selection.

The media voting was full of oddities, complexities, and general- what it seems like to an outsider- confusion. Read the official account here.

Here's Oliver Purnell audio interview from today's events. (pop-up)

Here's the extended video interview with OP via WRAL (Raleigh)

So I guess, the ACC -read NC-centric- Media has read a little of the national praise and media for this year's Tigers. This, of course, puts a bigger target on our back.

So now, it really is on.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball is almost here

OP has been keeping up to date on at least some of the preseason Tiger Basketball hype, as he tweeted a preseason ranking for the Tigers.

The Tigers are preseason ranked #13 in Gary Parrish's last preseason poll.

The Tigers made up for the unexpected loss of Terrence Oglesby when they added USC signee Noel Johnson in June. He'll team with Trevor Booker, Demontez Stitt and fellow freshmen Milton Jennings and Devin Booker (Trevor's younger brother) to push Clemson back into the NCAA tournament, where Oliver Purnell will advance this time, I guarantee.

Information is trickling out about this team and I know I am excited.

And while Clemson Football is always fun-though better when we win- Basketball season can't be beat. I won't make it to the 76 Classic games, but someone can/will as tickets are on sale now.

Also, in probably one of the most enjoyable surprises concerning Clemson Basketball, Ray Sykes was selected to participate on the Phoenix Suns training camp roster.

Ray Sykes battles against the long-haired Lopez Brother, via Coach Purnell Twitter.

This is awesome for Ray. I wish him the best. A good guy who deserves this opportunity.

Coach Oliver and his wife Vicky's Tigerfest is this weekend. Support Coach Purnell in this Coaches vs. Cancer event.

Also, don't forget Rock the John is on October 16!

All that needs to happen now is that the ball needs to hit the court.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball Preview, review.

Here is the link to the Raleigh News & Observer Clemson Basketball preview- Scroll down for the Tigers.

Per the article itself, the Clemson component of the article said very little concerning the Tigers, new or otherwise. Some of the obvious concerns are mentioned- 3 point shooting next year, big men without outside help, etc.

However, this highly professional line from the minus column says little about this year's team and generally speaks of the past rather than the future.

Clemson being Clemson. The Tigers haven’t won an NCAA tournament game since 1997, and like their 0-for-forever streak in Chapel Hill, that has to wear on you.

I think the best analysis comes not from the article itself, but from national recruiting director of Scout.com, Dave Telep in his assessment of three of the incoming freshmen- less Noel Johnson.

Devin Booker: "Chip off his brother's block. His body is really solid, he has got the goods around the hoop. If his motor runs like his brother's, look out."

Jennings: "A smooth big guy, he's part of the new era of power forward who starts from the outside and works his way in."

Hill: "This kid comes into college with a chip on his shoulder. Fresh off a great senior year, he’s not highly touted but he’s been highly effective. Blue collar kid."

So, here's the wrap: the article is interesting if you want to learn about the woes of being Paul Hewitt, or of the greatness of Coach K, otherwise, skip it. If you just can't wait and want to learn as much about each team as possible, go ahead.

And, is it just me, or does anyone else think Stitt is ready to step up his game. He, like the rest of the team, is flying under the radar. Last year the ACC had so many highly touted guards, Stitt seemed just acceptable. While his game might or might not translate to the NBA in the future, he has the ability and now the experience of playing against many of the nation's elite guards. If his game keeps improving, that would only help us more.

Go Tigers!

Early ACC previews

I was a bit disappointed with the predictions from today's Raleigh News and Observer. I think the authors know next year will be up in the air for many around the league.

GIGLIO'S PICKS	PICKERAL'S PICKS
1. Duke	UNC
2. UNC	Duke
3. BC	BC
4. Maryland	Georgia Tech
5. FSU	FSU
6. Georgia Tech	Maryland
7. Clemson	Wake Forest
8. Virginia	Clemson
9. Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech
10. Wake Forest	N.C. State
11. N.C. State	Virginia
12. Miami	Miami

Obviously placing Duke and UNC at the top and NC State at the bottom will provide some message board material for the locals in the Triangle.

Tomorrow the N&O will preview Clemson. I'm sure the text will involve how we would have been ranked higher, but Oglesby left, etc. This will be some of the first analysis outside of the Clemson bubble for the Tigers. The article should mention the recruiting windfall of Noel Johnson as a hopeful replacement the shooting of KC/TO.

The article will deal with Booker, little Booker, and the strength of the inside game. The article will discuss the variables and unknowns on the team.

Football season hasn't started yet and I already excited for Basketball Season.

Go Tigers!

Clemson Basketball- update

A few weeks ago, ESPN analyst provided an early, early 2009-2010 preseason top 25. The Tigers ranked 13. Other sports writers have the Tigers within the top 10!?

Notice, however, Katz doesn't even mention the top 25 Purnell recruiting class. I guess the Tigers slipped a bit in the recruiting world because of the uproarious, ridiculous Calipari Kentucky class.

Elsewhere, Booker-of the Trevor variety- was invited and accepted an invitation to participate in the USA Basketball Trials in hopes of making the 12 Man roster.

The official 2008-2009 season review.

Next year looks to be exciting.

Go Tigers!

Booker All-ACC 2nd Team; Tigers move up in both polls

Trevor Booker demonstrates his silky, soft touch. (Greenville News)

Trevor Booker today was named to the All ACC's Second Team and to the All Defensive Team
Joining Booker on the second team, (votes):

Jeff Teague, Wake Forest (185)
Trevor Booker, Clemson (156)
Tyrese Rice, Boston College (151)
Kyle Singler, Duke (128)
Greivis Vasquez, Maryland (116)

Congratulations Book!

KC Rivers demonstrates perseverance and quiet leadership (Greenville News)

KC was selected as an honorable mention selection, along with his UNC nemesis Wayne Ellington and UVA freshman, Sylven Landesberg.

Both Booker and KC could, I think, have been higher, had they been a little more consistent in stretches. Nonetheless. Solid work Tigers. Additionally, Booker could move into a first team slot next year, assuming he decides to stay and play alongside his brother.

Also, even losing and San Jose writer Jon Wilner can't stop the machine that is the Clemson Tigers, as they actually moved up in both polls after the loss to Wake.

Go Tigers!

Clemson ranked 12/13 in today's polls

After the comeback yesterday and the dismantling of Maryland, the Tigers remain just outside of the top ten. To be fair, 12/13 is a solid ranking. The upcoming games against three of the four teams to which the Tigers have lost might say even more about what the future holds.

AP Poll, #12
USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, #13

And here are a few articles to keep your excitement level elevated:
Family History Keeps Rivers grounded as Tigers Soar
Tigers Rally back into ACC race

And some pictures from the Greenville News

Go Tigers!

Tigers ranked #10 in both polls

The top 10 ranking ensures another meeting between two top 10 teams will occur in Littlejohn, as the Tigers take on #3 /4 (AP/Coaches) Duke on Wednesday night.

Also, KC Rivers is an ACC co-player of the week after he found his shot again. Though, KC says:

Just because I don’t score doesn’t mean I’m not effective. During the game, I’m rebounding, I’m making assists and I’m playing defense. There are other facets of the game that you can contribute without scoring. I have to do everything else to help my team win. (from UpstateToday.com)

Still, its nice to have senior point production.

And now, just for fun, here is the link to Jon Wilner, San Jose AP voter's ballot. He, from pity, peer pressure, or whatever has the Tigers ranked at a surprisingly high 22.

Oh, if you didn't watch the superbowl last night, you only missed two things: porn -deadspin has the images- and boss crotch (below).

Oh, and that Phelps Bong Hit took place at the pillar of higher learning, USC.

Enjoy until the Clemson Duke Preview.

Go Tigers!

Tigers slip to 11/12 in polls

Now we're #11/#12. (from the Greenville News)

The Tigers slid just a little in this week's polls- 11 in the USA Today Coaches' poll and 12 in AP poll. Our buddy in San Jose, Jon Wilner, tired of being barraged by Clemson fans has decided to use his position to make a point. And again, he has the Tigers unranked. A little SVP is in order here.

Cue it up: How in the hell can you not have Clemson ranked?

Not too bad for having lost two in a row.

It doesn't get much easier now, though. Next up is an away game at Virginia Tech (ORV AP #31 and ORV Coaches' #39) and home games against new #1 Duke and Florida State (ORV AP #39 and ORV Coaches' #37).

The ACC as a whole looks like this:

AP Poll
#1 Duke
#5 UNC
#6 Wake
#12 Clemson
ORV:
#31 VT
#39 FSU

Coaches' Poll
#1 Duke
#4 Wake
#6 UNC
#11 Clemson
ORV:
#37 FSU
# 39 VT

Kenpom Rankings, ACC #1
#1 Duke
#2 UNC
#11 Wake
#22 Clemson
#39 Miami
#58 FSU
#62 VT
#71 Maryland
#79 BC
#96 NCSU
#98 Virginia
#103 Georgia Tech

Go Tigers!

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.

Clemson Basketball enters TOP 10 in both polls

Wake vs. Clemson, 1960s - Fike Gymnasium- ( tiger memories)

The last time Wake and Clemson played when both were ranked in the top ten, Clemson was actually ranked 2nd while the Deacons were ranked 4th- Wake ended up winning 65-62. Rick Barnes was the coach and the Slab Five was still intact. Greg Buckner had 20 points as Tom Wideman, Harold "The Big O" Jamison, and Mohammed "Mo-Wo" Woni kept Tim Duncan in check with 16 points. The Tigers had a chance to win, but Jurkunas was called for a foul.
That was the year Jurkunas lost his mojo. He went from a three-point specialist, to an also-ran.

Am I trying to break your heart?

This weekend, the Tigers host Wake in a very similar situation. Again, the Tigers have very good players, but no real superstars, a la Tim Duncan, or now Jeff Teague. What we have now is a solid coach, one who might not bolt Clemson and later blame the local school system.

Here's to hoping we can control the Deacons and force turnovers. They will be coming off a Wednesday night game at BC. At least in terms of scheduling, this is a grueling phase for them as it is for us as well.

Congratulations on the being in the Top Ten Tigers- that alliteration is easy.

Some still think the Tigers are not deserving. Yep, that guy from San Jose has the Tigers ranked #23- though he bowed to public pressure, at least a bit saying, "I simply could not in good conscience continue to leave the undefeated Tigers unranked."

And if all else fails this weekend, hopefully we will see OP's sweet, sweet, suede orange blazer.


And no, I won't sell you my tickets for this game.

Go Tigers!

More AP Poll Fodder

This link from this morning is another post by Jon Wilner San Jose AP Voter.
I haven't posted a response in any of the comments, but many Tiger Fans have.

Nice Work.

While Wilner, AP voter, believes otherwise, Jay Bilas has this to say about the Clemson in an epsn insider post from yesterday in which he defines toughness:

Clemson has a chance to be special this year -- the best Tigers team since Dale Davis and Elden Campbell won the ACC regular season in 1990. I like the way Clemson is playing.

Bilas also lists KC Rivers as one of his top 18 tough players.

Again, just for effect, here is Scott Van Pelt exclaiming:
How in the hell can you not have Clemson ranked?

And SVP is right. We might lose the next twenty games, but right now, based upon all the things San Jose voter thinks- in an objective numbers world- Clemson deserves to be ranked, if for nothing else other than to break San Jose AP Voter's double standard.

Per tomorrow's game against NCSU, here is the official press release.

Go Tigers!

So, the AP voter responds to Clemson fans, Scott Van Pelt responds to AP voter

If you haven't been paying attention, or didn't know of my, and the many Clemson fans disdain for the AP basketball voters, or maybe just one in particular, the asinine nature of many AP voters irks some in the national media as well. Scott Van Pelt from the WWL in particular, picked up on this thread during his show today.

Prior to being called out by Mr. Van Pelt, Wilner AP hack, posted a defense of his voting.

Now, here is Scott Van Pelt calling out Mr. AP Voter from San Jose for leaving Clemson off of his Ballot, and for a few other things as well. SVP invites him on the show to defend his voting record- of course, that didn't occur.

How in the hell can you not have Clemson ranked? - SVP mp3 sound byte.

Full SVP section concerning Wilner, AP hack, and Clemson. - SVP mp3 sound byte.

NCSU preview coming soon.

Enjoy!

Go Tigers!

Tigers host Alabama in final non-conference game

When: 9:00pm
Where: Littlejohn, Clemson, SC

Watch: Fox Sports Network
Listen: WCCP Online
Follow: SCACChoops

Tonight's game should not be overlooked by the Tigers awaiting the opening of the ACC season with NCSU and a tough stretch against WF and an away game at UNC-we know that storyline.

And while OP is happy about some national recognition, he too knows the Tigers should not look past Alabama.

"Alabama is really really good and that's what we've got to be focused on rather than how somebody views us," Purnell said.

"Whether we're flying under the radar or not, it's important for us to recognize that we're a work in progress."

Alabama is coming off a strong performance against GT behind senior guard Ronald Steele. The Tide posts a 10-3 record, with the three losses coming to Ken Pomeroy RPI #204 Mercer, KP #87 Texas A&M, and KP #125 Oregon, while Alabama's KP ranking is 136 and Clemson's is #11.

This doesn't mean much really. Alabama was picked to win the Western Division of the SEC by a group of AP writers- you know what I think of them. On the other hand, Alabama hasn't played an away game since 11/26/08, nearly a month longer than Clemson's last away game at Miami on 12/21/08.

Of tonight's game, Alabama coach Mark Gottfried said, "They are very athletic. We will have to handle their pressure with no lapses. We can have no periods in the game where we lose our concentration." He knows about the Tigers and remembers from last year. The article writer, however, does not.

The top scorer is senior K.C. Rivers, a 6-foot-5 wing player who is averaging 15.3 points per game. The Tigers also have a strong inside game with 6-foot-7, 240-pound senior Trevor Booker (14.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and 6-foot-9 junior Trevor Sykes (9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

Hopefully this doesn't make Raymond Sykes mad, or someone on the Alabama team might end up like that guy from South Carolina.


Enjoy tonight's game, get excited about bracketology, and remember we need to hit our open shots and press. press. press.

Go Tigers!

Clemson moves up in both polls

KC Rivers (from the Greenville News)

With the myriad teams losing this week, the Tigers moved up to 12 and 11 in the AP and Coaches' poll respectively.

Congratulations Tigers. The Crimson Tide is up next. To help you get ready for Alabama and the ACC, check out this photo gallery from the Greenville News.

Also, this week's episode of the Oliver Purnell Show is up on the internet tubes.
(You need to register to watch, though.)
The video features highlights, including Sykes TB dunk at USC, OP interviews, and an interview with Andre Young.

Before the game tomorrow, read this pre-UNC-loss column from the WWL which includes the following concerning the Tigers:

Oliver Purnell: Clemson fans have gotten very good at holding their breath, waiting in fear for the other shoe to drop, the sky to fall and the world to come crashing down on their heads. Two great starts, two average finishes. There's no doubt Purnell is doing a good job with the Tigers, but until Clemson's hot start matches a fast finish, Tigers fans will turn blue.

[and]

Player to watch: K.C. Rivers. The senior is one of just three players in school history to top 1,400 points, 600 rebounds and 200 assists.

Circle the date: Feb. 4 vs. Duke. You won't be getting a ticket. The Tigers athletic department already announced the game as a sellout, so might as well settle in with a beverage (may we suggest Hoegaarden?) and some popcorn and decide for yourself if this Clemson team is for real. There's a very good chance the Tigers could be -- at worst -- 18-2 at tip-off.

Good sign: The Tigers were down 12 points to Miami, a bad omen in the league opener. Instead of wilting, Clemson rallied with a 16-0 run that left the Hurricanes weakened. If the Tigers can stay mentally focused, their scrappy defense makes them a very difficult team to play.

Bad sign: This is all too familiar. Two seasons ago, the Tigers started 17-0, finished the regular season 21-9 and ended up in the NIT. Last year it was a 10-0 start that drizzled to a 10-6 mark in the league that re-emerged as a run to the conference tourney title game and ultimately ended in a first-round loss to Villanova in the NCAA tournament.

Why you should care: Reasonable people are reserving judgment on the Tigers, bitten twice by early-season success and midseason swoons, so Clemson is flying slightly under the radar. But the Tigers are older and wiser -- Rivers is a senior, Trevor Booker a junior -- and could pull off some in-league surprises.

NCAA outlook: Barring a disaster a la the 2006-07 season, the Tigers are in the tourney and appear to have the mental fortitude to advance.

Now it's time to welcome the students back to Littlejohn for the Alabama game tomorrow night.

Go Tigers!

Clemson moves up in the polls #16, #20

Did the Tigers earn a little respect? Possibly from the coaches, but apparently those involved in the AP voting have their heads up their, well, I can't see their heads and I am looking right at them. This obviously reflects their inability to know anything about major college basketball.

As such, the Tigers moved up to #16 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' poll and #20 in the AP poll.

Per the AP, here is the break down of the 14 teams with losses ranked ahead of Clemson:

#5 Duke: 10-1; loss: #23 Michigan (ranked behind Clemson)
#7 Notre Dame: 9-2; losses: #1 UNC, #24 Ohio State (ACC and Big Ten losses)
#8 Texas: 10-2; losses: #7 Notre Dame, #10 Michigan State
#9 Purdue: 11-2; losses: #4 Oklahoma, #5 Duke (Big 12, ACC)
#10 Michigan State: 9-2; losses: ORV Maryland, #1 UNC (ACC, ACC)
#11 Georgetown: 9-1; loss: #14 Tennessee (SEC, which lost to Temple who we beat.)
#12 UCLA: 10-2; losses: #23 Michigan, #8 Texas (Big Ten, Big 12)
#13 Syracuse: 12-1; loss: unranked Cleveland State (I lost all respect for Boeheim and the wifebeaters)
#14 Tennessee: 8-2; losses: #16 Gonzaga, unranked Temple (WCC, Temple- we beat them, remember)
#15 Villanova: 11-1; loss: #8 Texas (I hate Villanova.)
#16 Gonzaga: 8-3; losses: unranked Portland State, unranked Arizona, and #3 UCONN (These guys should be unranked.)
#17 Arizona State: 10-1; loss: #19 Baylor (This is Baylor's only quality win.)
#18 Louisville: 8-2; losses: unranked W. Kentucky, #21 Minnesota (Still clinging to Pitino's reputation.)
#19 Baylor: 10-1; loss: #6 Wake Forest (ACC)

The AP voters are trying to stir it up to keep their poll relevant and keep their jobs in a dying media. Good work on selecting the best teams in the appropriate order AP voters.

Good Work.

Go Tigers!

Tigers re-enter top 25 poll after big win in College Park

Yes. Only a singular poll, as USA Today/Espn have us listed as #26.

But then again how much can we expect from the USA Today with such jumbled, seemingly contradictory analysis as this from the article: Trio of teams leaps into field after wild weekend

"Virginia Tech also climbs into position for a bid despite not even playing over the weekend. But like much of the bubble, there's plenty of teams stacked into a small box, and the Hokies need to keep pace in the ACC if they're to stick around for the Dance."

Clemson Bubble Analysis: IN
"Clemson is in the best position of almost any bubble team ... if they're even still on the bubble..."

Maryland Bubble Analysis: IN
"The Terps are still in the field, but they continue to play with fire. Losing big lead to Clemson can't affect their performance at Virginia next weekend, but someone might pass them on the bubble by then."

Miami: IN
"Canes have won five of their last six and have seen their overall RPI number rise considerably during the stretch. They're in good shape, but just can't slip up with BC and Florida State coming up this week."

Virginia Tech: IN
"As other teams fall, Hokies capitalize and climb in the field despite not playing since our last update. Need to beat Wake and could really use matchup with Clemson to close the season. But one step at a time."

So, even if we lose to VT, we will have still beaten 2/3 of the field teams from this analysis and are on a bubble and VT is supposed not. Hmm.?

Oh well,
Go Tigers!

Clemson Tiger Basketball Ranked 15th in the polls

Apparently, teams advance slowly up the ladder of poll recognition. Which is fine by me. Just as the voters are surely cognizant of last year's implosion-- I don't need to recollect it again--so, too, am I. The polls should be used as nothing than a recognition of our ability and accomplishments thus far. We still have work to complete.

So, with final exams underway, the Tigers should remain entrenched in the poll battle through the next week at least. A strong showing in Puerto Rico could help us in the polls, but truthfully, continuing to play as strongly as we have at times this year is better than what our rank might be, for better or worse.

Go Tigers!