Clemson looked poised to make a deeper run into the postseason than just one-and-out in the NCAA Tournament, but though the loss to Villanova wrote a premature end to the year, the Tigers still have to count 2007-08 as another step forward in Oliver Purnell's rebuilding process.
Getting a No. 5 seed in the Midwest Regional marked the return of the Tigers to the 65-team field for the first time after a nine-season absence, and their appearance in the championship of the ACC tournament was the first time since 1962 they had advanced that far in the event.
"When we look over all the things that we have accomplished," said senior James Mays, "we'll have a lot to be proud of."
By finishing 24-10, the Tigers' senior class matched a school record for career victories with 84 wins (against 50 losses) despite a series of injuries that hit key players like Mays, Sam Perry, Trevor Booker, Demontez Stitt and Cliff Hammonds throughout the year.
That win total likely will be passed by next season's senior class. The present juniors have been part of 68 victories in their careers.
With key players like K.C. Rivers, Booker, Stitt, Terrence Oglesby, David Potter and Raymond Sykes returning, Clemson looks to be a contender again for one of the top four spots in the ACC and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
"We have a lot to look forward to with this program," Mays said. "And for our seniors, we have a lot to keep our heads up about. We came from one of the bottom teams in the ACC to one of the only teams to get a bid for the NCAA Tournament, so it's still a good feeling when I look back at everything we have accomplished."
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say whatcha will about that letdown against Nova but Oliver looks like a real contender on the recruiting trail. He has 3 espn-150 guys already on board and will probably add 1 more.
Anybody still thinking about Tiger Basketball in May ? comments on the new recruits? projections for 08-09 ? updates needed for recruiting at Clemson...
Hey guys, I'm trying to set up a sim league starting next season, where a simulator plays out the game and gives you realistic scores and stuff, and your Tigers are still available! If you are interested or have any questions feel free to e-mail me at dosegorillaz@aim.com.
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You guys really had such a good run in the ACC tournament, I was hoping you could produce better in the big dance. Good luck to you guys in the off season though!
The brackets have been finalized and were a #5 seed. They have Clemson matching up against Villanova. I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about Villanova. I've ssen them play one game ( Syracuse ) this year and they looked pretty good that day. I'll have to do a little research before i'll be able to come up with an opinion about the game. What are ya'lls first impression of this mat
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How bout them Tigers!!! After we finish wiping the court with Nova, It's gonna be fun watching all those so called experts choke on their words. If you didn't know any better you would have thought we were the 12th seed. Atleast that's the way they made it seem.
It's finally game time baby. I hope the Tigers take all these upsets today to heart. They need to go out and take Nova out the game early. Let's go Tigers!
Stitt is having a great game so far. Before the game a lot of people talked about how Nova's guards were better than ours, I'm just not seeing it right now.
The final AP poll has the Tigers ranked 21st. It's good to see Clemson getting a little respect from the pollsters. Now we need to go out and back that ranking up by taking care of business against Nova Friday night.
