1/09/10 - The Holiday Season...

The holiday season is always a fun time in the world of college basketball. It marks the end of the non-conference season and the beginning of league play. We were able to end our non-conference schedule with six straight wins, heading into the ACC season with a record of 12-2 and ranked in the top 25 in both the AP and the coaches’ polls.

More importantly, the holiday season gave our team a chance to give back to our community and to deepen our bonds with each other. Just before Christmas our team hosted its first annual Tiger Wonderland event. With the help of Bi-Lo and the hard working people over at Littlejohn, the coliseum was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas trees, snow, hot chocolate, cookies and of course Santa. Children from Clemson Community Care partnered up with members of our basketball team as they participated in arts and crafts and enjoyed all kinds of holiday treats. Bi-Lo donated huge bags of gifts for the children. It was a magical night for both the kids of Clemson Community Care and for our team. I was still glowing from the event well into the next day.

A few days later I had the team over to my house for our annual Pollyanna Christmas party. Our guys all exchanged gifts as we enjoyed each other’s company, good food and the holiday spirit. Shortly after the holidays we were back on the hardwood. After concluding our non-conference season, we opened up conference play on the road at Duke. Although we were unable to get out of Durham with a tough road win, I feel as though our team continues to learn valuable lessons. It is important that we improve throughout the year. After all, the season peaks in March and we are still climbing!

Click here for more info and pictures from the event

Go Tigers!

-- Coach P