4/13/09 - Wrapping Up the Season...

The end of every season always allows me time to sit back and reflect on all that has transpired within the last year. There is no doubt that the 2008-2009 season was another step forward for our program. The Tigers finished the year with a record of 23-9. This marks five consecutive years that our team has improved its winning percentage from the previous year. Our record of 23-9 is also significant because it marks our third straight 20 win season, a feat that has never before been accomplished in Clemson Basketball history.

The Tigers also enjoyed some remarkable individual achievements this season. Our senior class of Ray Sykes, K.C. Rivers and Jesse Yanutola finished their careers with 91 victories, making them the winningest class ever at Clemson. Rivers also became Clemson’s career leader in three point field goals with 281 and finished third all-time in steals with 210. He is also the winningest player in Clemson history. All of our seniors have made tremendous contributions to our program both on and off the court and they will surely be missed. So what happens now?

Our student athletes will continue to focus on their academics. The spring semester is always an important and challenging term which will require a steady focus from our team. After a week off from athletics, our players will go back to work in the weight room to continue developing their strength and athleticism. Soon after that we will be back on the court for individual workouts. These workouts will allow us to focus on skill development and fundamentals. For us to continue to succeed as a team, our players will need to continue to improve individually in the off-season. The coaching staff will continue to hit the recruiting trail. The next few months will be crucial for us as we will be focusing on our top prospects for the 2010 class.

I think it is fair to say that we have raised the level of expectations for the Clemson Tigers both locally and nationally. While this is a great achievement that should be enjoyed, it also presents us with a challenge to live up to those expectations. As I have mentioned before, our program loves challenges and we will be sure to continue to work hard in the off-season to take our program Above and Beyond!

Go Tigers!

-- Coach P