03/31/08 - What A Season!

It all started with us getting ahead of the country in August by taking advantage of the NCAA rule permitting an international trip every four years.  With that came the ability to start practice as a team early – actually 10 practices before the trip.  The head start on training and competition was a great opportunity for freshman Demontez, Jerai, and Terrence to learn our system early on. 

Our training trip to the Bahamas was both fun and instructive.  Our veteran squad had a chance to bond with the newcomers, and seniors Cliff, James, Matt, and Sam took it upon themselves to illustrate to the youngsters the true meaning of the leap of faith they took as they signed with Clemson four years previously.  They bravely led the squad over the 10-Story Leap of Faith waterslide at the beautiful Atlantis resort in the Bahamas!

The fortitude and leadership they displayed at the onset carried over into a season fraught with potential setbacks.  Injuries sidelining James, Sam, and Demontez for periods of time; a virulent flu virus that spread through the team during a stretch of games; Trevor’s ankle injury; and Cliff’s fractured wrist during our signature win over Maryland, all could have diverted us from our mission to “bust down the door to the NCAA.” Rather we grasped something that all good teams learn – how to overcome adversity.  Everyone on the team hitched up their belts and worked a little harder.  All 15 guys contributed.  The result is that we: finished the season with a 24-10 overall record (tied for the third most victories in Clemson history); did not lose on back-to-back ACC game (for the first time in 55 years); finished third in the ACC standings (highest finish in 18 years); reached the ACC championship game (for the first time in 46 years), and did indeed “bust down the door” to the NCAA obtaining a berth for the first time in 10 years receiving a No. 5 seeding in the NCAA Midwest Regional. 

A great year!  But we are not satisfied.  We were disappointed by not winning the ACC Championship game after beating Duke in the semi-final, and although we were given the opportunity to compete for the NCAA 2008 national championship, we fell short in our efforts.  It is still difficult to grasp that the season ended so abruptly. 

However we are now looking forward, and will use the lessons learned from this season to improve our team during the off-season. Our returning players understand that we are counting upon them to improve and have career-best years. 

The future looks bright:

• As the reputation of Clemson University continues to attract quality student-athletes.  On the first day of the early signing period this year, three high caliber individuals signed with our program: Andre Young (5’9”) and Tanner Smith (6’5”) guards from Georgia; and Caitlan “BoBo” Baciu a 7’1” forward/center from Romania.  These young men are high character kids that fit our needs on the floor.
• With the support of the Athletic Department. Administration, IPTAY, coach colleagues, support staffs, any my own staff are clearly committed to moving this program forward.
• With the support of the Clemson Basketball Family.  Fans-season ticket holders and students!  You are unequivocally part of the program.  Your support and enthusiasm play a pivotal role in our success.  You have created an environment in Littlejohn Coliseum that makes it difficult for visiting teams to play.  Your spirit energizes our team during every game.

Clemson Basketball is on the move, and we eagerly look forward to the next chapter.  Having improved our team appreciably each of the last five years, my staff and I are already working to make us better next year!

Go Tigers!

-- Coach P