2006 - 07 Clemson Basketball

Clemson University men's basketball was once considered a powerhouse and Little John Coliseum was one of the most feared arenas in basketball. In recent years, nothing has been further from the truth than the previous statement. Despite poor attendance and not much to cheer for in recent years, Clemson basketball fans may have something to get excited over this year, a team that is currently 10-0. The 2006 Tigers lead by head Coach Oliver Prunell has a great chance of winning twenty games and making the NCAA tournament for the first time in over a decade. If nothing else, this team will be an absolute joy to watch, with an up-tempo offense and a swarming defense that loves to apply the press.

Sophomore K.C. Rivers has lead the Tigers in scoring thus far, by coming off the bench and averaging over ten points per game. Rivers, who played high school ball at OakHillAcademy, has been assisted by senior guard Vernon Hamilton and junior guard Cliff Hammonds. Hamilton, old fashioned point guard with a pass before shoot mentality, has worked in Houston this summer to improve his jump shot. Hamilton has excellent court vision and will be one of the top point guards in the Atlantic Coast Conference this year. Cliff Hammonds, a lefty with a beautiful jump shot will be Hamilton's back court mate. Hammonds has wonderful fundamentals and does not make many mental mistakes.

Down low the Tigers have tremendous athletes. Although they might be slightly undersized at times, the athletic ability and perimeter shooting will easily make up for the lack of size. Freshmen Trevor Brooker, a SCBCA player of the year, has made an instant impact on this team. His soft touch and size allow him to score and be a force on the boards. James Mays might be the most important factor on the team this year. Because of academic issues the power forward was only able to play half the season last year. Clemson is undefeated in games that Mays has played in. The hardest player on the court to guard might be forward Julius Powell. Powell has the power and moves of a big man, but has the ability to knock down the three ball from the outside, thus creating major match up problems for opposing teams.

Given time Coach Purnell has turned teams around and it appears this might be the year he will resurrect the Clemson basketball program. With the talent and athleticism this group of Tigers has, they will probably be the sleeper team in the Atlantic Coast Conference. While perennially powerhouses Duke and North Carolina dominate the ACC do not be surprised to hear Tigers mentioned in the top five in the ACC come tournament time.