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September 19th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Clemson
Tigers
Overall Rank:
#54
Conference
Rank: #7 ACC
2005-06:
19-13, 7-9, 7th (t)
2005-06
postseason: NIT
 Even though
Clemson lost their top two scorers, Coach Oliver Purnell’s group
is talented and has the ability to surpass the mid-level ACC
teams in the conference. The perimeter trio of Vernon Hamilton,
Cliff Hammonds and K.C. Rivers are the most underappreciated
backcourt in the ACC. Hamilton, the point guard, and Hammonds
both averaged double digit points and over 3.0 assists per
contest. Rivers showed plenty of promise as a part-time starter
during his freshman campaign and is expected to contribute even
more as a sophomore.
Who’s Out:
The
frontcourt’s big loss is Akin Akingbala who stepped up last year
and averaged 12.1 points and 8.2 rebounds as a senior. Steve
Allen also took his game to a new level last season when he was
asked to play a bigger role for Clemson. The 6-10 center only
averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds, but was an important part
of the frontcourt coming off the bench. Leading scorer Shawan
Robinson has also run out of eligibility. The 6-2 guard
averaged 12.3 points and added on 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds
during his senior campaign. Troy Mathis, who saw action in 20
games, has opted to transfer after his sophomore season.
Who’s In:
Big men
Karolis Petrukonis, A.J. Tyler and Trevor Booker will add to the
depth up front. Petrukonis is a typical European big man who
can battle inside and step outside to hit the jumper. At 6-11,
270 pounds, the Lithuanians size alone makes him an attractive
option to have an immediate impact. Tyler has a decent short
jumper of his own and, with a little additional strength, can
become a contributor for the Tigers. Booker might be the best
of the bunch and has the tenacity to be a factor on the glass
right away. David Potter will provide some much needed depth
on the wings. The 6-6 small forward won’t shoot the long ball
with consistency, but he can get to the rim and make the short
jumpers.
Who to Watch:
Two
years ago it was Sharrod Ford, last year it was Akingbala, this
year it will be somebody else. There usually are questions
surrounding the Tigers frontcourt this time of year, but come
January we always have an answer. With the pressing style that
Clemson will play, depth in the paint is a high priority. James
Mays only played in 11 games last year before running into
eligibility issues. Mays averaged 9.2 points and 7.6 boards and
will take his starting spot back. In Mays absence, then
freshmen Julius Powell and Raymond Sykes earned valuable
experience and, in the case of Powell, will battle for a
starting job. Sam Perry started 22 contests last year and
always provides some energy to the team.
Final
Projection:
The starting
five is full of possibilities. If Petrukonis can eventually
start at some point this season, it means Mays can move to his
more natural position at power forward. That would leave Perry
and Powell both coming off the bench, unless of course we take
into account the lack of depth on the perimeter. If Rivers
starts at the three, it leaves few options off the bench. Thus,
ideally, Perry or Powell would start at the three, Mays at the
four and Petrukonis at the five. But that might not get the
best five on the floor. Needless to say, Coach Purnell will be
mulling over his options and having depth is always an enviable
problem. In the end, the ACC will keep the Tigers away from the
NCAAs once again, but with one senior on the roster, we’ll
pencil them in the field of 65 for 2008. Yet the high pressure
defense will create an upset or two and, as always, be fun to
watch.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected
Starting Five:
Vernon Hamilton,
Senior, Guard, 12.0 points per game
Cliff Hammonds,
Junior, Guard, 10.1 points per game
K.C. Rivers,
Sophomore, Guard, 7.1 points per game
Julius Powell,
Sophomore, Forward, 5.5 points per game
James Mays,
Junior, Forward, 9.2 points per game
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