Wednesday November 01, 2006

Clemson Basketball Preview

Clemson Basketball Preview
Last night was the first time I have seen the basketball team this year so I wanted to give you my thoughts on the team, its chemistry and make up and some personnel notes.

Before last night my initial thoughts were that this team might struggle on the inside on both ends of the floor. I was blaming the previous staff for not red-shirting Akin Akinbala, who played only a few minutes in his freshman season. I thought this team did not have a true center and James Mays was a very good four but would be out of position at five. I thought Julius Powell was not physical enough to play the power forward position and the Tigers might have to play Sam Perry or K.C. Rivers some at four.

However, last night gave me some very encouraging feelings about the prospects of this program. The main thing I saw last night was Trevor Booker. He is a legitimate four and can be a force. He is a terrific athlete and a powerful rebounder. Booker does not physically look like a freshman. Instead, he looks as strong as any player on the club. Booker’s physical presence will give this team a lift. He has good hands and seems to have a very good court presence and awareness.

With the power forward question answered, the next question I had was the center spot. It was nice to see Mays return. He looked a little bigger and stronger than the last time I saw him. Mays is an excellent rebounder and I think can have some shot blocking presence inside. I am not as worried about the post game after last night. It was also nice to see Mays at the point of the full court press. His long arms and quickness are keys to the success of the pressure defense.

I think freshman center Karolis Petrukonis has some potential. I think he is not a huge defensive liability and I believe Petrokunis can give the Tigers 8-10 minutes per game in the post and play at least as well as Steve Allen did as a senior.

Raymond Sykes looks a little bigger this season also. He is a quick leaper than runs the floor well but still must more physical inside.

The other freshman post player, A.J. Tyler, is not a true post player. He needs to get in the weight room but has a nice looking shot. He looks more comfortable facing the basket at this early stage in his career.

Again, I was worried about rebounding on both ends of the floor but with Mays, Booker, Rivers and Perry I think the Tigers will be fine on most nights on the boards.

The Tigers strength should be their defense and athleticism. I believe this team could be able to pressure the basketball for 40 minutes a night because of their quickness and athleticism. Their perimeter players like Vernon Hamilton, Cliff Hammonds and Sam Perry have quick hands and feet. I believe this team will create a lot of offense off of their defense.

Hamilton is what you saw last season. He is explosive in the open court and a good ball handler. He creates his offense with his drives but is not much of an outside threat. The key to his success will be his defense and his leadership. I would also like to see his free throw percentage go up.

Hammonds is one of my favorite Clemson basketball players of all-time. I can’t remember any player that hustles more or has a better attitude than Hammond. He is smart and has great awareness. I think he will have a very good junior campaign. Hammonds has improved on the offensive end but it is his leadership and the little things that he does that make this team go. If you have a son, make him watch Hammonds to see how the game should be played.

Perry is my other favorite. He is recovering from knee surgery but Perry still brings the energy. I love his hustle and enthusiasm. Perry will not light it up from outside but he will pound the offensive boards and will play as hard as anyone.

Rivers looks in better shape this season. He has reshaped his body and moves better this season. I think Rivers is an extremely intelligent player. I also like the way he hits the boards. Rivers is an excellent passer also. I think he defense will be better because he looks a little quicker this season.

Julius Powell is about what you got last season. I think he can continue to develop and help at the three or the four. As a freshman he hit some big shots last year but I would like to see a little more consistency this campaign.

David Potter looked a little bit like a freshman last night as he got winded. I did not watch him as much last night but he reminded me a little bit of Rivers and Powell. I think he can develop once he gets in better shape.

In summary, last night’s opponent was not the Washington Generals but they were pretty close to it. However, I was encouraged about the program last night mainly because of Booker’s presence and Mays’ return. This team will play hard and defend well. On the nights they shoot well from the field and the line they will be impressive. On the other nights I think they will stay in the contest.

One concern I do have is the schedule. The Tigers play three SEC teams (Mississippi State, Georgia and at South Carolina) and at Big Ten foe Minnesota in the pre-conference schedule. The ACC schedule is difficult as usual including two games with Boston College and two with Duke.

Oliver Purnell is growing this program. Each year his teams gets better and I think this is his best team yet. I thought they were an NCAA team before the Mays suspension and once again I think they have a great chance this year. In fact, I think this is Purnell’s best chance at the NCAA tournament so far.

Mickey's Blog also brought to you by:

864-834-6060

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency