Why is Clemson NOT where it should be?

Dec 9, 2012, 3:03 PM

Let me first preface my comments by saying I come to every ballgame I can from Spartanburg. Last night I drove alone in the rain and fog to see the Tiger's play. A number of people simply excuse the lack of excitement in b-ball to the fact that we are a football school. I personally do not give any credence or validity to this train of thought. Enough said on this point.

There are several factual variables that do have an influence, however, on our success. One: we are situated in a rural location in South Carolina. Where this may be appealing to a many football athletes that are raised in the South, it is NOT appealing to a B-ball talent born and bred in an urban local. Second: we just do not have the history of a winning tradition at Clemson. The "good" McDonalds All American players are wearing Duke, UNC, Kentucky, Indiana, etc. hats and clothing all through their youth prior to being bought by the before mentioned schools. Third: compared to the major schools (all of ACC), we have the poorest b-ball facilities. These kids they you need to win need to see glitz and commitment to the sport (i.e. WEZ, IPF & Oculus). We need immediate action to deal with this aspect other than showing pretty pictures of what we hope to do some day. Fourth: poor attendance by students and fans. There is no reason that the students and surrounding community cannot pack "The 'John" every ball game now. Better scheduling of more national and competitive teams (like Arizona) would expedite the draw of more enthused fans.

All of the above can be rendered moot by simply WINNING! Success draws people. Success draws quality players! Quality players and fan support insure more success! Success builds tradition which greases the path to recruiting top quality athletes and more national TV exposure. We have the coach and staff to take care of the winning but we as fans and administration need to immediately initiate the major facilities upgrades to change the direction of Clemson Basketball.

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meeting rooms and remodel Littlejohn? I understand what you are saying. Winning, by far, is the most important factor. Question is, where should we realistically be? On par with Duke and UNC? That comes with years of tradition. Where do I think we can realistically shoot for? A program like Terry Holland had at Virginia. Always competitive, occasionally great. All it really takes in one great player. We've had many really good ones, but no one legendary. No Jordan's, Grant Hill's, Len Bias's. Tim Duncan's, David Thompson's, Ralph Sampson's. In a league with 2 legendary programs, it will always be an up hill battle. We are a football first school, and always will be. that doesn't mean we can't, and shouldn't, be better in basketball. Question is, will a coach, any coach, stay around 10-15 years to truly build that type of program. Continuity, in a situation like ours, a true identity is what really needs to happen

Why is Clemson NOT where it should be?

If GONZAGA can build a strong bball program

Re: If GONZAGA can build a strong bball program

Didn't we just build new practice facilities/locker rooms

Re: Didn't we just build new practice facilities/locker rooms

I know there are other factors, but is Cameron that great.***

Cameron is a rotting, roach infested, maggot breeding piece

I hope it includes special free throw practice facilities. You know,

Re: Why is Clemson NOT where it should be?

Duke and North Carolina right down the road

It is about winning. Ellis did it. Barnes did it. OP did it.

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