Friday Email Bag

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Fri Dec 21 10:36:37 GMT-04:00 2012

Friday Email Bag

Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey,

Hey man, I've got a couple of points and I'd like to know your thoughts. You can email me if you'd like.

1 - The sport of basketball is just not very good in the state of SC across all age groups and levels.

2 - Basketball is played too much and not on consistent days, IMO. I'd be willing to bet if college basketball was played on Sat or Sun every week or at least the same day during the week you'd have more support from the fans in attendance. It's too difficult to go to a game on a Wednesday night and get home at a decent hour for folks like me with small kids.

3 - This team is too young, too immature right now. I follow a few of them on Twitter and they've mentally checked out. Blame the holiday season, school break, whatever. The youth of today have the attitude of "I gave it my all" so move on to the next game and 9 out of 10 times they don't. They're taught sports are not the end of the world, and they aren't but they are for the coach and his family. This is the coach's livelihood, you aren't going to have 18, 19, 20 yr olds care that much. If they are going to get blown out by CC, sit the starters and play 5 guys without names on their jerseys. You have to get their attention.

4 - This team has no leadership, period. IMO Booker has been the biggest disappointment and so has Jennings. I also don't buy the fact that the kid from BYU will make a difference. Heck he seems to be regressing and he's only here for 1 year!!

5 - Coach Brownell is not an ACC caliber coach. Nice guy, good X and O man but he's out of his league. I know an assistant coach personally that has coached in the ACC at Wake and in the SEC at Scar and he told me a long time ago...Clemson is a football school and the recruits know they don't care about basketball. He also told me Purnell would bolt first chance he got and then went on to tell me Brownell would bring in kids that should be playing in the SoCon. I have to agree with you, we've heard the excuses for four years now and we'll be saying the same things in 2 or 3 years.

The entire Clemson basketball program is in the worst shape I've ever seen it, men's and women's. I won't turn my back on my Tigers. I hope I'm proved wrong about most of my points.

Last thing, I've been tweeting with Dexter McCleon. He had no idea Coach Cheese left until a recruit told him. Once he found out he tweeted he'd be interested in an interview. He played in the NFL and is currently coaching DBs in Mississippi at his old HS. I think the guy deserves an interview. How can we spread the word to get Coach Swinney to give him an interview?

Kevin

Kevin,

Thanks for the email.

1. I agree that our state does not produce a lot of division I talent in basketball. We are a football state.

2. Basketball has saturated the TV market. It's hard t not turn on the TV any night of the week and not find basketball.

3. I think the AAU stuff has hurt the team concept. Guys grow up playing three games a day and the sting of a loss does not stick around.

4. Jennings is a bigger disappointment. Booker plays hard at times. I am not sure we could ever say that about Jennings.

5. I disagree. Brownell is an excellent coach. He does need an upgrade in recruiting but I like Brownell and think he knows what he is doing.

Obviously Mike Reed is the guy at Clemson. Maybe McCleon will have a chance next time.

Mickey,

What is happening with our woman's basketball team and why are players leaving the team?

Gerald

Gerald,

There is some disconnect but I am not close to the program. Grant left to be closer to her New Jersey home. I am not sure why Lindsey or Jones left. Something is wrong here. I wish in knew but something has to be done. This program is in shambles at this point.

Mickey,

Thank you for your great writing and broadcasting. And thanks even more for your spiritual values.

I have been to several Clemson bowl games and usually bought the tickets through Clemson.

With the advent of StubHub, that changed.

When I purchased through Clemson, I had almost no idea where I would sit. "Lower Level" is pretty broad. I could have been on the first row in the end zone or half-way up on the 40.

With StubHub I know exactly where I will be sitting. Plus often I can buy better tickets for less money than if I went through Clemson.

There will be many Clemson fans in Atlanta. Most will buy their tickets elsewhere.

If Clemson could more accurately forecast seat locations, and if the ticket website for resales were more user-friendly, StubHub would have less business.

Go Tigers!

May God bless you,

Stan

Stan,

I agree. The bowl system is broke. The ticket prices are outrageous and the seats you get from the schools suck. Meanwhile corporate people who don't care about the game get great seats. The system needs to be fixed.

Hi Mickey,

Seems like you are feeling better. That is nice to know. The flu can really knock you off your feet, literally.

I read your article today, "Bowl Tickets". I will throw in my reasons for not attending the Chick-fil-A Bowl this year. The ticket prices are outrageous. It would cost me $400 to take my four children. That amount does not include transportation or meals. Fortunately, their granddaddy is buying two tickets for my daughter and her girlfriend at $90 each! The other reason I am not attending is that Clemson has lost every bowl game I have attended in Atlanta, dating back to the Peach Bowl against Baylor. I just want to give the team a break, not that I am superstitious! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Go Tigers!

Best,

Kirk

Kirk,

I agree about the prices but that won't change. I am very superstitious but went to Atlanta this year and watched us beat Auburn. I finally realize that I have nothing to do with the game. Everyone knows the color underwear I chose that day has a direct impact in the game.

Mickey,

I was wondering if you have heard anything about a replacement for coach cheese?

Tyler

Tyler,

Mike Reed was hired according to several sources. He played at Boston College and has coached at Richmond, Philadelphia Eagles and NC State.

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