Re: If you follow Clemson basketball closely, you are either..

Cdixon11 · 2013-01-21T01:35:36.770Z

a true fan or a glutton for punishment. It's 22 years of groundhog day. I've watched 100 games, live and on TV, just like this NC State game tonight, just change the unis on the opponent. It leaves you exhausted and angry. Then a few days later, I'm watching again. One day, maybe this program will do some great things. It just seems for Clemson basketball, "one day" never comes.

hartins®

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Although, admittedly, never a BB afficiando, I enjoyed our

Jan 21, 2013, 6:59 AM

home games during my years at CU in the 60's. Most "Rats" had no choice but to attend games, as the upperclassmen would scour the halls, "ordering" us to attend...and old Fike would be filled. Also, there was little to do off-campus, and that contributed to attendance. When LJ was built, we thought we had graduated into the big time and were impressed (to say the least) that we could boast of such a facility. Still, at Clemson the main focus was on football, so few got traumatized over so-so BB seasons.

Although primarily a football school, I've never believed there is any reason why we can't develop a good BB program. It will take a firm commitment from the BOT on down through the ranks, the Alumni Association and, just as importantly, from the students themselves, beginning with the student leadership. Perhaps, the first admission must be that we haven't had a good tradition, which will require an attitude adjustment, then a willingness to commit whatever resources are necessary toward building a tradition of excellence.

I haven't been in LJ since my days as a student; thus, I can't speak knowledgably about the viability of the facilities. However, I do know this: all facilities at some point suffer functional obsolescence, and that's why new facilities are planned. I, also, know that the capabilities of the staffs are key, which begs the question: Is Coach Brownell the answer? Hopefully so; however, if not, then we will have to make a commitment to seek out, spend the money and hire a staff with a track record of winning among the big boys.

I've read numerous complaints about student participation, seating, etc. at LJ. I will only say this: as far as I'm concerned, the students should have the best seating in the house, immediately courtside and well-positioned to provide the best support for our team...period. Anything less is unsatisfactory. That being said, I refer to my previous comments about student leadership: it should be a direct responsibility of the student body president to gather all student leaders and find ways to increase attendance...and frankly, there is no excuse for failure to do so.

Lastly, I simply will not engage in negatively criticizing our current BB staff and team, because of my lack of BB knowledge. I am happy when we win, disappointed but not disjointed when we lose. However, as with all Clemson programs, I'll say: GO TIGERS!!!!