The recruitment of Zion Williamson and Justyn Ross got me to thinking. We, as fans, only see the “correctness” of a player’s decision as it applies to us.
I’ve seen it written that Zion will no longer be welcome in the state of South Carolina because the fan bases of Clemson and South Carolina view him as a traitor.
Then, I read that in order for Justyn Ross to be able to live in peace in Alabama...which would not be possible if he chose Alabama or Auburn...he should pick us.
Two exact situations. But, totally rationalized differently by us fans.
So I have a niece that applied to Clemson from VA. Good grades, 3.9 avg, good ACT's, got into U of Florida and SC but not Clemson. Clemson was her favorite. She cried when turned down. Now she hates on Clemson at least on Facebook and with her Gamecock friends.
To depersonalize it, there are tens of thousands of kids every year who apply to Clemson, SC, Auburn, Bama, UGA, UF, Fla St, Ole Miss, TN, NCSU and more. They are open minded about where they go based on where they are accepted and where they can afford to go in-state and out of state. Some schools make it easier for in-state applicants - some for out of state. Then these kids make a decision, and they spend four to five years to a lifetime hating on every other school. It's hypocritical, it's the human condition, and it's the go-to approach for most. Still we all survive and at Clemson we thrive. So go Tigers!