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2009-2010 Clemson Preview Picks, & Odds.
Clemson 2008-2009 Record: 23-9, 9-7
Clemson 2008-2009 Post Season: NCAA
Clemson Coach: Oliver Purnell (117-77 at Clemson, 373-268 overall)
Clemson Projected Starters:
- Demontez Stitt, Junior, Guard, 8.7 points per game
- Tanner Smith, Sophomore, Guard, 3.6 points per game
- Noel Johnson, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
- Milton Jennings, Freshman, Forward, DNP last season
- Trevor Booker, Senior, Forward, 15.3 points per game
Clemson Player to Watch: Noel Johnson
Clemson Key Losses: G Terrence Oglesby, G K.C. Rivers, C Raymond Sykes
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2009-2010 Clemson Season Preview
The numbers suggest Clemson has arrived as a perennial Atlantic Coast Conference contender under coach Oliver Purnell, who has directed the Tigers to an improved winning percentage in each of the past five seasons, including three consecutive 20-win campaigns.
Whether Purnell’s Tigers can sufficiently replace the defectors from last season’s 23-win campaign, however, looms as a major question. Purnell was fully prepared for standout K.C. Rivers and under-appreciated Raymond Sykes to move on after completing their eligibility. However, he wasn’t expecting the team’s most potent 3-point shooter – Terrence Oglesby to bolt for the European professional ranks.
As a result, the Tigers are rebuilding around senior power forward Trevor Booker and junior point guard Dernonrez Stitt, hopeful that a talented incoming class and small cast of support players are able to step in and fill sizeable voids.
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Clemson Backcourt
Without Rivers and Oglesby bombing the opposition into oblivion from the wings (161 combined 3-pointers last season), the Tigers may be required to take a different approach from the offensive end.
In two seasons as the primary starter at the point guard position, Stitt has mostly been steady as a pass-first floor leader, though a rash of late-season turnovers opened the door for freshman Andre Young to seize more playing time. The diminutive Young’s ability to push the ball – and marginally better 3-point marksmanship – could be just the infusion the offense needs.
Clemson’s late-June acquisition of 6-6 swingman Noel Johnson was no small coup.
Johnson, an Atlanta native, joins the Tigers after gaining his release from Southern Cal and will be eligible immediately. Johnson is joined in the class by another big guard, freshman Donre Hill.
While the youngsters could play important roles, the Tigers will also benefit from the return of senior swingman David Potter, whose solid all-around game is often overlooked. Sophomore Tanner Smith brings similar intangibles to the table, and flashed scoring potential in a supporting role as a freshman.
Clemson Frontcourt
There’s little question that Booker is the centerpiece of the Tigers’ attack. The ACC leader in rebounding and field-goal percentage last season, Booker opted to return for his senior ‘ campaign and spent the early portion of the summer representing the USA in the World University Games.
Despite lacking height, the 6-7 Booker is a relentless rebounder and a tireless defender who has expanded his offensive game beyond the paint over the past two seasons. He will be joined on the squad by his freshman brother Devin Booker, who is slightly taller at 6-8, but brings a similar skill-set to the Tigers.
The centerpiece of the four-member signing class is freshman Milton Jennings, a 6-9 power forward and McDonald’s All-American who could step into the lineup in Sykes’ place immediately.
Jennings, however, will have to fight off junior Jerai Grant for minutes. Long and athletic, Grant has spent two seasons grabbing spot action behind frontcourt veterans and has yet to display much offensively. His willingness to get to the glass, especially at the offensive end, will go a long way toward extended minutes.
Sophomore Catalin Baciu, the ACC’s taIlest player (7-2), rounds out the Tigers’ post candidates. The Romanian project has yet to leave his mark on the program.
2009-2010 Clemson Predictions
Purnell has his work cut out in an attempt to maintain the Tigers’ forward progress this season. Still, the veteran coach has a lot of expe rience when it comes to putting pieces together, and has long preferred the inside-out attack that best suits his seventh Clemson squad.
In order to secure a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, Stitt and Young must operate at peak efficiency directing the half court set. Getting Trevor Booker going early and often should open some perimeter opportu nities from the new cast of wings.
Athletic enough to defend the basket, the Tigers will have to lean on their defense early on as the newcomers find their way. Clemson Finish in the ACC: 30th
Clemson Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA
Clemson Betting Odds
Clemson Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +10000
Clemson Odds to Win the ACC: +800
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Clemson Basketball Handicapping Picks
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