With their centennial season finally underway, there is much speculation as to whether or not the Clemson Tigers will live up to the success written out in their history.
Before the start of the season Head Coach for Clemson Men’s Basketball team Brad Brownell announced that the team was expecting to have a shaky start, but hoped to develop a groove soon. With over a month into the season and a 4-4 start, it is unclear if this Clemson team will collapse under the pressure of this 100th season or if it’s a diamond in the rough.
This 2011-2012 team is comprised of six freshmen. Starting five players has been different three out of eight games with positions being alternated between senior forward Bryan Narcisse, freshman guard TJ Sapp, and freshman guard Rod Hall. This inconsistency amongst the starting line-up shows the Tigers have yet to define what “Clemson game play” actually is.
No doubt the Tigers know how to play the game basketball, but whether they are capable of following through and winning is still questionable. Clemson has lost big leads in games against both Coastal Carolina University and the University South Carolina. Clemson maintained the lead score in these games until the final minutes of regulation. In their match against Coastal Carolina the Chanticleers tipped in the ball at the buzzer to top Clemson 60-59. Clemson lost the lead against USC, also in the dwindling of the second half, because of turnovers and poor defense. Watching them play reminds of the scene from the movie Hitch where Will Smith’s character is teaching Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) how to dance. You’re obviously rooting for the underdog, you seen some progression, and it’s very entertaining! But there’s an obvious sense of rhythm needed.
Even with their flaws all hope is not lost for the Tigers. No longer having play makers Demontez Stitt and Jerai Grant on the court definitely disrupted the flow of the team; and adding six new faces to mix doesn’t make things any easier. Senior guards Tanner Smith and Andre Young have been playing well so far, but the Tigers need more than a little T and A. What they really need is a leader, but whom?
It’s only fitting that the torch would be passed to one of the four seniors, but I’m willing to bet the young whipper-snapper TJ Sapp will emerge as the head of this unit. I know it’s a little too early in the season to say, but I feel this kid has what it takes to become the next Demontez Stitt. He still needs some improvement yes, but he has shown skill in his ability to move the ball and executes well on turnovers. He’s averaging around 20 minutes of play per game and Coach Brownell seems to have a lot of trust in him.
Last season, in his first year as Head Coach, Brad Brownell and the Clemson Tigers made it to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament, losing 87-92 to North Carolina. Even though the Tigers also played in this tournament every season since 2008, this was the first time they made it past the 1st round. This proves that some progression is being made, but many are still wondering is it at a good pace. Time is of the essence and it is a crucial factor for these young men. As the season goes on only time will tell if the Clemson Tigers will get in sync before their centennial season goes bye, bye, bye!
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