We Love That Basketball

What a difference winning makes. Tonight I went to my first basketball game since my senior year of undergrad (2003-2004 season) and it was an experience completely different from what I was used to.

First and foremost, there were people there. Historically, Clemson's never been a basketball school. It's well known that football is our bread and butter with baseball coming in a close second. Over the years, there's been flashes of basketball brilliance but there was never a "tradition" of winning. That being said, let's just say that there was never a problem getting a good seat a basketball game. Not so much now. The lower bowl was at least 80% full with the upper bowl chiming in with an additional 50% capacity. Not bad considering that it was a cold Wednesday night in the middle of December. Also, the people who were there actually cared to be there. Most of that is a result of the recent product on the floor being substantially better than years past. If you give us good players to cheer on, the Clemson faithful with "show up." Now in all fairness, the game was against a lesser opponent but that didn't do anything to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans in the arena.
Edit: Official Attendance - 7,509, about 2,200 shy of capacity.

Going back to my statement about the product on the floor being better than in years past, that statement was made in reference to the last decade or so of Clemson basketball, but I think it may hold true in regards to last year's team as well. Last year's squad was solid, but lacked depth as far as having multiple offensive weapons. This year's team (from the one game I've seen and the box scores I've read) appears to have a few more options in terms of scoring. However on the flipside, the defense doesn't look to be at the same place it was at last year -- and I say that after watching a game where the Tigers forced 21 turnovers and outscored their opponent 93-40 -- but hopefully they'll put all the pieces together by the time they get to the meat of the ACC schedule. All in all, I can say I was pleased with what I saw on the floor.

Here's to hoping that the rest of the season continues along this same path, in terms of both fan support and team development, while building upon the recent successes of the program. If so, look for the Tigers to continue to be an unexpected thorn in the ACC's side for yet another season.

Also, congrats to the Women's Basketball team for
a) not sucking - two wins already? Wow.
b) beating South Carolina
Nice job ladies.

On a personal note: The Clemson men play at home again on Tuesday the 25th at 8pm. If you're still in town and are looking at going, drop me a line. Ditto for the game on Friday the 28th. You guys know how to get ahold of me.