Bully Basketball Scouting Report Clemson Tigers

I had the opprotunity to watch the Clemson Tigers play host to Furman at Littlejohn Coliseum on Monday night. This was Clemson's season opener. The tigers came out of the gates with a 17-0 lead. Two things were obvious about the tigers, they are a solid five deep in the post and all can block shots and crash the boards. They will get after you defensively. Furman was outmatched physically, but still Clemson forced 20 turnovers and blocked 10 shots in the first half alone. They have a sharp shooter in freshman Terrace Oglesby. In their exhibition game he made 14 3 pointers in 17 minutes of competition. Seven of Furman's first 10 field goals were three's b/c they simply couldn't get anywhere near the paint. Seven different players had dunks against Furman and look for all in the post to look for the same opportunity against State. If you get them to play a half court game their front court can play with their back to the basket and find the open man on the arc.

Clemson will press us from one end to the other and we cannot sleep on the inbounds pass. As a team they didn't light the world on fire, but have enough accurcy to hurt State if we relax on the arc. If we get behind, we might be forced to play zone, which the tigers have a history of struggling against. The tigers play the inbounds so aggressive, there should be some openings down the court for State. With Clemson's aggression in the post, Jamont we will need some scrimmage like numbers at the FT line where he went 18-21 from the charity stripe.

If you haven't gathered already reading this, the tigers could cause us some serious problems in the post on Thursday. Our depth in the post will be critical, and I look for Brian and Bailey to earn their paychecks this week. Their size will be critical in combating Clemson's position in the post. This team can run the floor as good as MSU. We will have the advantage with the home court. The tigers finished the game with 36 turnovers forced, 25 steals and 12 blocked shots, and a 91-46 win. We need to be in SEC form when the tigers roll into Starkville on Thursday. If at all possible, make it to the game, it will be an uptempo affair, full of dunks and blocks, and every cheer will be needed. It will be a good one, Go Dawgs!!!!

Genesis 24:49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn."