TheState.com: Tigers

Pro paths growing clearer

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:05 EDT

CLEMSON — The first of this year’s Clemson baseball players to be drafted has turned pro as expected, and the second is close to following suit.

Junior first baseman Ben Paulsen, a third-round pick, said he agreed to terms this week with the Colorado Rockies.

Freshman pitcher Chris Dwyer, meanwhile, is close to signing as a fourth-round pick of the Kansas City Royals, multiple sources said.

Paulsen’s departure comes as little surprise; most juniors selected in the opening eight rounds tend to sign because of the higher signing bonuses they receive through their leverage of having the option to return to school for their senior season.

But the Tigers had crossed their fingers in hopes of retaining Dwyer, a 21-year-old lefty who was the first freshman ever to be drafted and thus possesses two more years of bargaining power.

Former Tiger to play summer ball for Mavs

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:48 EDT

Former Clemson guard K.C. Rivers is slated to play for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League, which begins Friday in Las Vegas.

Rivers is one of 18 players on the crowded Mavericks summer league roster, which includes former Florida standout Nick Calathes, who signed to play in Greece.

The team is holding a three-day camp this week and will trim its roster before summer league play.

Rivers is the only former Clemson player participating in the league, which runs through July 19.

Former USC forwards Carlos Powell (Phoenix) and Brandon Wallace (Washington) will also be involved.

Ex-Clemson standout joins AC Milan

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:48 EDT

MILAN — United States defender Oguchi Onyewu, a former Clemson player, has joined legendary Italian club AC Milan, becoming one of the few Americans to play in Italy’s top league.

Milan said Tuesday that it acquired Onyewu from Standard Liege in Belgium on a three-year deal.

Onyewu, long a star in the Belgian league, gained notice with superb performances in the U.S. run to the Confederations Cup final. Playing in central defense, he helped the Americans end the 15-game winning streak of European champion Spain with a 2-0 win.

That upset put the U.S. in the final against Brazil, where they led 2-0 before falling 3-2.

“It’s very exciting. It’s one of the great clubs in the world,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “I think it’s a terrific opportunity for him, and certainly the experience that he’ll get there I think will be really important as we move forward with our national team.”

Flag fallout: ACC reverses S.C. baseball bid

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:19 EDT

CLEMSON — The ACC has halted its plans to hold its conference baseball tournament in Myrtle Beach, citing failure to reach an agreement on the Confederate flag issue.

In May, the ACC awarded the event to Myrtle Beach for 2011-13, expressing a willingness to look past the NCAA’s ban of predetermined championship events being contested in the state.

On Monday, the league announced it had given the event to Durham, N.C. (for 2011, 2013) and Greensboro, N.C. (for 2012), confirming a report by The State that its plans had changed.

“Our baseball committee and institutional administrators awarded the championships to Myrtle Beach with the understanding that the event had the blessings of all parties within the state of South Carolina,” ACC commissioner John Swofford said in a statement. “It has become clear this was not the case.

“It’s unfortunate that this miscommunication occurred, and since the original announcement, we have had productive conversations with members of the NAACP. In the end, given the conference’s commitment to diversity, equality and human rights, our institutions have determined that this change should be made.”

Recruiting: DB Peters close to picking Tigers

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:36 EDT

A VISIT TO CLEMSON LAST week had defensive back Garry Peters (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) of Conyers, Ga., humming “Tiger Rag.”

“It’s my favorite school right now,” Peters said. “I liked the facilities, the coaches and the players. Coach (Dabo) Swinney wasn’t there but I hung out with coach Rumph and he showed me around. He said they are losing a lot of people and there’s a good possibility to come in next year and play within the next two years.”

Peters said the Tigers lead Alabama. “I’m thinking about a commitment (to Clemson) but I have to talk to my family,” he said.

Clemson also has moved to the front with linebacker Justin Parker (6-2, 225) of Beaufort, who has see-sawed between the Tigers and USC.

“Clemson is leading right now,” said Parker’s older brother Jeff, who is advising him during the recruiting process. “He has spoken with Clemson more.”

Experts hot and cold on Tigers

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:41 EDT

What the preseason magazines and Web sites are saying about Clemson’s chances this season:

Phil Steele Magazine

Predicted finish: 1st in ACC Atlantic

Comment: “Clemson was the preseason ACC favorite last year but went through a tumultuous year including he midseason firing of head coach Tommy Bowden. They lost their quarterback, a top running back and their top wide receiver but could wind up being a better team. They have strong offensive and defensive lines, and I rate them as the best defense in the ACC. They get my call to go to their first ACC title game.”

Sporting News Magazine

Clemson 7-foot-2 center has shoulder surgery

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:51 EDT

Clemson's 7-foot-2 center, Catalin Baciu, is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.

The school said Wednesday that Baciu had the surgery last month. The school said the sophomore backup from Romania should see limited action in workouts the next two to three weeks as he heals.

Baciu played sparingly last year as a freshman, seeing 44 minutes in nine games and averaging 2 points and 2 rebounds during his time. He missed the first five games of last season because he was serving a suspension because of his time spent with a professional team in Romania.

Football ticket sales fall for Tigers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:52 EDT

CLEMSON — The billboards advertising Clemson football season tickets have made their annual appearance on highways leading to the campus.

Generally, football in this state sells itself. But this year, the school could use the help.

Clemson has experienced a 12 percent decline in season-ticket sales this season, which school officials pin almost exclusively on the nation’s economic downturn.

Furthermore, corporate sponsorships could wind up down by at least $500,000, and contributions to IPTAY — the athletic department’s fundraising arm — are down an estimated $1.4 million.

As a result, Clemson projects it could fall between $1 million and $2 million short of projected revenue for next year’s budget.

ACC quarterbacks lack star power

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:40 EDT

CLEMSON — When the ACC holds its annual football media kickoff in a month, league representatives will invariably recycle the same statistical propaganda that paints the conference in a favorable light.

The ACC again went toe-to-toe with the SEC for having the most players chosen in the NFL Draft. And the ACC again produced some of the stingiest defenses, boasting seven of the country’s top 28 defenses in yardage allowed.

Yet despite Virginia Tech snapping the league’s eight-game BCS bowl losing streak, the ACC football still lags at the back of the BCS pack.

The simplest reason might be that its successes — or lack thereof — are tied to its mundane quarterback play.

Only three drafted ACC quarterbacks have gone on to be NFL starters this decade — Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub and Philip Rivers.

Clemson football coaches move in new stadium digs

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:07 EDT

Clemson's football coaches are in their new offices.

The school said Tuesday that head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff began inhabiting their new digs in Clemson's WestZone complex at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson began the $70 million project several years back. Three years ago, the school opened its new locker rooms, luxury seating and a reception area for prospective high school players the Tigers are recruiting.

The second phase of the project involved coaching offices, administrative offices, a new strength and conditioning area, a team room auditorium, expanded equipment room and athletic training facilities.

The coaches had been housed in the McFadden building a couple of blocks away.

Ex-Tiger Crawford claims 200 dash title

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:21 EDT

EUGENE, Ore. — Shawn Crawford won the men’s 200-meter dash Sunday to cap a solid week of performances from former Clemson track and field standouts at the USA Outdoor Championships.

Crawford’s victory was his third USA Outdoor crown. He won the 200 in 2001 and 2004.

“I feel like I’m blessed,” Crawford, 31, said. “At my age, I know a lot of people that I came into the sport with are gone, they’re not in it any more. So I just feel blessed to still be able to beat some younger guys.”

Crawford posted a time of 19.73 (wind-aided). Crawford, who competed at Clemson from 1997-2000, won the Olympic gold medal in the 200 in 2004 in Athens.

Crawford’s championship followed three grueling rounds of the 100-meter dash and two rounds in the 200. Crawford competed in the 100 final alongside former Clemson great and NCAA record-holder Travis Padgett. Padgett was fourth (10.02), while Crawford placed fifth (10.07) in a wind-aided final.

Recruiting: OL Williams sees Ill., picks USC

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:03 EDT

USC LANDED ONE of its major targets for the offensive line with a commitment from Tramell Williams (6-foot-2, 260 pounds) of Jacksonville, Fla., but the Gamecocks missed on Logan Stewart (6-5, 278) of Boiling Springs, who opted for Vanderbilt.

Williams had been favoring the Gamecocks for weeks but did not firm up his decision until after visiting Illinois. Early playing time was a factor.

“I can honestly see myself playing there as a freshman or a redshirt,” he said.

The Gamecocks had felt good about their chances with Stewart. But after attending a camp at Vanderbilt and receiving an offer, he decided on the Commodores.

“I just like the staff and the academics,” Stewart said. “It just felt like home.”

William Perry: Larger than life

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:29 EDT

Daryl Perry always will wonder what might have happened if he had not decided to drop in on his brother, William, that afternoon in early April.

The two men live perhaps nine miles apart in their hometown of Aiken. In fact, most of the 10 surviving Perry siblings — Freddie and Vivian died in recent years — live near one another and their widowed 82-year-old father, Hollie.

It is a close family, emotionally as well as in physical proximity. But its members also believe in giving one another their space. Still, Daryl knew that Perry — aka “The Fridge,” the larger-than-life former football player who 25 years ago starred at Clemson and then with the Chicago Bears — had not been feeling well.

In June 2008, Perry was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a chronic inflammation of the peripheral nerves that causes muscle weakness and even paralysis. He was hospitalized for five months, and the condition still sometimes was taking its toll on him.

“We’d all go out and check on him,” Daryl said of Perry, 46. “It was just a drop-by to visit. I didn’t expect what I found.”

Miller named to USA baseball squad

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:27 EDT

CLEMSON Clemson says shortstop Brad Miller has made the USA Baseball National Collegiate Team. The school announced Miller's pick Thursday. The team was selected after 10 days of trials and practices at the USA Baseball training complex in Cary, N.C.

Miller is Clemson's first player to make the national team since 2006, when closer Daniel Moskos was selected.

Miller started all 66 games for the Tigers his freshman year. He hit .273 with 49 runs scored, three homers and 36 RBIs.

The USA Baseball team will travel to Japan in July to take part in the USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships. Then it goes to British Columbia for the Enbridge North Gateway Pipeline World Baseball Challenge.

McKinney's ex-player joins women's basketball staff

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:36 EDT

CLEMSON — Clemson coach Cristy McKinney has hired her former Rice player and assistant to join the Tigers' staff.

The school announced Thursday that Marla Brumfield will be a women's basketball assistant.

Brumfield played for McKinney at Rice from 1997-2000, helping the Owls to two WNITs and the 2000 NCAA tournament. Brumfield was the first player from the Western Athletic Conference drafted by the WNBA, picked by Minnesota 22nd in 2000.

Brumfield spent two seasons after college as a Rice assistant.

At Clemson, Brumfield will work mostly with guards, along with getting involved in recruiting and on-court player development.

Like cousin, like brother

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:38 EDT

CLEMSON — While Clemson forward Trevor Booker and younger brother Devin are visiting Serbia and Clemson, respectively, their mother Tracey will be elsewhere.

Devin is making his official visit to the Clemson campus, three months after his older brother decided to return to the Tigers for his senior season.

Meanwhile, Trevor, who is joining Team USA for a stint in the World University Games, hopes to arrive overseas in time to catch Thursday’s NBA Draft on television.

That is where the Bookers’ mother will be.

Tracey Booker will be attending the draft in New York, sitting with the group that collectively raised Arizona big man Jordan Hill — Trevor’s cousin — a good bet to be among the draft’s first eight picks.

Recruiting: USC picks up fourth pledge of week

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:28 EDT

A big week of commitments for the USC football team culminated Sunday with a pledge from offensive lineman Ronald Patrick (6-foot-1, 268 pounds) of Cocoa, Fla. Patrick became the fourth commitment of the week for the Gamecocks and increased their total for the 2010 class to nine.

“I called (offensive line coach) coach Wolford and told him I’m ready to be a Gamecock,” Patrick said Sunday afternoon. “He said great. He was very excited.”

Patrick, who plays guard and center, was in camp at USC early last week and was offered mid-week. He also has offers from East Carolina, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico and Western Kentucky.

Clemson also made noise Sunday with a commitment from offensive lineman Reid Webster (6-4, 265) of Woodstock, Ga. Webster attended a Clemson camp this month. Webster picked Clemson over Miami, Florida State, Wake Forest and several others. He is Clemson’s seventh commitment for the 2010 class and the first offensive lineman.

The Gamecocks also landed one of the state’s elite players last week with a commitment from offensive lineman A.J. Cann (6-3, 265) of Bamberg-Ehrhardt. Cann chose USC over Clemson and North Carolina. He has 35 offers.

Tigers receive gift of a recruit

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:05 EDT

CLEMSON – Noel Johnson was given his first name because he was born on Christmas Eve.

His late addition to Clemson’s banner recruiting class amounts to Christmas in June for Tigers coach Oliver Purnell.

Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 185-pound wing from Fayetteville, Ga., committed to Clemson over Louisiana State on Friday night. He is rated as the nation’s No. 53 prospect by Rivals.com and No. 56 by Scout.com.

Regarded primarily for his 3-point shooting stroke, Johnson could immediately help fill the sudden void left by guard Terrence Oglesby’s unexpected and unplanned for decision to turn pro and play in Europe.

“With Oglesby and K.C. Rivers gone, they really pushed that I’d be able to come in and help with my 3-point shooting,” Johnson said.

Former Clemson star Glover leads after suspended second round

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:06 EDT

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — After 31 long, unforgiving holes at Bethpage Black Friday, Lucas Glover had the lead in the U.S. Open.

That was nice, but what he wanted was a pillow.

“I’m tired and hungry and sleepy,” Glover said, standing in darkness outside the Bethpage clubhouse, one stroke ahead of Ricky Barnes in the still-to-be-completed second round of the U.S. Open.

Asked about sleeping on his first overnight lead in a major championship, the former Clemson standout seemed unconcerned.

“I’m going to sleep good, no matter what,” he said. “It’s still a long golf tournament, and I’m just going to take what comes.”

ACC basketball: New guard will take over

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:42 EDT

CLEMSON — Seven ACC basketball teams made last year’s NCAA tournament, and if the league is to match that this season, its coaches will have to think big.

As in forward-thinking, because, by and large, the surplus of standout point guards who dominated league play are gone, leaving teams to rebuild around interior players.

Now that we have a clearer picture of next season’s rosters after the passing of Monday’s deadline for NBA draft entrants, here is a how the ACC might shake out:

1. DUKE

Like just about every other team in the league, the Blue Devils lost a key player to the pros in wing Gerald Henderson. But there is more to like about this squad.