25-10
Whether the season ends at 26-10 or 25-11, the season will be much more easily viewed for what was not accomplished as compared to what was. Plus it is easy to be unhappy, or less happy, with the end result because happiness is much more highly related to path than to result. Thus all 25-10 records are not equal.
Before the final buzzer, however, I suggest sitting back for a moment to contemplate the relative success of the season.
First, to really appreciate this season, you have to be able to admit that the history of Clemson basketball is roughly as admirable as the football history of South Carolina. Really, it’s just not good.
Here’s a little refresher of recent history.
| Year | Record | ACC Record | Tournament | Tourney Record | RPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96-97 | 23-10 | 9-7 | NCAA | 2-1 | 11 |
| 97-98 | 18-14 | 7-9 | NCAA | 0-1 | 28 |
| 98-99 | 20-15 | 5-11 | NIT | 4-1 | 98 |
| 99-00 | 10-20 | 4-12 | 168 | ||
| 00-01 | 12-19 | 2-14 | 168 | ||
| 01-02 | 13-17 | 4-12 | 154 | ||
| 02-03 | 15-13 | 5-11 | 87 | ||
| 03-04 | 10-18 | 3-13 | 91 | ||
| 04-05 | 16-16 | 5-11 | NIT | 0-1 | 93 |
| 05-06 | 19-13 | 7-9 | NIT | 1-1 | 77 |
| 06-07 | 25-10 | 7-9 | NIT | 4-0 | 45 (as of 3/12) |
That’s kind of depressing isn’t it.
Seasons like this are few and far between. There is no guarantee that next season will be better. So, for a moment at least, it’s good idea to sit back and enjoy things.
Clemson can salvage some ACC pride…
Clemson meets W. Va. at PM in the NIT title game in NYC. Clemson also has won four straight since losing to Florida State in the ACC Tournament, beating East Tennessee State, Mississippi and Syracuse before hanging on against Air…