Clemson

After Clemson dealt Duke its worst conference loss since 1984 last season, the Blue Devils will certainly be marking their calendars for Jan. 3, when the Tigers come to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Clemson was picked to finish third in the conference this year, but this will be no easy task, as the Tigers lost three starters from a squad that won 23 games and reached the NCAA Tournament last season.

Second-leading scorer K.C. Rivers has graduated and long-range specialist Terrence Oglesby left school early to pursue a professional career in Europe. But Clemson returns its best player, senior Trevor Booker, who averaged 15.3 points and 9.7 rebounds last season.

“I feel he is a legitimate All-America candidate and is one of the top players in a great league,” head coach Oliver Purnell said of Booker. “He does more than just score points and pull in rebounds. He is an outstanding passer and defender, as well. He is a hard worker and an emotional leader on the court.”

For the Tigers to improve upon their winning percentage for the sixth straight season, they will need Booker to have another dominant campaign. Although the 6-foot-7, 240-pound post player may be undersized compared to other big men, he certainly won’t let them outmuscle him.

Booker will also have help from two other veterans—junior point guard Demontez Stitt and senior forward David Potter. Purnell has confidence in the abilities of this core of players, but he knows his incoming freshmen must make an impact as well if Clemson wants to make another run to the Big Dance.

“[Our freshmen] will get their feet wet early,” Purnell said.

Fortunately, the Tigers reeled in their first McDonald’s High School All-American since 1991. Milton Jennings, ranked No. 24 in his class by Scout.com, should challenge for a starting spot.