Clemson basketball after bigger things in 2006

CLEMSON, S.C. - Sam Perry thought about the cheering crowds last winter at Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum, his team's successful stretch run after he entered the starting lineup and the Tigers first trip to the postseason since 1999.

"Especially being a freshman and the crowd enjoying what the team was doing and what you're doing, it was a great moment," Perry said.

Now, the sophomore forward is ready for more, much more.

"Once again, that year's behind us," said Perry, who started the team's last 12 games as Clemson qualified for the NIT. "We got to bring the same things we brought last year and take it to another level this year."

For coaches, players and fans, that could mean the NCAA tournament.

"It's everyone's goal right now," said Troy Mathis, a Clemson point guard who missed last season because of a school suspension.

Patience, cautions third-year coach Oliver Purnell. While many from last year's NIT team return, the Tigers have to replace last year's best scorer, rebounder and shot blocker in Sharrod Ford. Olu Babalola, an accomplished offensive player, is also gone.

"I know it's tough and I know we've lost some people and I know we can be better," Purnell said. "But we've got to get there."

Purnell likes the path his team has taken his first two years.

With Perry, fellow freshmen Cliff Hammonds and James Mays pointing the way, the Tigers finished 16-16 a year ago, a six-game improvement from Purnell's debut season. There were many thrilling and unexpected moments for the young team.

Clemson went 3-0 against Maryland last season, including an opening-game victory in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Over the final month of the season, the Tigers were 6-6 - not exactly something to make you go "Wow," but for a team that's dwelt near the ACC basement the previous few seasons it was something to build on.

"I'm not satisfied with where we are as a program yet," Purnell said. "I want us to be to the point where we're getting more exposure, to the point where we're winning. But I'm not disappointed with the pace that we're getting there."

This season could prove to be another solid step forward.

Coming back are guards Vernon Hamilton and Shawan Robinson.

Hamilton, a junior, struggled turning the ball over in his freshman and early in his sophomore seasons. But he found his game the second half of the season to become one of the Tigers most consistent performers.

Robinson was Clemson's second-leading scorer a year ago. After some midyear inconsistency, Purnell brought Robinson off the bench and that seemed to perk up his game. Robinson flourished in the ACC tournament, hitting 9 of 12 3-pointers as the Tigers won their first tournament game in four years.

Hammonds started 31 games for Clemson a year ago, averaging 10.8 points a game, third best on the team. He worked as a point guard and shooting guard last season, but expects to spend the bulk of his time at the two position. Hammonds says he's worked on creating his own shot more often this year, instead of solely relying on the catch-and-shoot technique.

On the frontcourt, Purnell said he'll use his team's depth to help replace Ford. Akin Akingbala, a 6-foot-9 senior, will get the first call in the middle. But Purnell will also put throw Mays and Steve Allen into the mix.

"I think if we can get production from the center position by committee, two or three guys giving us the production that Sharrod Ford gave us last year, along with the ability to get 15 fouls instead of five," Purnell says, "then I do think we've got a chance to be better."

Perry was named the team's defensive player of the year. He's confident he and his teammates can take the steps necessary to bring even louder cheers to Littlejohn Coliseum this season.

"I feel we're ready to do it," Perry said. "We're all stepping up every day."