SMU-Clemson Preview from Clemson Fan

[PonyTime]

I thought that this was rather good:

http://www.tigernet.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=1338223&tstart=80

Here is a taste - clink link for more:

"Wasn't SMU supposed to be in the Dance this year? You'd think so. The Ponies (SMU fans fondly call their team the Ponies) were a Top 25 team much of the year and seemed at worst an at-large lock for the Dance. Then, they lost in the opening round of the AAC tourney to Houston and NC State sold its soul to whatever deity makes the Dance Card selections. Faster than you can say Saturday morning cartoon, My Little Ponies were relegated to the NIT."

[SMU 86]

So ACC people gave Doh the nickname Vanilla Ice.

[SMU Section F]

That was a really entertaining preview. Thanks for sharing.

[ponyscott]

Thats great...love the Larry pic!

[ojaipony]

Decent write up, but he ignored one critical thing: our depth, particularly in the front court. He mentioned Cannen but Ben Moore is very savvy and skilled and Ryan Manuel could be an X factor with penetration and free throw shooting. Who Ds up McDaniels? A bit tall for Russell and a bit too fast/athletic for Williams? Again, I think we win this game if we play solid perimeter D (let it lapse at times against Cal and they buried 3s to stay in it - although some were definitely contested) and feed it inside again and again. And, of course, MOST importantly is to keep the energy HIGH! It's do or die time and we can't fall asleep for 5 minute stretches.

I say get McDaniels in foul trouble if possible as well as Noko or whatever his name is. Then, play solid perimeter D and we win. I think we are a smarter, more disciplined, and better coached team (they are slightly more athletic than us but many that we beat have been). That formula usually wins. At Moody, we win. At MSG, who knows.

[Rebel10]

Decent write up, but he ignored one critical thing: our depth, particularly in the front court. He mentioned Cannen but Ben Moore is very savvy and skilled and Ryan Manuel could be an X factor with penetration and free throw shooting. Who Ds up McDaniels? A bit tall for Russell and a bit too fast/athletic for Williams? Again, I think we win this game if we play solid perimeter D (let it lapse at times against Cal and they buried 3s to stay in it - although some were definitely contested) and feed it inside again and again. And, of course, MOST importantly is to keep the energy HIGH! It's do or die time and we can't fall asleep for 5 minute stretches.

I say get McDaniels in foul trouble if possible as well as Noko or whatever his name is. Then, play solid perimeter D and we win. I think we are a smarter, more disciplined, and better coached team (they are slightly more athletic than us but many that we beat have been). That formula usually wins. At Moody, we win. At MSG, who knows.

I don't know about being smarter with all the dumb fouls and turnovers that SMU has committed in the past but they are getting better.

[mrydel]

We go 10 deep and one guys thinks they will wear us down. We may not win but this will not be the reason.

[The Falcon]

We win! Does MSG mean Mono Sodium Glutamate??

[Lebanese4Life]

we got depth, but not at PG. Nic Moore gets in foul trouble and we're screwed

[The PonyGrad]

That picture of Demarcus Harrison reminded me of a young Dennis Rodman, sans the tattoos and colored hair.

[sadderbudweiser]

We win! Does MSG mean Mono Sodium Glutamate??

Not where I come from chief.


It seems that there are quite a few similarities here. Young teams, defense oriented, struggle on offense at times, each has looked very good at times and miserable at others. Each riding a three game feel good winning streak into NY. The best player on the court may be in orange but the depth and sharing of scoring appear to go our way.

I think this comes down to who stays out of foul trouble and who can execute enough offense to maintain and keep a good 7-8 point gap. I expect an ugly, low scoring game. Hopefully the refs let them play. Hopefully we make free throws at 75 percent or better....especially the ones down the stretch. Hopefully we value the ball and avoid stupid turnovers. It seems like both defenses will force enough as it is.

First ( and only) team to 60 wins.

[Rebel10]

We win! Does MSG mean Mono Sodium Glutamate??

Not where I come from chief.


It seems that there are quite a few similarities here. Young teams, defense oriented, struggle on offense at times, each has looked very good at times and miserable at others. Each riding a three game feel good winning streak into NY. The best player on the court may be in orange but the depth and sharing of scoring appear to go our way.

I think this comes down to who stays out of foul trouble and who can execute enough offense to maintain and keep a good 7-8 point gap. I expect an ugly, low scoring game. Hopefully the refs let them play. Hopefully we make free throws at 75 percent or better....especially the ones down the stretch. Hopefully we value the ball and avoid stupid turnovers. It seems like both defenses will force enough as it is.

First ( and only) team to 60 wins.

Who from Clemson would be considered their best player?

[Charleston Pony]

As K. J. McDaniels goes, so goes Clemson. He plays all over the court and is by far and away the one guy you have to contain if you are going to beat Clemson

[RevDodd]

Decent write up, but he ignored one critical thing: our depth, particularly in the front court. He mentioned Cannen but Ben Moore is very savvy and skilled and Ryan Manuel could be an X factor with penetration and free throw shooting. Who Ds up McDaniels? A bit tall for Russell and a bit too fast/athletic for Williams? Again, I think we win this game if we play solid perimeter D (let it lapse at times against Cal and they buried 3s to stay in it - although some were definitely contested) and feed it inside again and again. And, of course, MOST importantly is to keep the energy HIGH! It's do or die time and we can't fall asleep for 5 minute stretches.

I say get McDaniels in foul trouble if possible as well as Noko or whatever his name is. Then, play solid perimeter D and we win. I think we are a smarter, more disciplined, and better coached team (they are slightly more athletic than us but many that we beat have been). That formula usually wins. At Moody, we win. At MSG, who knows.

Alas, one of the problems in trying to evaluate y'all is the lack of TV time back east. Moore could be similar to how we use Filer. He'll be non-existent for a couple of games, then blow up.

My belief that y'all are thinner at guard was reflected in the playing time for both of your starters. Obviously they both excel at avoiding fouls.

Someone asked who Clemson's go-to guy is. KJ is, hands down. 1st and 2nd All-ACC, conference defensive player of the year, amazing guy to watch on both ends of the court. Since y'all play man, look for Clemson to key on whoever tries to front him. Damarcus Harrison is a tough defensive draw as well with size and a solid outside shot, Jordan Roper is streaky, but has been solid the past couple of games as people play off him to handle KJ.

Our teams are remarkably similar ... young, deep along the front, stout defense and eager t keep the run going. It should be an entertaining game.

[sadderbudweiser]

They don't have cable in South Carolina? I live so far east on Long Island my feet are wet and I haven't missed a conference game all year. Thanks for your participation here!