2008-2009 Clemson men at a glance

Head coach: Oliver Purnell (350-259 in 21 years; 94-68 in 6 years at Clemson)

2007-2008 record: 24-10, 10-6 ACC (third place); first round of the NCAA Tournament

Strength: Clemson is most experienced in the backcourt and at the wing positions, where it returns two starters plus a third player who averaged double-figure points last year. With guys like Demontez Stitt and Terrence Oglesby at guard, and K.C. Rivers and his team-leading 14.7 points per game, the Tigers will be tough to defend on the outside.

Weakness: It’s hard to imagine this, but defense might be the Tigers’ weakness. Purnell-coached teams are known for their defensive play, and this year’s team has potential, but when you have to replace stoppers like Cliff Hammonds, James Mays and Sam Perry, there is obviously going to be a drop off.

Fun fact: Purnell has guided the Tiger program to improvement in its winning percentage each of the last four seasons. Purnell’s teams have won 49 games the past two seasons, a school record for a two-year period.

Outlook: The Tigers will be very good on the offensive end and free throw shooting should be much improved. But what Clemson makes up for in skill players, it lacks a little more on the defensive end. Look for the Tigers to try and shore things up in the next six weeks there before getting into ACC play. Clemson is again a serious threat to contend for the ACC Championship and should find itself in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year at season’s end.

—Will Vandervort