CLEMSON — ESPN announced Tuesday that Clemson will serve as one of the host sites for the network’s popular basketball series, College GameDay, this upcoming season.

Two one-hour shows (11 a.m. and 8 p.m.) will originate from Littlejohn Coliseum on Jan. 23, 2010 for the Clemson vs. Duke game. The Tigers and Blue Devils will square off on ESPN at 9 p.m.

“We are delighted to be hosting ESPN College GameDay,” said Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell. “This is another first for Clemson basketball. I think that speaks to the positive direction of our program. This will showcase not only our basketball program, but also our great university.”

As Purnell mentioned, this is Clemson’s first appearance on ESPN College GameDay. The Clemson/Duke game will be one of two ACC tilts featured on the series this season, with the other being North Carolina at Duke on Mar. 6.

“I am looking forward to going to Clemson for College GameDay,” said ESPN analyst Digger Phelps, a former Notre Dame. “Since we started the program five years ago, I thought Clemson could challenge any of the places we have visited. The support of the student body and their fans will challenge anything you see at Pauley Pavilion, Allen Fieldhouse or Cameron Indoor Stadium. Oliver Purnell has done a great job at Clemson. I will be there and ready to dance.”

Clemson’s entire schedule for the 2009-10 season will be announced at a later date.