CLEMSON — As Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell introduced his incoming class of freshmen to the media this week, it was clear that he had big-time expectations for the future of this group.

“We’re excited about this group,” Purnell said. “Obviously, on paper, it’s arguably the best recruiting class we’ve had in Clemson basketball history.”

And Purnell was equally clear that the future is now, saying the group would have a great deal to do with how successful the Tigers will be this coming season.

“A lot, and it always has,” he said. “Every year we’ve been here we’ve gotten better every year, and a big part of that has been the contributions of at least two freshmen.”

But while Purnell said that plenty of playing time was up for grabs — again emphasizing that only All-ACC forward Trevor Booker was guaranteed a starting spot — he also noted that none of the newcomers would be handed anything, no matter how highly regarded they were as recruits.

“I think they understand that, in terms of playing right away, they’re going to get what they earn,” Purnell said.

Clearly, the headliner of the group is Summerville forward Milton Jennings, the highest-rated recruit of the Purnell era and the Tigers’ first McDonald’s All-American since 1991.

Given the hype surrounding his signing, Jennings admitted that he was aware of the high expectations the Clemson fan base has for him.

“Truly, I just block it out in a sense,” he said. “I know my game and I’m here to play. I love the fans and I want to show them what I’ve got, but if it takes longer than a year they’ll just have to understand.”

Though Jennings has only been on campus for less than three weeks, enrolled in summer school like the rest of the group, he said he already felt comfortable in Tigertown.

“Clemson started recruiting me in eighth grade, so I got to know these guys and they’re basically family now … I felt at home every time I came on a visit,” he said. “I just didn’t think there was anywhere better.”

But while Jennings is the biggest name, the most familiar one to Tiger fans is likely Booker – Trevor’s younger brother Devin, that is.

Devin Booker admitted there was a bit of pressure following in his brother’s significant footsteps.

“It’s a little pressure, but I know how to deal with pressure,” he said. “I’ve been under pressure plenty of times before. … The first time I might have a little jitterbugs, but I’ll probably get over it and just play my game.”

Devin, who has been committed to Clemson since he was a sophomore in high school, said fans would quickly see the similarities between he and his big brother — since he obviously grew up learning from Trevor.

“We have a lot of similarities and a lot of differences,” Devin said. “For instance, both of us are very strong to the hole, we can definitely finish at the hole. But his jump shot is probably a little better than mine, that’s what I’m working on now.”

Joining the younger Booker and Jennings in the class are Virginia Beach, Va., guard Donte Hill and Fayetteville, Ga., guard Noel Johnson.

Hill, ranked as a three-star prospect by both Scout.com and Rivals.com, is an excellent on-ball defender, according to Purnell, and that factor alone will give him a great chance at early playing time.

Johnson, meanwhile, was a late addition to the signing class, as he had previously signed with Southern Cal but asked to be released when the Trojans fired head coach Tim Floyd.

A consensus top-100 prospect, Johnson filled the scholarship void opened up when Terrence Oglesby left Clemson early to play professionally in Europe.

“I think the fact that we’re able to attract these kind of young men speaks to the fact that we’re getting better, speaks to the fact that our brand is hot, they like what they see,” Purnell said. “Obviously, the ACC is a great calling card and always has been, but I think the fact that we’re top-echelon now helps.”