WALHALLA — Clemson men’s basketball coach Oliver Purnell told a group of Oconee County civic and business leaders Thursday that the key to his program’s recent success has been the recruitment of “Clemson guys.”

Purnell’s theme of character and teamwork fit like a glove as he addressed the first “State of Oconee” luncheon at the Walhalla Civic Auditorium. The sentiments he shared with a standing room only crowd were sandwiched between presentations by representatives from all the municipalities and Oconee County, all of which centered on the need for cooperation and teamwork.

“Talent is important, but it is more important to have Clemson guys,” Purnell said.

He identified a “Clemson guy” as someone who understands the important of education, family and team and brings to the floor a real desire to win.

“We have done our best to build a family environment,” the sixth-year coach said.

Purnell introduced a pair of new videos of 2008-2009 season highlights and said his team’s improvement over his tenure has been “quite a climb.”

“My proudest accomplishment is that we have improved our win-loss percentage for five straight years,” he told the group, going on to say that being able to come from behind in key games and win games on the road contributed to that success.

Purnell said his goal when he arrived at Clemson was to change the perception of the basketball program both internally and externally. He said that, based on media coverage, poll results and recruiting success that perception appears to have changed.

He said his personal measure of the program rests on being in the top echelon of the ACC, being a lock for an NCAA tournament birth and advancing to the “Sweet 16.” Only the latter has not been accomplished.

“We’re not satisfied,” he said. “We want to win the ACC and advance in the NCAA Tournament.”

Looking ahead, Purnell said that, to date and on paper, he has his best recruiting class getting ready to suit up for the Tigers next season. He specifically mentioned Devin Booker, younger brother of standout forward Trevor Booker, Milton Jennings and Dante Hill.

“With those recruits and the solid group of returning players we have,” he said, “the future is very, very bright.”

Purnell said he and the team will get an early opportunity to find out how good they are as they open the season in the third annual 76 Classic on Thanksgiving weekend in Anaheim, Calif.