Pregame Quick Hits: NC State vs. Clemson

Tomorrow night the Clemson Tigers travel to PNC Arena looking to build upon their most recent win against Wake Forest. The Tigers have not been consistent this season as they have only beaten one ranked opponent (Arkansas), but we cannot underestimate them as they only have one less win than State in the ACC. Leading the way for Clemson is Jaron Blossomgame a 6-7 forward that leads their squad in points (13.3) and rebounds (8.2). He has provided some noteworthy highlights on the season as he explodes towards the rim, check out this video on YouTube. In the clip you can see how he likes to use the sweep through to blow past his defender and then finishes in traffic with authority.

Flanking Blossomgame is true Freshman Donte Grantham (Rivals Top 100). A four star recruit out of high school that is starting to get acclimated to the ACC. In the Tigers win against Syracuse the 6-8 forward scored a career high 16 points and displayed a smooth stroke from distance; hitting 4 threes. Look for Grantham to use his length to shoot over his defender tomorrow night. The good news on Grantham is that he is only shooting 27 percent from three on the season, so it may be ideal if he settles for threes instead of using his length to get inside.

A steady hand at point is needed in the ACC and luckily for the Tigers they have Rod Hall. The senior point guard is averaging 9.6 points per and just shy of 4 assists per contest. Experience is on Hall’s side as he as played over 3,200 minutes and counting. State must be on their toes as Hall will undoubtedly make them pay for any lapses on defense. The senior is also the unquestioned leader of the Tigers and does an excellent job of leading his teammates.

The time is NOW… State must prove that they are ready to start obliterating their opponents. Tomorrow night NC State is the better team and they must play like it! Energy, focus, and pride must be displayed if they are going to finally break through and blow a team out. No more racing out to big leads only to let the challenger creep back in because of poor execution. No more sluggish starts. We must win the next 3 games… The streak must start at 1 tomorrow.

If we can win the next 3 outings that will put us at 7-4 in the ACC with two big games to follow as we host the Cavaliers and then travel to Louisville. If we are to make the tournament we have to find a way to win one of those two games. Our players must stay focused and play all out no matter who they are line up against. All to often we have seen this group play down to a team only to make things way too interesting. Can the Pack kick the habit tomorrow? 

Tip-Off is at 9PM on the ACCN/Raycom.