GREENVILLE — Brad Brownell, Gabe DeVoe and Donte Grantham met with reporters after Clemson’s 78-45 win over Texas-San Antonio on Sunday afternoon.
Grantham had a game-high 22 points. Gabe DeVoe came off the bench to score 11. Brownell turned 47-years-old.
“Today was just a good, fun day. We played confidently and shot it well from the start,” Brownell told reporters after the Tigers improved to 2-0.
Here’s what else Brownell and his two players had to say:
Opening statement…
“Certainly a good performance by our guys. Really proud of the way we played this whole weekend. I thought our guys had great spirit this morning at the shoot-around. I thought we would play well. When you shoot like that early, it just builds your confidence. It was great to see Donte (Grantham), Gabe (DeVoe) make some early ones, Jordan Roper. Guys were scoring from 3. We certainly shot the ball very well. I thought our press offense was really good, full-court pressure. I thought we scored against the best press, which is something we thought we were going to be able to do and wanted to do. Defensively, we did a good job against their best scorer. We thought we could slow him down a little bit, or try to.”
On the low free-throw percentage…
“I don’t know…it’s funny, Friday we were 20-for-23, 87 percent. Today we’re 12-for-23, so I guess we’re probably somewhere in the middle. Let’s hope it’s somewhere in the upper-middle. That can be problematic in close games. We’ve certainly been working on it. Guys are shooting the ball better, but it was a little bit of a problem today.”
On areas to improve…
“There’s a lot to work on right now. We’ve been focused. We’ve game-planned well. Our guys have done a good job of following what we’re trying to do. We’re very alert. As things go early in the season, that’s something you’re always working on. Free-throw shooting today wasn’t where it needs…but I like the way we’re playing. We’re sharing the ball. Guys are being unselfish. We’re breaking in a new point guard, Avry Holmes. We haven’t faced any adversity yet in our first two games, with the outcome. Hopefully, we’ll respond when it comes.”
On the strong start in Greenville…
“We know we need to play well to draw fans and interest. We’re trying to do that. Certianly, I think today was a fun day to watch, so was Friday night. We’re playing with good confidence. Guys are moving the ball, shooting it well. Yeah, I’m pleased. I like the way we’re playing. The people that have come, I think, have had a good experience, a good time. Hopefully, we’ll continue to build some wins. We’ll play a little bit better team in Texas Southern, next week, and know we’ll need to be focused to play well. Hopefully, we’ll have a good turnout on Thursday night. It will be exciting for us to have a nice, home crowd for that game.”
DeVoe
On seeing the first few shots falling…
“It definitely helps get a rhythm in the game when you see some shots going in. Last game, I couldn’t get anything early on. This game, I came out and knocked a few down. It just helps you get a little more pep in your step.”
On making the outside shots…
“Last year, we struggled a lot from the 3-point line. This year, I think we have a chance to shoot it a lot better.”
Grantham
On seeing the first few shots falling…
“With every player, I feel like if you come and hit your first few shots and get to the free-throw line, see that first free-throw go in, it’s a confidence booster.”
On his confidence…
“I just feel real comfortable now that I’ve got a year under my belt. I know everything, what’s going on. I’m just more comfortable. I’m ready to get some wins.”