The TCI staff of Hale McGranahan, Will Vandervort, Robert MacRae, and William Qualkinbush go Around the Horn to answer some of the questions surrounding Clemson athletics and college football.
How hot will coach Brownell’s seat be if Clemson misses the NIT again this year?
William Qualkinbush – Brad Brownell isn’t in any serious trouble this season. The Littlejohn renovations have displaced him to an all-purpose building 40 minutes from campus, and he has to face probably his toughest schedule to date, especially in the ACC. Two difference makers are on the bench as transfers that will be ready to play in 2016-17. I understand impatience, but the needle is generally moving in the right direction with this program. It is not stagnant. There are signs of progress in recruiting and development that should manifest themselves sooner rather than later, especially when the new facility is in place. It wouldn’t be fair to expect a bunch from Brownell given what he’s had to work with in the past and the inconveniences thrown his way that aren’t his fault this year. Next year is a different story, but I think Dan Radakovich understands the tough situation he has put Brownell in for the time being. Clemson’s men’s basketball coach isn’t going anywhere.
Hale McGranahan – I don’t think Brad Brownell should be penalized if Clemson doesn’t receive a postseason tournament berth/invite. Playing every game at least 45 minutes away from the campus is a unique challenge. It’s pretty much unheard of, plus two of Brownell’s best three guards aren’t eligible to play until next year. I think the true measurement of this program should be reserved for next year, when they’re in the refurbished building with a full compliment of players. I think it would be premature to make any kind of long-term decision after this season, if it doesn’t end with at least an NIT trip.
Will Vandervort – I’m not sure how hot the seat should be but I do believe there will be more pressure put on him and his staff if they are unable to get to the NIT.
Robert MacRae – First, let’s hope this team will make a good run and at least make the NIT. Well after reading some of the responses I feel like I am watching the movie Groundhog Day. It seems like every year I am hearing Clemson is one year away. The truth is the seat should already be hot, but it’s not yet. Athletic Director Dan Radakovich made a mistake by giving coach Brownell a new contract after he made the NIT two season ago. If he makes the seat hot this year he would be admitting he made a mistake with the new contract so I don’t think the seat will be burning after this season even if the Tigers miss the NIT for the fourth time in five years. There is really no excuse for Clemson basketball to have fallen to the point where they can’t even make the NIT in four out of five years. The heat will turn up as donors expect to see a better product, but don’t expect it to get to a boiling level until next year if things don’t improve.