Basketball in the Bahamas: Saturday

Sept. 1, 2007

The Tigers could not have asked for better weather for their first day in the Bahamas. The team was able to sleep in until a 9:30 AM wake-up call and awoke to bright sunshine. Following breakfast, the host from Basketball Travelers took the team on an express tour of the major points of interest at Atlantis.

The team made its way through “The Dig,” which is the resort’s aquarium area that runs beneath the Royal Towers where everyone is staying. Players certainly enjoyed seeing the fish, including a manta ray with over a 20-foot wingspan. Following the brief tour, players were allowed free time to spend at the resort or on the beach areas.

The team was intrigued with the water slide areas, including the Mayan Temple. The highlight of the Temple is the Leap of Faith, a 60-foot vertical drop that goes through a tunnel.

Sam Perry and Cliff Hammonds, two of the team’s senior leaders, were the most enthusiastic about riding the slides while watching the other hotel guests have fun. However, when it came time for the Leap of Faith, freshmen Jerai Grant and Demontez Stitt by far screamed the loudest as they took the plunge.

Clemson basketball was also joined by at Paradise Island by a pair of supporters in Tony and Lene Oglesby, the parents of freshman guard Terrence Oglesby. The couple from Cleveland, TN is staying at the resort while celebrating their anniversary. There’s no doubt they also anticipate seeing Terrence’s progression as he sees his first action with the Tigers this weekend. Tony Oglesby played basketball overseas following a collegiate career at Carson-Newman College.

The team will gather again at 4:30 PM for its mandatory pre-game meal. Then, the Tigers will begin preparation for their first of two exhibition games versus club teams from the Bahamas. Check back later tonight on ClemsonTigers.com for all the details surrounding Saturday’s game as well as action photos.