Hamilton Doubtful for Maryland

Feb. 13, 2006

Clemson starting point guard Vernon Hamilton was injured in the final moments of Clemson’s 67-61 loss at Boston College on Saturday, February 11. The junior from Richmond, VA suffered an elbow injury and a sprained thumb while diving for a loose ball. As a result, he is doubtful for the Maryland game on Tuesday.

It would be the first game he has missed in his Clemson career, breaking a streak of 84 consecutive games played. Head Coach Oliver Purnell is optimistic that he can return for the Wake Forest game if he is not able to play against Maryland.

Shawan Robinson is expected to start at point guard for the Tigers against Maryland.

Hamilton missed starting the Duke game on January 14 when he knocked heads with senior center Steve Allen while doing a chest-bump during opening introductions. He suffered a cut in the forehead that required stitches and he missed starting the game, the only start he has missed all year. But, he had a big impact in that game as he came on to score a career high 31 points against the nation’s top ranked team.

For the year, Hamilton is Clemson’s top scorer and assist maker and the team’s leader in steals and playing time. He has 65 steals to lead the conference and averages 31 minutes per game. He is ranked among the top 20 in the nation in steals.