Clemson looked poised to make a deeper run into the postseason than just one-and-out in the NCAA Tournament, but though the loss to Villanova wrote a premature end to the year, the Tigers still have to count 2007-08 as another step forward in Oliver Purnell's rebuilding process.

Getting a No. 5 seed in the Midwest Regional marked the return of the Tigers to the 65-team field for the first time after a nine-season absence, and their appearance in the championship of the ACC tournament was the first time since 1962 they had advanced that far in the event.

"When we look over all the things that we have accomplished," said senior James Mays, "we'll have a lot to be proud of."

By finishing 24-10, the Tigers' senior class matched a school record for career victories with 84 wins (against 50 losses) despite a series of injuries that hit key players like Mays, Sam Perry, Trevor Booker, Demontez Stitt and Cliff Hammonds throughout the year.

That win total likely will be passed by next season's senior class. The present juniors have been part of 68 victories in their careers.

With key players like K.C. Rivers, Booker, Stitt, Terrence Oglesby, David Potter and Raymond Sykes returning, Clemson looks to be a contender again for one of the top four spots in the ACC and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

"We have a lot to look forward to with this program," Mays said. "And for our seniors, we have a lot to keep our heads up about. We came from one of the bottom teams in the ACC to one of the only teams to get a bid for the NCAA Tournament, so it's still a good feeling when I look back at everything we have accomplished."

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