THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 18, 1995 TAG: 9501180560
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Clemson coach Rick Barnes took ACC commissioner Gene Corrigan's advice Tuesday and apologized for his behavior near the end of his team's defeat to North Carolina last Saturday.
But Barnes steadfastly refused to apologize for the Tigers' aggressive play, which was criticized by North Carolina coach Dean Smith as being ``too physical.''
Barnes, in his first season at Clemson, was ejected from the game after storming onto the court to protest to officials.
Barnes declined to elaborate on the statement of apology, other than to say he made it after conferring with Corrigan. But he had lots to say about the accusation his Tigers were too physical and seemed to be playing ``Big East'' basketball.
Barnes came to Clemson from Providence, which won the Big East title last year.
``I don't know what he (Smith) means,'' Barnes said.
``If our players were more talented, maybe we would not have to play hard and could take time off on defense. But we are going to play as hard as we can, and I don't care how other coaches in the league see our style of play.''
Barnes said Clemson's Andy Kelly suffered a rib injury in the game when intentionally elbowed by North Carolina center Rasheed Wallace.
INSIDE VIEW: The best team in the ACC?
Wake Forest coach Dave Odom gives his vote to Maryland, which beat the Deacons, 76-66, last Saturday.
``Maryland may not be the best at the end of the year, but right now I say they are,'' Odom said.
DUKE DRAMA: The talk of the ACC is about Duke being in the cellar with a 0-4 start.
No one expects the Blue Devils to stay down, though, no matter how long it takes coach Mike Krzyzewski to get over his medical problems and rejoin the team.
Some comments:
``They could win the rest of their games,'' said UNC's Smith.
``You don't bury anyone at at this time in the season, especially Duke. Who's to say they won't be a contender for another Final Four at the end of the season?'' said the Deacons' Odom.
``They have 12 games left in the league and a lot could happen. Don't be surprised if Duke isn't a very good team at the end of the season,'' said Maryland's Gary Williams.
The Blue Devils seek to snap out of their slump tonight in a home game against North Carolina State.
SITTING OUT: Virginia's 7-foot-3 freshman Chase Metheney may be only one more injury away from being redshirted.
Metheney played in a preseason exhibition game but has yet to take the court in a regular-season game.
He's had problems with his back, an ankle, and a hamstring muscle, and has not dressed for recent games. by CNB