Oglesby's decision surprising

CLEMSON — Oliver Purnell said he was blindsided Tuesday morning when Terrence Oglesby called him at his Isle of Palms beach house, informing the vacationing Clemson coach of his decision to depart for professional basketball in Europe.

Even after the discussion, Purnell told reporters Wednesday he was unsure why Oglesby elected to leave following his sophomore season.

"I am not a mind reader," Purnell said.

Purnell, who was not involved in Oglesby's decision-making process, said he did not agree with the choice, much like he did not agree with Oglesby's shot selection on occasion.

Oglesby said in a release his decision was based "solely on chasing the dream of being a professional basketball player." He indicated no displeasure with the staff or his teammates.

Oglesby's career ended on a sour note as he was ejected from Clemson's first-round NCAA loss to Michigan for delivering a second-half elbow.

After the game, a teary-eyed Oglesby regretted the incident. Purnell believed the issue had been put to rest.

"I had the same conversation I have with all our players," Purnell said. "I asked all our guys what they think. Terrence and I were in agreement that we weren't happy with the way the season ended. But we had conversations after that that had gone very well, one as late as three days ago."

Asked if there were chemistry issues involving Oglesby, Purnell said he was unaware of such problems.

Asked why he was not involved or asked for advice, Purnell said: "Obviously, he is pretty close to his family and his father, who played basketball and so forth. Obviously his father … was (closely) involved, and there is nothing wrong with that."

Oglesby played for Norway last season in the under-20 FIBA championships, and his father played extensively in Europe.

Despite losing his top sharpshooter, who had a team-best 92 3-pointers last season, Purnell said he was viewing the loss as an opportunity, an opportunity to improve defense and an opportunity for guards like Tanner Smith, David Potter and incoming freshman Donte Hill.

Without Oglesby, the Tigers figure to be longer and more athletic, but the concern is fielding players who can stretch a defense to unclog the middle of the floor for center Trevor Booker. Of Clemson's guard collection, only Andre Young figures to enter next season as a reliable perimeter shooter.

The Tigers must replace their top two 3-point threats in Oglesby and K.C. Rivers, who graduated.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.