Philpott, Welp to host pre-game Show

In conjunction with the start of the 2009-10 basketball season, CUTigers.com publisher Roy Philpott announces a new radio show dedicated exclusively to Clemson basketball.

The new show is set to debut this Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 as the 24th-ranked Tigers get set to battle Presbyterian to open their seventh season under head coach Oliver Purnell.

Roy Philpott, co-host of the football version of the Tiger Pre-game show for the last seven years will host the new basketball pre-game show along with former Clemson Director of Basketball Operations, Alex Welp.

"Given the surge of this program in recent years under the direction of Oliver Purnell, there's a huge demand for a show like this," Philpott said. "Clemson basketball is now a factor on the national scene and we can't wait to be there every step of the way this season."

Each show can be heard on 104.9 FM The Drive, the flagship station for Clemson sports, one hour before tip-off and each show will also be available online at CUTigers.com the day of the game in a downloadable format.

The show itself will be a 30-minute broadcast previewing Clemson's opponent that night and will feature 1-on-1 interviews with Oliver Purnell, the Clemson coaching staff as well as the players.

Welp was the Director of Basketball Operations at Clemson from 2005-06.

A 2001 graduate of Wittenberg University, Welp earned three varsity letters in basketball, helping lead the Wittenberg Tigers to a 26-4 record and a No. 2 ranking in the NCAA Division III poll as a senior.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with Roy and cover Clemson basketball," Welp said. "Oliver Purnell has changed the culture at Clemson by winning with class and integrity and he continues to take this program to unprecedented levels. Having been a part of this program in its building stages from 2004-06, it is great to see the excitement that continues to build amongst Tiger fans.

"Roy's plan to deliver a pre-game radio show prior to each game this season is something the program deserves as it continues to reach new heights, plus it gives Tiger fans another opportunity to catch the fever that is Clemson basketball."

The first show will be available for download at CUTigers.com Friday morning and can also be heard on 104.9 FM The Drive at 7:00 PM.