The headlines in the Triangle will focus on how N.C. State blew a 19-point lead at Clemson Tuesday night, and with good reason, but a larger story developing here is the Tigers appear to be in good hands with new coach Brad Brownell.

Clemson had built up its program under Oliver Purnell, a respected hand who brought good prospects to Clemson. But he up and bolted to DePaul, making you wonder if Clemson would ever really win in basketball.

Brownell, though, can coach. He did an admirable job getting the Tigers ready for their game at North Carolina, and Clemson might have broken that phenomenal streak if a few shots had gone down.

Tuesday night, the Tigers were nearly smashed in their own gym, but rallied for a 10-point win that was tougher than it looks.

The ACC is taking plenty of national bashing for its lack of teams in the polls this year, but several programs are in better hands than casual observers might think. Tony Bennett is a rising star in his second year at Virginia, new coach Steve Donahue is doing a great job at Boston College and Brownell might establish something at Clemson. Only Wake Forest, Georgia Tech – and N.C. State – appear to be programs where the coaching appears uncertain.