 The 2002–03 season would mark the completion of Purnell's rebuilding project as the Flyers compiled a 24–6 record and reached as high as #16 in the AP Poll following victories over #21 Cincinnati, #13 Marquette, and two wins over #25 St Joseph's en route to their first Atlantic 10 championship.The Flyers earned a #4 seed in the 2003 NCAA Tournament, but fell to Tulsa in the first round.Following the season, Purnell accepted an offer to become the Clemson head basketball coach.