All West Tennessee Player of the Year: Willie Kemp

AWT Player of the Year: Willie Kemp era was a golden age in Bolivar

By JOSHUA PARROTT
Jackson (Tenn) Sun
jparrott@jacksonsun.com

Go ahead, take all the time you want. Try to find a reason not to love Willie Kemp the basketball player.

The Bolivar senior hits game-winning shots. He finds the open man.

But most importantly, he wants to win. That's a fact Kemp made obvious to University of Memphis coach John Calipari when he committed to the Tigers last fall.

"When Willie called to tell me he picked us, he said he wants to come and help me win a national title," Calipari said. "Think about that. That's unusual. He's talking about coming in and doing something for me, not for himself.

"He sets himself apart with that."

Obviously, other coaches have taken notice. After finding a way to top off an already stellar career, Kemp is the unanimous choice as The Jackson Sun's Player of the Year in balloting from West Tennessee coaches.

"That means a lot to me because there were a lot of great players in West Tennessee this year," Kemp said of being named Player of the Year. "It's a great honor for me."

But in a way, it's just another accolade on an already lengthy list of accomplishments for Kemp. Consider the following:

A 6-foot-2, 170-pound point guard, Kemp took his game to another level as a senior, averaging 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists per game and hitting game-winning shots against Liberty and Tennessee High.

Kemp led Bolivar to a third consecutive Class AA state tournament and was also named the 2006 Class AA Mr. Basketball over Memphis Mitchell's Thaddeus Young, a McDonald's All-American who won the award last season.

For his career, Kemp finished with a 117-25 record and scored more than 1,900 points and had more than 800 assists. That's after leading Bolivar to back-to-back Class AA state titles in 2004 and '05 and being named the Class AA state tournament Most Valuable Player and a Class AA Mr. Basketball finalist as a junior.

Kemp is a veteran of the All-West Tennessee team. He was a first-team selection as a sophomore and junior, was named Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, and is the first Bolivar product to be named Player of the Year since Brian Lake in 2004.


The nation's No. 46-ranked senior prospect by Rivals.com, Kemp ultimately picked Memphis over Tennessee and a host of major NCAA Division I programs. Just a few of the programs he turned down were Kentucky, Arkansas and Illinois. One of the main reasons Kemp picked Memphis was so he could be closer to his mother, Maxine Kemp, who is battling polycystic kidney disease.

"I want for her to be able to see me play," Kemp said.

Kemp's caring nature even carries over onto the basketball court, said Bolivar senior Wayne Chism. Unlike some superstars - whose ball-hogging ways can disrupt team chemistry and sidetrack team success - Kemp looks to get his teammates involved, which in turn makes the team better.

"Playing was much easier being out there with a point guard who can score, shoot, pass, rebound and defend," said Chism, who played for two years at South Side before transferring to Bolivar. "Willie is a great player and makes everyone around him better."

According to Lexington coach Tim Gardner, Kemp is a rare talent.

"He's awfully special," said Gardner, who has known Kemp for nearly 10 years. "I think he is going to continue to get better, and I think he has a chance, going to Memphis, to maybe play at the next level."

A coach with a track record of starting freshmen, Calipari said Kemp could "possibly" start at Memphis next season. With last year's starting point guard, Darius Washington Jr., having recently applied for the upcoming NBA draft, Kemp could be on his way to becoming the 18th freshman to start for Calipari in his 14 seasons as a college head coach.

But this wouldn't be any old team. Memphis posted a school-record 33-4 record last season and advanced to the Elite Eight.

"What he does, we needed last season," Calipari said of Kemp. "He's going to have to earn his way, but I'm going to play guys if they're ready to play.

"Willie wants to win, knows how to win, makes game-winning shots and shoots well enough that you can have him on the court with another point guard."

Plus, Kemp's ability to handle defensive pressure comes as easily as his ability to keep everything in perspective. He speaks the same way after a win or a loss and shows respect for his opponents regardless of the outcome.

Kemp also takes care of business in front of the cameras and microphones whenever asked without any hesitation.

That composure, Kemp said, he learned from watching his role model.

No, not Michael Jordan. Not Kobe Bryant. Kemp's most influential role model is his mother.
"My mom's an inspiration to me just for the way she keeps on going on living her life," Kemp said. "That's why I look up to her so much."


So go ahead, take all the time you want trying to find a reason not to love Willie Kemp the basketball player. But here's a word of advice: Don't waste your time.

"He's a terrific kid," Calipari said.

A terrific kid leaving behind a tremendous legacy.

-Joshua Parrott, 425-9634


JUST THE FACTS

A quick look at the career of Bolivar's Willie Kemp:

STATE TITLES: Led Bolivar to the 2004 and '05 Class AA state titles.

MR. BASKETBALL: The 2006 winner of the Class AA award.

CAREER POINTS: Finished with more than 1,900 points.

COLLEGE: Signed with Memphis after being recruited by every major NCAA Division I program in the country.

The Willie Kemp file
School: Bolivar

Grade: Senior

Position: Point guard

Height: 6-foot-2

Season stats: 18 ppg., 5 rpg., 7 apg.

College: Signed with Memphis

Favorite player to watch: Wayne Chism (Bolivar), Rodney Carney (Memphis)

Favorite play this season: Hitting the game-winning shot in the Bahamas.

My pick for Player of the Year: Wayne Chism (Bolivar)

What you don't know about me: I wear the same socks every game.

My dream car: A blue and green bus on 32s with tinted windows.

Why he's here: One of the nation's most recruited seniors, Kemp capped his high school career by being named the Class AA Mr. Basketball this season. Led Bolivar to two consecutive Class AA state titles and three consecutive state tournament appearances. Had more than 1,900 career points and 800 career assists.

Article on Shawn Taggart from the Iowa State Daily

DAILYSports

WALL: Shawn Taggart: addition by subtraction
ARTICLE MEDIA (Iowa State Daily)
(4.26.06)

It was just one year ago that Taggart was the highlight of ISU men's basketball coach Wayne Morgan's recruiting class.

The 7-footer from Virginia was said to have passed on the NBA to attend Iowa State. His potential was almost endless.

ISU fans spent the offseason dreaming of Taggart running and gunning with Curtis Stinson, Will Blalock and Rahshon Clark.

A player of his size and athleticism was a dream come true for Iowa State; another star center to follow in the footsteps of Kelvin Cato, Marcus Fizer, Jackson Vroman and Jared Homan.
He was the final piece to the Cyclone puzzle, an inside scoring force to complement Iowa State's trio of standout guards.

And then Taggart stepped on the basketball court and fans' hopes came crashing back down to a harsh reality of unrealized potential. His numbers were unimpressive - 5.6 points and a measly 3.6 rebounds per game - as was his overall game.

Now, one year later, Taggart is gone - the latest move in Iowa State's basketball exodus.
He joins guards Tasheed Carr and Farnold Degand and forward Mike Evanovich as players who have shown themselves the door.

Stinson and Blalock are also out testing the waters of the NBA Draft. Both can still return to the team if they so choose, provided the draft doesn't go in their favor.

Of Iowa State's offensive production from last season, only 35 percent returns, with almost half of that coming in the form of Rahshon Clark.

Clark is an exceptional player - an athletic slasher who can penetrate and score at will, and has also developed a reliable outside shot - but all that remains around him is Jiri Hubalek, Ross Marsden and Jessan Gray.

Talk about a bare cupboard.

More on Shawn Taggart

Shawn Taggart
Player Page
SI.com

#0 Shawn Taggart
Iowa State Cyclones (16-14)
Year: Freshman
Averages: 5.6 PPG 3.6 RPG 0.3 APG 45.1 FG%

Season Statistics
531 Minutes (17.7 mpg avg)
64-142 FG-FGA (45.1%)
0-2 3FG-3FGA (0.0%)
41-59 FT-FTA (69.5%)
54 Off Rebs (1.8 avg)
53 Def Rebs (1.8 avg)
107 Total Rebs (3.6 avg)
8 Assists (0.3 avg)
83 Personal Fouls (2.8 avg)
4 Disqualifications
14 Steals (0.5 avg)
40 Turnovers (1.3 avg)
8 Blocks (0.3 avg)
169 Points (5.6 avg)

1 Double-Double
vs. Colorado February 5, 2006 (11 pts, 10 rebs)

6 Double Fugure scoring games
vs. Mountain State Univ November 20, 2005 (16 pts)
vs. Howard November 25, 2005 (15 pts)
vs. Northern Iowa November 29, 2005 (10 pts)
vs. Ohio State December 17, 2005 (13 pts)
vs. Colorado February 5, 2006 (11 pts)
vs. Missouri February 28, 2006 (10 pts)

2 Double Fugure rebounding games
vs. Colorado February 5, 2006 (10 rebs)
vs. Kansas State February 8, 2006 (11 rebs)

Shawn Taggart
C, 6-9, 215, Freshman
Richmond, Va. (George Wythe/Mt. Zion [N.C.] Christian Academy)
Rivals.com

Shawn Taggart

High School: One of the top big men in the class of 2005, Taggart can block shots, rebound and score in a variety ways around the basket...well known for his strong defensive skills...ranked as the 35th-best player in the nation according to Rivals.com...Rivals.com also lists him as the third-best center in this year's class...ranked as the 24th-best prep player in HoopScoop's ratings...rated No. 72 by Sporting News and No. 85 by Basketball News...Lindy's rates him as the 94th-best player in the nation...averaged 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and four blocks as a senior, helping Mt. Zion to a prep school national championship...Taggart and Brandon Rush formed one of the best two-man games in prep school in 2005...was teammates in his junior season with Cyclone Tasheed Carr...averaged 10.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.2 bpg as a junior, helping Mt. Zion to a 30-1 mark...was one of the best players at the ABCD Camp in the summer of 2004...tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals in one game...coached in prep school by Antonio Fozard...chose ISU over Memphis, Virginia Tech, Florida State and St. John's.

Info on Transfer Shawn Taggart

Height/Weight
6-10/225

Position
Forward

High School

One of the top big men in the class of 2005...can block shots, rebound and score in a variety of ways around the basket...ranked as the 35th-best player in the nation according to Rivals.com...Rivals.com also lists him as the third-best center...ranked as the 24th-best prep player by HoopScoop...rated No. 72 by the Sporting News and No. 85 by Basketball News...Lindy's rated him as the 94th-best player in the nation...averaged 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and four blocks as a senior, helping Mt. Zion to a prep school national championship...Taggart and Kansas' Brandon Rush formed one of the best two-man games in prep school in 2005...Mt. Zion teammate of current Cyclone Tasheed Carr...averaged 10.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.2 bpg as a junior, helping Mt. Zion to a 30-1 mark...one of the best players at the ABCD Camp in the summer of 2004...tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals in one game...played for the Richmond Squires AAU team...Missouri's Glen Dandridge and Colorado's Chris Copeland were AAU teammates...coached in prep school by Antonio Fozard...chose ISU over Memphis, Virginia Tech, Florida State and St. John's.

Personal

Born March 26, 1985 in Richmond, Va...son of Charleine Taggart...sociology major

Rivals.com

Four Stars (out of five)
Position Ranking: 8
RivalsHoops 2005: Top 150 (#35)
RivalsHoops: 2005 Power Forwards (#8)

Quotes

He's very aggressive. He's more of a defensive player right now, blocking shots, holding his man and things like that. -Mt. Zion Head Coach Antonio Fozard

Transfer To Be Shawn Taggart Arrives in Memphis

Iowa State transfer ready to sign

By Gary Parrish, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Contact May 6, 2006

Any doubt about whether Shawn Taggart was really transferring from Iowa State disappeared Friday night when he arrived at Memphis International Airport, headed to baggage claim and snagged a ridiculously large black suitcase. "It weighs 71 pounds, but you should've seen it before," Taggart said. "I packed everything and then got the rest of my stuff shipped back home. I had to get out of there."

Apparently so. Now that he's officially out of there -- there being Ames, Iowa -- Taggart was all smiles in a makeshift press conference during which he addressed a number of issues, among them what other schools he considered before choosing to transfer to the University of Memphis.

"None," Taggart said. "As soon as I decided to transfer I was like, 'I just hope Memphis takes me.' ... I just told my AAU coach that I was ready to make that move to Memphis. I'm so happy."

When will he sign?

"As soon as they put the papers in front of me," Taggart answered. "I'll just pull the pen out and sign them."

A 6-10 forward, Taggart averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season as a freshman at Iowa State while battling a slew of illnesses and injuries that hampered his development. His decision to leave the Cyclones program came after coach Wayne Morgan -- whom Taggart liked -- was replaced by Greg McDermott.

Taggart said he met with McDermott only twice, and that the two never bonded.

"I said a curse word in the gym, and he told me that wasn't allowed," Taggart said. "I was like, 'I've got to get out of here.'"

Informed that things are much different at Memphis, that cursing is allowed though more often players are the ones sometimes cursed -- particularly for poor defense -- Taggart just smiled and shook his head.

"That's good," he said. "That's what I need to make me better."

Per NCAA transfer rules, Taggart will only be allowed to practice next season. He'll be eligible to play in 2007-008 and have three years of eligibility left.

Tigers Adding Transfer Shawn Taggart from Iowa State

Tigers adding transfer

By Gary Parrish, Memphis Commercial Appeal
May 5, 2006

He's seen the campus and the Finch Center. He knows the coaching staff and most of the players. So for Shawn Taggart, today's visit to the University of Memphis will serve as little more than a formality because he's already decided to transfer from Iowa State and into John Calipari's basketball program. "I can't wait to get there because I'm going to make it official as soon as I get off the airplane," Taggart told The Commercial Appeal by cell phone Thursday. "I'm transferring to Memphis."

A 6-10 forward, Taggart averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds as a freshman, but he decided to transfer when Iowa State coach Wayne Morgan was fired in the wake of Gregg Doyel's report at Sportsline.com that detailed the school's dealings with a shady scheduling company founded by a California junior college coach. Taggart finished his final class at ISU on Thursday morning and said he plans to enroll in classes at Memphis this summer. Per NCAA rules, Taggart will sit out next season -- though he will be allowed to practice with the Tigers -- and be eligible for the 2007-08 campaign with three years of eligibility remaining.

"I know a lot of people don't want to do a redshirt year, but I think it's going to make me more mature and better," said Taggart, who cited his relationship with Tigers assistant Derek Kellogg as one reason he's transferring to Memphis. "It's going to be a beautiful thing for me."

Taggart originally visited the UofM in September 2004 and was a major target for the Tigers considering he was tagged as the 24th-best prospect in the nation by The Hoop Scoop. But the Mt. Zion Academy product ultimately chose Iowa State over Memphis thanks mostly to his connection with Tasheed Carr, a former teammate at Mt. Zion who was already a Cyclone but is now also transferring out of ISU.

"It was very close (in 2004) between Iowa State and Memphis, like a coin toss," Taggart said. "I'm not going to tell a lie. I didn't choose Memphis (in 2004) because Tasheed Carr was at Iowa State. I was a young boy coming up, and one of my old players I had played with was telling me he was going to pass me the ball and all that kind of stuff. What would you choose? But now I've realized that what I did wasn't the best thing for me."

Though Taggart's freshman campaign was unspectacular, there is an explanation for his slow adjustment. Prior to the season the Richmond, Va., native endured a lengthy battle with a serious stomach virus that caused him to miss a portion of the preseason and lose close to 30 pounds, something from which he said he did not properly recover.

"It was a bad year, but I feel like all the bad times are finally behind me," Taggart said. "Now I'm looking to the future, and I'm just ready to play ball."

-- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

UCLA, Texas, Memphis All OK With Waiting

UCLA, Texas, Memphis all OK with waiting

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

UCLA can take the hit. So can Texas and Memphis.

That's why Ben Howland, Rick Barnes and John Calipari can all deal with the limbo over the next six weeks while multiple players on each of their teams decide on whether to stay in the NBA draft.

"We're going to be good if we lose both," Howland said of sophomore guards Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo. "If we get them both or one of them back, we'll have a chance to make another run."

Farmar and Afflalo declared for the NBA draft but neither signed with an agent. Farmar is the more likely of the two to be a first-round pick at this juncture -- and as a result, could stay in the draft. Neither is expected to accept, if invited, a berth in the Orlando NBA pre-draft camp in June. The advice being given is for them to work out for a handful of teams and see what kind of commitment they receive.

The reason for Howland's optimism this month, though, is that he feels fairly certain that the Bruins are set -- either way.

He thinks they would be set at point guard with sophomore-to-be Darren Collison, if Farmar stays in the draft, and at shooting guard with a healthy Josh Shipp (out with a hip injury for most of the season). Then add the development of rising sophomores Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Michael Roll and the arrival of late signee Russell Westbrook out of Lawndale, Calif., and Howland feels good about his already-returning talent.

"If both kids were guaranteed draft places then [they would go], but if not, I would hope that they come back and be more successful," Howland said. "I just worked out Luc and he's shooting the ball very well. Collison is an improved shooter. Russell had 51 in a high school game. We're going to be OK from a shooting standpoint."

Howland said this problem of players declaring and testing the process for two months is a good one to have.

"I'd rather be in limbo and have guys flirt with this and eventually be NBA players than not," Howland said.

UCLA, which always plays a national schedule, isn't waiting on the return of Afflalo and/or Farmar to determine its schedule. The Bruins already have booked games at West Virginia, versus Michigan, possibly with BYU and Boise State at home and maybe against George Mason in the John Wooden Classic in Anaheim. The Bruins also are in the Maui Invitational with Kentucky, Memphis, Georgia Tech, DePaul, Oklahoma, Purdue and Chaminade.

Like UCLA, Texas could again make a similar deep run in the NCAAs if its two underclassmen return. The Longhorns definitely are losing a third player -- center LaMarcus Aldridge -- after he signed with agent Arn Tellem. The other two -- forward P.J. Tucker and point guard Daniel Gibson -- still are testing the process.

Is Barnes sweating over their decisions? Hardly.

The Longhorns, who already were going to lose senior combo guard Kenton Paulino and classmate Brad Buckman, had freshman A.J. Abrams play the point for most of the Big 12 season. Then the Longhorns signed point guard D.J. Augustin, a highly coveted prep originally out of Louisiana who relocated to Sugar Land, Texas, after Hurricane Katrina. If you're looking for shooters to replace Gibson (if he departs), the Horns still return J.D. Lewis and picked up newcomers Harrison Smith and Justin Mason.

And even if Tucker bolts, there's a certain McDonald's All-American named Kevin Durant arriving in the fall to replace him (or play next to him). Durant is sure to give Ohio State signee Greg Oden a run for national freshman of the year if he gets as many touches as is possible next season.

The Longhorns already are banking on rising sophomore Connor Atchley to replace Aldridge by adding more strength and getting more run next season. And don't sleep on Mike Williams, a rising junior who finally found his place in the program in the final month of the season. Williams can offset a Tucker or Aldridge loss by being more productive in the post.
Like Farmar and Afflalo, Tucker and Gibson are being advised by their staffs against going to Orlando. They're more likely to go through workouts and see where they stand before making the decision by June 18 on whether to stay in the draft.

"I don't worry about what I don't have to worry about," Barnes said. "I realize the process they're going through. I just hope they make the right decision. Believe me, we'll have options. We'll be young, but we've been young."

Barnes won't speculate on particular lineups just yet but he did say he could see going with three guards as one option if Gibson and Tucker joined Aldridge in the NBA. Either way, the schedule will be rigorous again, with road games at Villanova and Tennessee, a game with Gonzaga in Phoenix, home against Arkansas, the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in November and possibly a game with LSU in Houston.

Calipari is almost cavalier about the declarations of sophomore point guard Darius Washington and freshman forward Shawne Williams. He said he has plenty in the stable and NBA personnel have told him that the most talented player on the roster is still in check -- rising sophomore forward Robert Dozier.

Add Dozier to a core of Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey inside to go with returning guards Antonio Anderson, Andre Allen and newcomer point guard Willie Kemp, and the Tigers seem to be loaded again.

Calipari wouldn't be surprised if Washington stayed in the draft but Williams might take a wait-and-see approach. Either way, Calipari has been of the belief that if you declare you should go after it without reservation and spend all of your time working toward going as high as possible. If they take his advice, both players likely would stay in the draft.

Calipari said without Washington and Williams, the Tigers wouldn't be preseason top-five, but could end up being in the 10-20 range. The Tigers are loading up on their schedule again with a road game at Gonzaga, the Maui event, games with Cincinnati and Ole Miss at home, and a few other options to come.

Elsewhere, San Diego State, George Washington, Iowa State and Connecticut all have multiple underclassmen on the early-entry list as well.

• One of SDSU's underclassmen (Marcus Slaughter) now cannot come back after he also declared after last season. The other, Brandon Heath, is likely to return.

• GW's Carl Elliott and Danilo Pinnock likely will get their names out to get some buzz and then come back.

• Iowa State will lose Curtis Stinson (he signed with an agent), but his backcourt mate, Will Blalock, almost certainly would return with an expected guarantee unlikely.

• UConn planned for the departures of its big three -- Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams and Josh Boone -- by signing six players in the fall. Boone is the only one who could return since he isn't expected to sign with an agent yet.

Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.

Rodney Carney Named Tennessee Sports Writers Assoc Player of the Year

Carney Named Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player Of The Year

Washington, Williams selected to the TSWA All-State Team

May 1, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - University of Memphis senior Rodney Carney has been named the 2005-06 Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Player of the Year, the organization announced Monday. The honors were voted on by media members and media relations directors from across the state of Tennessee.

Sophomore Darius Washington Jr. and freshman Shawne Williams joined Carney on the TSWA All-State Team. East Tennessee State's Tim Smith and Tennessee's Chris Lofton rounded out the all-state squad.

A consensus All-America second team pick, Carney was selected the Conference USA Player of the Year and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament and All-Conference USA first teams. The 6-foot-7 forward was a finalist for three national Player of the Year honors (Naismith Award, Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph F. Rupp Trophy) and was on the Wooden Award mid-season list. The Indianapolis, Ind., native, who participated in the College Basketball Slam Dunk Championships at the 2006 NCAA Final Four, led the Tigers in scoring (17.2 ppg) and three-point field goal percentage (39.1) this past season.

Carney moved into the No. 3 spot on the Memphis career scoring list with 1,901 points (trailing only Keith Lee and Elliot Perry) and set the school's career three-pointers made record with 287 treys. He also set the school's single-season three-pointers made mark with 102 in 2005-06. Carney finished his career ranked among Conference USA career leaders in scoring (No. 4) and three-pointers made (No. 3).

Washington, a 2005-06 Associated Press All-America honorable mention pick, was named to the NCAA Tournament All-Regional (Oakland) squad and All-Conference USA first team. One of 16 finalists for the 2006 Bob Cousy Award, the 6-foot-2 guard was a Wooden Award and Naismith Award preseason candidate. The Winter Park, Fla., native was second on team in scoring (13.4 ppg), assists (110) and free throw percentage (78.3). This past season, Washington became the 41st player in Memphis basketball history to reach the 1,000-point milestone. He has 1,054 career points and is No. 34 on the Tiger all-time scoring chart.

A consensus national Freshman All-America Team pick, Williams was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and was an All-Conference USA third team selection. The 6-foot-9 forward, who earned the Conference USA Tournament MVP award, was the team's third-leading scorer (13.2 ppg) and second-leading rebounder (6.2 rpg) and shot a team-high 78.6 percent from the free throw line. The Memphis, Tenn., native posted five double-doubles in 2005-06, including performances in wins over Gonzaga (14 pts/11 rebs) and Tennessee (21 pts/14 rebs).

U of M 2006 Graduates

Thirty-Three Tiger Athletes Set to Graduate Saturday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Thirty-three student-athletes out of the University of Memphis athletic department are scheduled to graduate on Saturday, May 6th. Football leads the way with eight graduates, while women's track will graduate seven athletes in one of two ceremonies to be held on Saturday at FedExForum.

Anthony Rice, Men's Basketball - A four-year letterwinner, Anthony Rice placed his name in the Memphis basketball annals as one of the program's top shooters. He played in a school-record 134 career games, and started 98 of his last 99 contests. The Atlanta, Ga., native scored 1,201 career points, which is No. 23 on the Tiger all-time scoring chart. But, shooting the three-point shot was his specialty, and he hit key three-pointers throughout his career. He is No. 2 on the Memphis career three-pointers made list with 242 treys, and is also No. 2 on the season chart with 82 three-pointers in 2004-05. Named to the 2005 Conference USA All-Tournament Team, Rice was a member of Tiger squads that advanced to four-straight postseasons tournaments and won the 2002 NIT title. The 6-foot-4 guard will graduate with a bachelor's degree in University College/Art Gallery Management. Rice is currently playing with the North Mississippi Tornadoes of the World Basketball Association. Atlanta, Ga./North Clayton HS.

Almamy Thiero, Men's Basketball - Almamy Thiero, who missed the entire 2005-06 season with an ACL injury, had seen action the three previous years. The 6-foot-10 forward saw his most playing time during the 2004-05 campaign when he averaged 0.5 points and 1.7 boards in 23 games. The Mali, West Africa, native has played in 28 career games, but most of his time at Memphis has been limited as a result of injuries and illness. The latest injury was a torn right ACL in the summer of 2005 that kept him out the 2005-06 season. Thiero will graduate with a bachelor's degree in French, and he will continue his studies in 2006-07 as he completes his collegiate eligibility. Mali, West Africa/Mt. Zion (N.C.) Academy

SI's Luke Winn on the Six Teams Who Stand to Lose the Most From Early Entry

(I'm sure your all going to be shocked to learn that Memphis is one of the six - ed.)

Prospects are proceeding with caution, at an 84 percent clip. Fifty-three of the 63 NCAA-produced early entrants in the NBA draft have yet to hire an agent following the April 29 deadline to declare. Which means that the slate of available pro prospects -- released today by the league -- is hardly set in stone, and the real parties in limbo between now and June 18, the deadline to withdraw from the draft, are the college teams who have stars sitting on the NBA fence.

The departures of already-represented underclassmen such as Gonzaga's Adam Morrison, LSU's Tyrus Thomas and Texas' LaMarcus Aldridge were foregone conclusions in our early look at the 2006-07 landscape. But three schools in that initial top 10 -- UCLA, Memphis and Texas -- are now in jeopardy of taking less-expected hits to their Final Four hopes. Here are the six teams, including the Bruins, Tigers and Longhorns, with the most at stake in the next month and a half.

6. George Washington

Declared without agents: Junior guards Carl Elliott and Danilo (né J.R. Pinnock)

A letdown from the Colonials' 26-2 regular season in 2005-06 is expected. The above duo of experienced guards will determine the size of that slide -- slight or significant. If Elliott and Pinnock suit up for their senior seasons, GW likely challenges Xavier for the Atlantic 10 title and a third consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament. If not, it becomes the Maureece Rice show at the Smith Center ... which could be entertaining, but that production, at best, ends in the NIT.
The return scenario is looking likely: Both players, at present, seem to be (smartly) taking advantage of their "free junior pass" to test the draft waters, build a bit of free pub for the future, and withdraw. GW coach Karl Hobbs, who also remains in Foggy Bottom (partly due to the fact that his stock was hurt by his recruitment of prep-school players with questionable academic histories), expects Elliott and Pinnock to be back. NBA scouts -- see the developing pattern here -- don't consider either guard as a major 2006 draft prospect. Their value is as a late second-rounder (Pinnock) and an undrafted free agent (Elliott).

While Pinnock, a 6-foot-5 athlete who led GW in scoring last season with 14.5 points per game, could eventually play in the league, Elliott's best shot at a pro career may be in shoulder pads: During last season, Hobbs said he would phone NFL GMs -- specifically the Ravens' Ozzie Newsome -- on Elliott's behalf if the stocky guard wished to follow the road of Antonio Gates, Jai Lewis and Ed Nelson and become a gridiron convert.

5. Rutgers

Declared without an agent: Junior guard Quincy Douby

When the Big East was purportedly the nation's toughest conference in 2005-06 (although it had no reps in the Final Four), the Scarlet Knights managed to quietly finish 7-9, just behind the tourney-bubblicious pack of Seton Hall, Syracuse and Cincinnati. If Douby, the league's leading scorer at 25.4 points per game, returns -- keeping Rutgers' entire starting lineup intact -- the Knights would (gasp) be among the better teams in the Big East. And an NCAA tournament trip is precisely what new head coach Fred Hill needs to kick-start his Jersey revival. Hill is a respected East Coast talent hawk -- as an assistant under Jay Wright at Villanova, he recruited the nucleus for the Wildcats' rise to national prominence -- but there's little allure for Jersey or NYC prep stars to sign on with a school that hasn't been to an NCAA tournament since 1991.
One more season with Douby helps get Rutgers over the hump; without him, the Knights are hardly a force. Unfortunately, as more NBA teams catch on to Douby's spectacular scoring ability in the coming weeks, there will be fewer and fewer concerns about his skinny frame ... and he'll get enough assurances of first-round-dom that he'll stay in the draft.

4. Memphis

Declared without agents: Sophomore guard Darius Washington, freshman forward Shawne Williams

D-Wash, although presently sans agent, is gone for good. At least that's how it seems. He announced his intentions on his Web site on April 24 -- "I truly appreciate the support my friends, family, coaches and the fans have given me over the years and hope they will stand by me as I enter the next stage of fulfilling my lifelong dream" -- and hasn't given any indication that the decision is flexible. Unfortunately (for Darius), his personal Web site has an unmoderated message board, which has given numerous fans a venue to post less-than-supportive remarks about Washington's pro plans. Even more unfortunate is that NBA scouts seem to agree -- one scout we talked to said Washington is a second-round pick at best.
Washington, however, is not the big reason Memphis makes this list. His turnover rate (on 24.5 percent of possessions, according to kenpom.com) was higher than his assist rate (22.2 percent) in '05-06, and the Tigers have one semi-experienced point guard, Andre Allen, waiting in the wings and talented local prospect Willie Kemp on his way in. It could, quite possibly, be addition by subtraction, a la Florida improving once Anthony Roberson bid Gainesville adieu.

The big deal is Williams, a 6-9 forward who's the kind of star Memphis needs to make another deep tournament run (and perhaps earn a second straight NCAA No. 1 seed out of the C-USA). Williams' grandfather told the Commercial Appeal that Shawne's magical "limit" for staying in the draft was the top 20. Williams already has first-round stock, and one NBA scout told SI.com he expects Williams to be safely in the top 20 by June. That isn't great news for Memphis. It may need to cultivate a new star.

3. Villanova

Declared without an agent: Sophomore guard Kyle Lowry

The four-guard era at 'Nova is over, to be replaced by ... what, exactly? Either a more traditional, balanced attack led by Lowry on the perimeter and rehabbed forward Curtis Sumpter in the post, or, if Lowry leaves, a team that's heavily reliant on Sumpter and hopes its lone remaining guard, Mike Nardi, can do more of the scoring. The former team could still be a Big East force, the primary challenger to Georgetown for the league title, perhaps; the latter won't exactly strike fear in opponents' hearts.

Lowry, if he remains on the Main Line, has a chance to be an All-America point guard. At many points during the '05-06 season -- despite being overshadowed by the Wildcats' two decorated senior guards, Randy Foye and Allan Ray -- Lowry was the most dominant player on the floor. A sub-6-footer, he is a fearless penetrator who's lightning-quick off the dribble.

The more Lowry weighs his options, however, the more he may lean toward staying in the draft. One NBA scout told SI.com this week that Lowry would likely be the point guard on his team's board behind UConn's Marcus Williams and ahead of both UCLA's Jordan Farmar and Kentucky's Rajon Rondo. That would make Lowry somewhat of a first-round lock. The scout indicated that he expected Lowry would flourish in a faster-paced NBA environment, as opposed to the slower offense preferred by 'Nova.

2. Texas

Declared without agents: Sophomore guard Daniel Gibson, junior forward P.J. Tucker

Consider the strength of the lineup on the left versus the lineup on the right:

Probable 2006-07 Texas lineups Gibson/Tucker return Gibson/Tucker head to NBA PG: A.J. Abrams, So./D.J. Augustin, Fr. PG: A.J. Abrams, So./D.J. Augustin, Fr. SG: Daniel Gibson, Jr. SG: Justin Mason, Fr. SW: Kevin Durant, Fr. SF: Kevin Durant, Fr. SF: P.J. Tucker, Sr. PF: Mike Williams, Jr. C/PF: Mike Williams, Jr./Connor Atchley, Jr. C: Connor Atchley, Jr./Matt Hill, Fr.

The left side challenges Kansas for the Big 12 title and is a viable Final Four pick. It's a lineup of four McDonald's All-Americans (Augustin, Gibson, Durant and Williams), and the fifth, well, he's only the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year (Tucker) who racked up point-rebound double doubles in six of UT's final seven games. The right side still has a three-hamburger star rating, but no clear leader (Durant, by default?) and very little experience -- at least not enough to be considered one of the nation's elite teams.

Tucker and Gibson are both keeping their options open; according to the university they're still working out on campus and completing the spring semester's academic requirements in order to maintain eligibility for the 2006-07 season. Tucker would be the more likely player to stay in the draft, due to the fact that this is considered a weaker draft class than 2007's and his stock may be at its peak, since he averaged nearly a double double on the season. He's currently a second-rounder, but one NBA scout said opinions of Tucker are widely varied and he has the potential to rise into the first round with a big showing in Orlando.

Gibson, on the other hand, would be making a mistake by keeping his name in the draft. He very well may be a better pro prospect than Tucker, but Gibson's present stock is at its nadir. The same scouts who raved about him last summer were consistently disappointed in his point-guard skills during '05-06, and turning pro now would be a massive risk. The wild card in the decision process is that with the arrival of Augustin in Austin -- a true point who expects to have a hand in running the show -- will D-Gib get the proving ground he needs?

1. UCLA

Declared without agents: Sophomore guards Arron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar

The Bruins won't crash and burn if Afflalo and Farmar depart; by subbing Darren Collison (their speedy backup point) and Josh Shipp (the injured scoring star) into the backcourt, UCLA still makes the NCAA tournament in 2007. No one in Westwood, however, cares about simply making the NCAA tournament, especially when they know what's possible with the sophomore duo joining Shipp and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute in the lineup: the school's 12th national championship.

To put it nicely, Afflalo is far more desirable to UCLA at this point than he is to the NBA. He left a miserable last impression in the minds of NBA scouts with a poor (3-of-10 shooting, average defensive) showing in the title-game loss to Florida, and his stock fell accordingly -- enough to make it unwise for him to have declared for the draft at all. To the Bruins, however, he is their rock -- on a team riddled with injuries in '05-06, he played the most minutes (83.3 percent), had the highest offensive rating (an efficiency of 115.0) and was the best lock-down perimeter defender (a nonstatistical trait that may be paramount to the other two in coach Ben Howland's mind).

Farmar could rationalize a decision to stay in the draft; he has similar draft stock to 'Nova's Lowry, which would put him in the first round (but not the lottery). Despite taking a few too many shots (on 30.2 percent of UCLA's offensive possessions), Farmar had one of the highest assist rates of any point guard in the nation (37.6) and was the team's lone bright spot against the Gators, scoring 18 points in the finale. But he could take a lesson from title-game opponents Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and Al Horford and put the pros on hold in favor of another taste of the Final Four. The 2007 draft will be much lighter on point guards, anyway. And that, Jordan, seems like a win-win situation.

It's Official! - The Official NBA List of Underclassmen Early Entries

Players who want to enter the NBA Draft early were required to file by April 29. The draft is June 28. Here is the early entrant list released by the NBA on May 3:


Name, Position, School, Year

1) Akbar Abdul-Ahad, G, Idaho St., Jr.*
2) Arron Afflalo, SG, UCLA, So.*
3) LaMarcus Aldridge, C, Texas, So.
4) Morris Almond, SG, Rice, Jr.*
5) Renaldo Balkman, F, South Carolina, Jr.*
6) Larry Blair, G, Liberty, Jr.*
7) Will Blaylock, PG, Iowa State, Jr.*
8) Jahsha Bluntt, G, Delaware State, Jr.*
9) Josh Boone, F, UConn, Jr.*
10) Ronnie Brewer, SG, Arkansas, Jr.*
11) Bobby Brown, G, Cal State Fullerton, Jr.*
12) Shannon Brown, G, Michigan State, Jr.*
13) Derek Burditt, G/F, Blinn College (TX), So.*
14) LeRoy Dawson, G, Emporia State (KS), Jr.*
15) Travis DeGroot, G, Delta State, Jr.*
16) Guillermo Diaz, G, Miami, Jr.
17) Cem Dinc, F, Indiana, Fr.*
18) Quincy Douby, G, Rutgers, Jr.*
19) Mike Efevberha, SG, Cal State Northridge, Jr.*
20) Carl Elliott, G, George Washington, Jr.*
21) Jordan Farmar, PG, UCLA, So.*
22) Nick Fazekas, F, Nevada, Jr.*
23) Thomas Gardner, SG, Missouri, Jr.*
24) Rudy Gay, SF, UConn, So.
25) Reggie George, C, Robert Morris (Ill.), Jr.*
26) Daniel Gibson, PG, Texas, So.*
27) Aaron Gray, C, Pittsburgh, Jr.*
28) LeShawn Hammett, G, St. Francis, Pa., Fr.*
29) Brandon Heath, PG, San Diego State, Jr.*
30) Tedric Hill, C, Gulf Coast CC (Fla.), Fr.*
31) Clarence Holloway , C, IMG Academy, 5 yr. HS*
32) Ekene Ibekwe, F, Maryland, Jr.*
33) Donald Jeffes, n/a, Roxbury CC (MA), n/a
34) Alexander Johnson, F, Florida State, Jr.
35) David Johnson, n/a, Clinton JC (SC), n/a
36) Trey Johnson, G, Jackson State, Jr.*
37) Coby Karl , G, Boise St., Jr.*
38) Mark Konecny, n/a, Lambuth University (TN), n/a
39) Kyle Lowry, G, Villanova, So.*
40) Alexis Maric, C, Nebraska, So.*
41) Japhet McNeil, G, ECU, Jr.*
42) Paul Millsap, F, Louisiana Tech, Jr.*
43) Matt Mitchell, n/a, Southern University-New Orleans, n/a
44) Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga, Jr.
45) Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley, So.*
46) Evan Patterson, G, Texas Wesleyan, Jr.*
47) Danilo Pinnock, G, George Washington, Jr.*
48) Leon Powe, F, California, So.*
49) Richard Roby, SG, Colorado, So.*
50) Rajon Rondo, PG, Kentucky, So.
51) Blake Schlib, G, Loyola-Chicago, Jr.*
52) Mustafa Shakur, PG, Arizona, So.*
53) Cedric Simmons, C, NC State, Jr.*
54) Marcus Slaughter, F, San Diego State, Jr.
55) Curtis Stinson, PG/SG, Iowa State, Jr.
56) Tyrus Thomas, F, LSU, Fr.
57) P.J. Tucker, F, Texas, Jr.*
58) Jontae Vinson, F, Cal State-Los Angeles , Jr.*
59) Ian Vouyoukas, C, St. Louis, Jr.*
60) Darius Washington, G, Memphis, So.*
61) Albert Weber, n/a, Connors State, n/a
62) Marcus Williams, G, UConn, Jr.
63) Shawne Williams, F, Memphis, Fr.*

*Player is testing the waters, but retains college eligibility by not hiring an agent.

David Glenn's ACC Journal - Why Calipari Really Turned Down N.C. State

David Glenn's ACC Journal David Glenn, editor of the ACC Sports Journal and ACCSports.com and host on 850 The Buzz, dishes out the latest news on top recruiting prospects and shares his insights on ACC basketball and football for WRAL.com.

Monday, May 01, 2006
Hidden (Lee) Fowler Factors

The N.C. State coaching search just entered its second month, one national sportswriter recently referred to Wolfpack athletic director Lee Fowler as a "clown," and coaches all over America are asking why in the world it's taking the Pack so long to find a successor for Herb Sendek.

Only Fowler can fully explain the reasons for the delays, but many NCSU fans understandably are frustrated after very public rejections from Texas coach Rick Barnes, Memphis coach John Calipari, former UCLA coach Steve Lavin and West Virginia coach John Beilein, plus no-thanks responses to unofficial Wolfpack inquiries from another dozen or so men.

Fowler certainly has left himself open to criticism, especially after week-long discussions with Lavin (West Coast, family matters, guaranteed money) and Beilein ($3 million buyout) broke down at least in part over matters all parties were aware of from their very first conversations. Those things simply don't happen in well-orchestrated searches, and if Fowler has a good explanation, he hasn't shared it yet.

Nevertheless, it's probably time to examine a few behind-the-scenes factors -- mostly ignored by the media to this point -- that make Fowler's job considerably more difficult and complicated than his critics would like to believe. These things certainly don't give him immunity for his missteps, but they do help explain some of the events of the last 30 days.

(1) N.C. State's current academic requirements. This factor is explained below in great detail.

(2) The rules of the UNC system, of which N.C. State is a part, prevent its schools from guaranteeing money to coaches beyond their base salaries. (As with everything else, it is possible but rare to get exceptions through the Board of Governors.) These guidelines, adopted in the early 1990s after UNC football coach Dick Crum and NCSU basketball coach Jim Valvano were owed big bucks long after their contracts had been terminated, are complicating Fowler's task in a market where many schools now guarantee higher percentages of coaches' total compensation.

(3) According to several ACC athletic directors, it is very difficult in a collegiate setting to get permission to pay a large buyout for another coach. One called it a "political hot potato" and said it's easier to get approval for a big-money contract than it is to get approval for a large buyout. In the case of Beilein, for example, State would have had to pay about as much ($3 million) just to hire Beilein (before paying him or his staff) as it paid Sendek over the past four seasons combined.

Leaving the details of #2 and #3 for later (perhaps), let's take a closer look at #1.
Much has been made of Calipari’s doubts about State’s ability to compete successfully against Duke and UNC on a regular basis, but there was far more to those sentiments than simply a coach who was afraid to go head-to-head with Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams.

State officials said that, during their discussions with Calipari, he asked many questions that fell into the domain of the school’s compliance director, admissions office and academic support staff. During his brief trip to Raleigh, he even asked to meet with some of those people. He later said that State’s academic requirements made the job less attractive to him.

One of the things that alarmed Calipari was the significant difference between UNC-system academic requirements and those of the NCAA. As a public university in North Carolina, N.C. State is part of the UNC system, which also includes UNC, East Carolina and a dozen other schools. Each of those universities must abide by the rules set forth by the UNC-system Board of Governors, which in recent years has raised minimum academic requirements to a point well above the NCAA minimums.

"I didn’t even know about (the new rules) in North Carolina," one ACC coach said. "Anybody who tells you it doesn’t matter doesn’t know recruiting. If your school’s (academic) requirements are higher than the NCAA requirements, whether it’s because of these state rules or your university’s philosophy or any other reason, it makes your job tougher. It’s not the only variable -- lots of other things impact whether a job is good or bad -- but it’s an important variable.

"Calipari probably looked at his roster at Memphis and asked himself how many of his best players would have been admitted under the new rules at N.C. State. If he doesn’t think he can get players into State, there’s no way he can take the job. It’s that simple."

At Memphis, generally speaking, the coaching staff could sign and enroll anyone who met basic (GPA, SAT) NCAA minimums. The Tigers even could sign non-qualifiers, who under NCAA rules must sit out a year and meet certain academic guidelines during that year before becoming eligible during their second year on campus, at the earliest.

State abides by the ACC rule against non-qualifiers, and the school (as part of the UNC system) also has several requirements that are higher than those of the NCAA. For example, starting this fall, all UNC-system schools will require at least two units of foreign language. (The NCAA requires none.) UNC-system schools also now require four units of math and three of science. The NCAA requires only two math and two science units right now.

As recently as 2004, the UNC-system had no requirements for foreign language and demanded only three math units. The extra (beyond the NCAA minimums) math units involve classes beyond algebra I and algebra II, such as geometry and calculus. The extra science unit typically involves biology, chemistry, physics or a laboratory course.

"Those are important differences," the ACC coach said. "Can you imagine recruiting a star player, and Memphis tells him he can take so-and-so classes as a senior, and you have to tell him that he still needs calculus and physics?

"Hell, yes, that matters. Many kids are thinking about basketball and girls going into their senior year, and the last thing they want to hear from you is that they have to take difficult classes that this team over here is telling them they don’t have to take."

There is some good news on the horizon for N.C. State, UNC and the other UNC-system schools. Beginning in 2008, the NCAA will require all Division I athletes to meet academic minimums in 16 core courses, rather than the current 14, and this is expected to lessen the impact of the UNC-system rules. Under the new NCAA rules, for example, recruits will need at least three math units, up from the current two.

"That will help to level the playing field a little bit," the ACC coach said. "Just remember: The more flexibility you have, the better it is for recruiting. Every school draws that line in a different place, and coaches know what (academic) questions to ask when they’re considering a new job."

------

UNC System Requirements -- Effective Fall 2006
Six course units in language, including:
* four units in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature, and* two units of a language other than English.
Four course units of mathematics, in any of the following combinations:
* algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II,* algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II, or* integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond integrated math III. Three course units in science, including:
* at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology),* at least one unit in physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and* at least one laboratory course. Two course units in social studies, including one unit in U.S. history, but an applicant who does not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that at least three semester hours in that subject will be passed by the end of the sophomore year.

Tough Work Starting for Tigers' Carney

Tough work starting for Tigers' Carney

By Gary Parrish, Commercial Appeal
April 29, 2006

The final workout of a five-day stretch began with an unconventional exercise. Rodney Carney grabbed the end of a blue tarp and walked, looking more like someone preparing for a rain delay than the NBA draft.

Pull the tarp?

Must be a new technique, right?

Must've read about it somewhere, no?

Actually, it was nothing more than a necessity. A tarp from a Thursday night function still covered the court at the Finch Center on Friday afternoon. And since you can't take a 3-pointer when you can't see the 3-point line, Carney's day began with a peeling, of sorts, that enabled the former University of Memphis standout to put in another 90-minute workout with Wayne Hall, otherwise known as the personal trainer of Rockets star Tracy McGrady.

"He's been working me hard," Carney said. "I've never worked this hard in my life."
Rodney Carney is destined to be a pro.

There were times when this seemed in doubt, like when he enrolled at Memphis as an unheralded prospect. But there he was Friday in an isolated gym talking like a pro and training like a pro, having signed with a sports agency, Octagon, based just outside Washington, D.C., that manages plenty of other young pros, among them Chris Paul (Hornets), Kirk Hinrich (Bulls) and Francisco Garcia (Kings).

"I talked to Chris Paul, and he had nothing but good things to say about them," Carney said explaining his choice of agency. "I just sensed they were the right people for me. It's where I needed to go."

In many cases, it's only a few seconds after a prospect signs with an agent that he requests a line of credit and purchases that first house or car (or houses and cars).

But Carney said he hasn't bothered with anything on that level and won't any time soon.
"I'm just concentrating on getting better," Carney said. "I'm not worried about any house or car right now. I just want to get better."

To do that, Carney will head to Houston next week, where he will remain the subsequent three weeks and continue his training sessions with Hall. Some others scheduled to participate are McGrady, Luther Head (Rockets) and JamesOn Curry (Oklahoma State).

"Rodney needs to work on his change of direction, getting stronger for the NBA game and creativity. He just needs to be a more creative basketball player," said Hall, who has been with McGrady since the NBA All-Star's prep days at Mt. Zion Academy in North Carolina.

"Fundamentally, I've been impressed with Rodney, and it takes a lot to impress me because I've worked with a lot of athletes. But I've been impressed. He has a lot of similarities to Tracy."
Among them, not being a college graduate (McGrady turned pro out of high school). But Carney said when this semester is completed he'll be just a project and one class short of his degree, something he plans to finish online within the next year.

"I'm going to get that done for me," Carney promised. "That's an accomplishment nobody will ever be able to take away."
While Carney said he has been invited to participate in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando next month, he plans only to attend and not play. The idea is that his status as a probable lottery pick is secure and not worth risking in that atmosphere.

As for his former Tiger teammates also trying to turn pro, Carney expressed optimism both sophomore Darius Washington and freshman Shawne Williams can make it.
Like many others, he said he believes "Darius is gone" and is not considering returning to school under any circumstances.

But Carney said he spoke with Williams recently and offered some advice that could perhaps lead the Hamilton High product back to college so long as he maintains his amateur status.
"I talked with Shawne the other day, and he said he just wants to test the waters," Carney said. "I just told him to be careful and go out there and do what you can do. And then if you feel it's not going right, then come back (to school)."

-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365

UT Knoxville's Take on Washington and Williams NBA Intentions

Memphis' loss is UT's gain

By: Randy Moore, tennessee.scout.com
Date: Apr 27, 2006

Tennessee’s basketball future just keeps getting brighter and brighter.

Despite a 22-8 record and an SEC East title, the Vols were the state’s second-best college team in 2005-06. The University of Memphis beat the Big Orange head to head and earned a No. 1 seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Since then, however, Tennessee has improved its roster by signing a top-five recruiting class. Conversely, the Tiger roster has taken a big hit. Two of the team’s finest players have announced they are forgoing their remaining collegiate eligibility and making themselves available for the upcoming NBA Draft.

The two are forward Shawne Williams and guard Darius Washington. Both played key roles in the Tigers’ 88-79 defeat of Tennessee last Jan. 18 in Memphis. Williams produced 21 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in 34 sterling minutes. Williams sank just 2 of 12 from the floor but still finished with 17 points and 5 assists in 29 minutes.

Memphis still has some outstanding players available for the 2006-07 season but its talent advantage over Tennessee is greatly diminished by the loss of Williams and Washington. The Vols’ chances of being the best team in the state will be significantly enhanced if Williams and Washington follow through with their pro plans.

Tennessee’s chances of being the best team in the SEC next winter also may be getting a boost. Conference champion LSU is about to lose standout freshman forward Tyrus Thomas, who also declared for the draft. Meanwhile, several NBA insiders believe reigning NCAA champ Florida will lose one or two underclassmen to the draft. Both 6-foot-11 Joakim Noah and 6-foot-8 forward Al Horford are projected as possible NBA lottery picks, even though both say they plan to return for the 2006-07 college season.

For what it’s worth, ESPN.com lists Noah as the No. 1 prospect for

Tyler Smith Shuns Tigers, Will be a Hawkeye

Iowa signs top-50 recruit Smith

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa added one of the nation's best prep school players Wednesday when coach Steve Alford announced that forward Tyler Smith had signed with the Hawkeyes.
Smith is a 6-foot-7, 210-pound small forward from Pulaski, Tenn.

In 2005, he was rated among the nation's Top 50 high school seniors by Scout.com, a recruiting publication.

Smith spent a post-graduate season at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia in 2005-06. He averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists a game while leading the team to a 28-2 record.
Smith will enter the 2006-07 campaign as a freshman. Scout.com rated Smith as the second-best prep school player in the nation last season.

"Tyler will have an immediate impact on our team next season," said Alford in a statement. "He is a very talented player, but also a great person, and that is something we always look for in recruiting."

Smith is the fourth newcomer slated to join the Hawkeyes next season. During the fall signing period, Iowa inked Canadian big man Jamie Vanderbeken and junior college transfers Justin Johnson and Cyrus Tate.

Darius Washington and Shawne Williams to Enter Draft

Letter posted on dwash.net (Darius Washington's personal website)

April 24, 2006

Dear Fans,

It is with a great deal of excitement that I announce my decision to declare for the 2006 NBA Draft. Playing in the NBA has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I first learned to play basketball from my dad when I was just a kid and I have been fortunate to play for some great coaches over the years who have helped me prepare for the challenges of collegiate and professional basketball.

There were a lot of things to consider before I made my decision to enter the draft and after careful consideration I am confident that I made the best decision for me. I truly appreciate the support my friends, family, coaches and the fans have given me over the years and hope they will stand by me as I enter the next stage of fulfilling my lifelong dream.

Thank you,
Darius Washington Jr.


Article in the Memphis Commercial Appeal

By Gary Parrish
April 25, 2006

University of Memphis standout Shawne Williams plans to make himself eligible for the 2006 NBA Draft but will not immediately hire an agent, Williams’ grandfather told The Commercial Appeal today. Consequently, the freshman forward can maintain his college eligibility and return to the Tigers if he withdraws from the draft by June 18. The draft is June 28.

"He’s torn on the decision because he enjoys school, but the (financial) needs overshadow everything else," said Leon Williams, who helped raise Shawne. "The time is right if he can get the money and get a good contract."

Meanwhile, teammate Darius Washington has also announced his intentions to enter the draft. The sophomore guard declined to answer questions when reached by phone today, instead referring The Commercial Appeal to his personal Web site (dwash.net) where a statement had been published that explained his decision.

Though Washington wasn’t specific, his statement indicates he will remain in the draft no matter what despite no one projecting him as a first-round pick. On the other hand, a chance remains that Shawne Williams will play at Memphis again.

Leon Williams said his grandson intends to maintain his amateur status and that if he is not projected as a top-20 pick "he will probably go back to school." As it stands, there is no guarantee Williams will go that high, though most analysts believe he’s a lock for the top 30.
UofM coach John Calipari did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
— Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365

NBA Mock Draft Updates

NBADraft.net

9. Golden St. Rodney Carney 6-7 205 SF Memphis Sr.

Hoopsvibe.com/DraftExpress.com

13. Rodney Carney SG/SF New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets

Collegehoopsnet.com

6. Rodney Carney
14. Shawne Williams

UPDATE: 31 Underclassmen Have Now Declared for the NBA Draft

31 Underclassmen have now declared for the draft with 23 deciding not to hire an agent.

Players who want to enter the NBA Draft early must file by April 29. The draft is June 28. Here is the early entrant list to date:

2006 NBA Draft Early Entrants

Name, Position, School, Year

1) Arron Afflalo, SG, UCLA, So.*
2) LaMarcus Aldridge, C, Texas, So.
3) Morris Almond, SG, Rice, Jr.*
4) Will Blaylock, PG, Iowa State, Jr.*
5) Josh Boone, F, UConn, Jr.*
6) Shannon Brown, G, Michigan State, Jr.*
7) Guillermo Diaz, G, Miami, Jr.*
8) Mike Efevberha, SG, Cal State Northridge, Jr.*
9) Carl Elliott, G, George Washington, Jr.*
10) Jordan Farmar, PG, UCLA, So.*
11) Nick Fazekas, F, Nevada, Jr.*
12) Thomas Gardner, SG, Missouri, Jr.*
13) Rudy Gay, SF, UConn, So.
14) Daniel Gibson, PG, Texas, So.*
15) Brandon Heath, PG, San Diego State, Jr.*
16) Ian Vouyoukas, C, St. Louis, Jr.*
17) Alexander Johnson, F, Florida State, Jr.*
18) Trey Johnson, G, Jackson State, Jr.*
19) Paul Millsap, F, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
20) Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga, Jr.
21) Patrick O'Bryant, C, Bradley, So.*
22) Danilo Pinnock, G, George Washington, Jr.*
23) Leon Powe, F, California, So.*
24) Richard Roby, SG, Colorado, So.*
25) Rajon Rondo, PG, Kentucky, So.
26) Mustafa Shakur, PG, Arizona, Jr.*
27) Marcus Slaughter, F, San Diego State, Jr.
28) Curtis Stinson, PG/SG, Iowa State, Jr.*
29) Tyrus Thomas, F, LSU, Fr.
30) P.J. Tucker, F, Texas, Jr.*
31) Marcus Williams, G, UConn, Jr.

*Player is testing the waters, but retains college eligibility by not hiring an agent.

Washington, Williams on Fence About Pros

Washington, Williams on fence about pros

By Gary Parrish, Memphis Commercial Appeal

April 20, 2006

With nine days remaining until the deadline and underclassmen declaring at a staggering rate, Darius Washington and Shawne Williams remain publicly undecided about whether to return to the University of Memphis or enter the NBA Draft. "We haven't decided anything," said Washington's father, Darius Washington Sr.

"Shawne doesn't know yet," said Williams' grandfather, Leon Williams. So the wait continues.
Previously, John Calipari said he expected both Washington and Williams to turn pro, even putting the odds at 60-40. And while that is still a strong possibility, the families of both Tiger stars remain non-committal on the issue, apparently set to have every bit of desired information before scheduling an announcement.

The deadline is April 29, though that doesn't necessarily mean anything will be decided by then. Williams and Washington could announce that they are going to enter the NBA Draft and still return to college so long as they maintain their amateur status (i.e., don't hire an agent) and withdraw by June 18.

For what it's worth, Washington is not projected to go in the first round, and it's unclear if he'd be selected at all. Still, there's little doubt the sophomore guard could earn a paycheck playing basketball somewhere next season if that is the goal.

"Right now we're just focused on finishing (this semester of classes) strong," said Darius Washington Sr. "That's the only thing we're worried about."

Williams' pro prospects appear much brighter. The freshman forward would likely be a first-round pick, but whether it's near the top or the bottom of the round is hard to predict, which is apparently why the decision is hard to make.

"If he was in the top 10, I'd imagine he'd go, but other than that I don't know," Leon Williams said. "So he's just waiting, trying to see how high he could go."
-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365

As NBA Declarations Increase, Will it Mean Williams and Washington Will Stay?

As the list of underclassmen declaring for the NBA draft increases, does it mean Shawne Williams and Darius Washington, Jr. will have more incentive to stay in school another year. Today UCLA's Aaron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar both declared but neither will sign with an agent.

As of today 23 underclassmen have declared with 16 not planning to hire agents. Tyrus Thomas of LSU is the only freshman declaring.

Of those deciding to hire agents several are definites for getting drafted including: LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Paul Millsap, Adam Morrison and Tyrus Thomas. I'd put Rajon Rondo at about 50/50 based on who might ultimately be available. I am not very familiar with Marcus Slaughter of San Diego State.

Underclassmen in the NBA Draft

Players who want to enter the NBA Draft early must file by April 29. The draft is June 28. Here is the early entrant list to date:

Name Position School Year

Arron Afflalo SG UCLA So.*
LaMarcus Aldridge C Texas So.
Morris Almond SG Rice Jr.*
Will Blaylock PG Iowa State Jr.*
Josh Boone F UConn Jr.*
Guillermo Diaz G Miami Jr.*
Mike Efevberha SG Cal State Northridge Jr.*
Jordan Farmar PG UCLA So.*
Nick Fazekas F Nevada Jr.*
Thomas Gardner SG Missouri Jr.*
Rudy Gay SF UConn So.
Brandon Heath PG San Diego State Jr.*
Alexander Johnson F Florida State Jr.*
Trey Johnson G Jackson State Jr.*
Paul Millsap F Louisiana Tech Jr.
Adam Morrison F Gonzaga Jr.
Leon Powe F California So.*
Richard Roby SG Colorado So.*
Rajon Rondo PG Kentucky So.
Mustafa Shakur PG Arizona Jr.*
Marcus Slaughter F San Diego State Jr.
Curtis Stinson PG/SG Iowa State Jr.*
Tyrus Thomas F LSU Fr.

*Player is testing the waters, but retains college eligibility by not hiring an agent.

Andy Katz on Rice University's Morris Almond Testing the NBA Waters

If Almond jumps, there will be no joy at Rice

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com


Take a guess which school could be hit harder than any other if its early entrant decides to stay in the draft.

How about ... Rice.

Why the Owls? Well, no other school could have its postseason chances swing on the decision of one player. Most schools can absorb the hit, but not Rice.

Owls leading scorer Morris Almond declared for the NBA draft with the intent of testing the process. He isn't expected to sign with an agent, but he wants to see where he stands. You're probably not too familiar with Almond, but if you were watching Conference USA, you would have seen the junior average 21.9 points a game, grab 5.8 rebounds and lead the Owls to a 6-8 league record (12-16 overall).

The 6-6 wing isn't a lock for the first round, but through workouts and, potentially, the Orlando pre-draft camp June 6-12, he could entice someone to take a serious look.

If Almond returns to Rice, the Owls have a chance -- and we underscore chance -- to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1970.

"If he comes back, we've got a chance to be really good -- as good as we've ever been," said 14-year Rice coach Willis Wilson. "If he doesn't come back, it's a whole different ball game."
With Almond, Rice would return six of its top eight scorers and Wilson is confident that newcomers should add depth at the point and inside and the toughness that could make this his best Owl squad ever.

"The kid should dominate and impact winning at Rice before he considers this, but how high could he go? Well, at this stage, the draft is wide open and there are several spots for guys to play their way in, and he's a part of that group," one NBA player personnel director said. "He is a good athlete and can get you a bucket."

Wilson said NBA personnel have told him Almond is an unknown commodity, a player who needs to improve his ballhandling, passing and defense. But one undisputable point is that he can score.

He did that in bunches against C-USA champ Memphis, putting up 30 in an 84-79 loss Feb. 4.

"If he comes back and played like he did against us, then he'll put himself in a better position in the [2007] draft," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "They were good with him. They'll have a chance with him back. Look, he killed us with 30."

The deadline to withdraw is June 18.

With Morris, Wilson said he could see C-USA having five teams in play for NCAA berths, with the Owls joining Memphis, Houston, UAB and UTEP.

"And there's no reason why we couldn't get three teams in," Wilson said. "If Morris comes back, we'll be really good because I like our chemistry, our bigs, and [we have] kids who can score and shoot."

The deadline to declare is still 10 days away.

Gala and Golf Tournament to be Held to Raise Medical Funds for Larry Finch

Former players hold gala to raise funds

By: Justin Kissell
Sports Reporter, Daily Helmsman, Univ of Memphis

It's crunch time for former Tiger basketball coach Larry Finch and his former players are working the April 27 shot clock to pull through for their coach.

Ken Moody, who played at The University of Memphis (then Memphis State) from 1985 to 1987, and Rodney Douglas, who played from 1985 to 1989, have spearheaded two upcoming events to raise funds and awareness for Finch.

"As much as he's done for us, we should do our part for him," Moody said.

The players, part of the Friends of Larry Finch organization, have helped plan a gala dinner on April 27 to help raise funds for Finch's rising medical bills. The dinner is new to this year's festivities, which also includes a golf tournament for the second year in a row.

"We're just trying to be the messengers for Coach Finch," Douglas said. "Being unable to move a lot gives him a huge challenge, and we feel compelled to help."

Finch has suffered strokes and a heart attack and remains confined to a wheelchair in a long-term care facility. But he doesn't pass the days alone.

Former players and friends visit him regularly, which is part of the reason Douglas wanted to help his former mentor so badly.

"I went to see him in the hospital one time and his foot had been injured badly, in addition to the strokes and heart attack," he said. "My heart was hurting the whole way home because of what I witnessed."

Finch is also diabetic, something that makes his condition worse. But Douglas said whatever his condition, the coach always perks up when someone stops by.

"The nurses have told us when he saw a former player, he did better with his attitude and motivation for a while," he said.

So how much does Finch mean to The U of M?
Douglas said he is the "legacy of Memphis basketball."
Moody said it "all started with Larry Finch."

Former Tiger Herb Hilliard, who played from 1966 to 1969 and was the first African-American player in school history, said Finch helped bring the city together when racial tensions were high in Memphis. "To me, he's done more for this city than any other person I know," he said. "He did an awful lot for the people of this city."

And he helped the Bluff City in numerous ways - on the court and then on the bench with his trademark rolled-up paper.

Finch (the player) started his Memphis career in 1970. He led the Tigers to the 1973 national championship game against UCLA, averaging almost 27 points per game in the NCAA Tournament.

Finch (the head coach) started in 1986 and promptly led an underdog team to a 26-8 record and won the Metro championship. He went on to sign local high school stars Anfernee Hardaway, Elliot Perry and Lorenzen Wright in his career.

In 1992 Finch participated in his 500th game as either a player or coach. He also led the Tigers to an Elite Eight appearance in the 1992 NCAA Tournament, the furthest a Memphis team advanced until the 2005-06 Tigers.

Finch ended his coaching career after the 1996-97 season, when he stepped down from his position.

"The Memphis Tigers were (to me) created by Larry Finch," Douglas said.
Maintaining the Finch legacy on campus is something Moody and Douglas are trying to accomplish with their work - something the current staff seems well aware of.
"Coach Cal has been awesome through all this," Moody said. "He's done everything we've asked."

That includes getting comments and video messages from famous basketball personalities throughout the country, like Dick Vitale and former UCLA star and Tiger fan favorite Bill Walton.

Finch undoubtedly helped make Memphis into a basketball town, one reason some believe the NBA awarded the Grizzlies to the city. Their relocation helped spur one of the most emotional moments in Memphis/Larry Finch history.

On Jan. 20, 2003, the Grizzlies hosted a Martin Luther King Day game against the Portland Trail Blazers that included a halftime show involving many prominent African-Americans. Bob Johnson, BET founder and the first African-American NBA team owner, as well as actor Danny Glover were some of the participants. But the most emotional moment came last. NBA Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell brought Finch on the court in his wheelchair. The darkened arena, which had been loud throughout the ceremony, rumbled even louder as teary-eyed fans rose to their feet chanting, "La-rry!"

It was one of the ways Memphians have given back to their legendary coach.

They now have another opportunity to do so, and his former players and friends are pleading for help.

"We want people to embrace what he did and who he did it for," Douglas said. "Just please give your heart with Larry Finch."

Hilliard said the city has an obligation to help Finch. He described Finch as a model citizen when he was a player and coach, did all the right things and always had time to talk to anyone.
"I used to go to the mall to go Christmas shopping with him," he said. "We'd always be stuck there for about four hours because everyone wanted to talk with him, so I told him next year I couldn't go with him."

He described Finch's personality as that of current NBA star Shaquille O'Neal. Finch related well to both kids and adults, Hilliard said.

"We're doing this because coach always told us to give back," Douglas said. "We've dedicated our lives to him because of all he did for us."

Moody said one large change the group has made to this year's fund-raiser is the ability for people to write off any of their donations on their taxes.

Donations received and profits from the golf tournament and dinner will be used towards Finch's medical bills and to start a youth foundation which would pair up Memphis high school students with former Tiger players as mentors.

The Friends of Larry Finch Gala Dinner will be held April 27 at the Finch Center. Tickets are $100 per person and $1,000 for a table.

On April 28, the group will host two shotgun starts at the Larry Finch Golf Tournament. It will be held at Galloway Golf Course and tickets are $125 per person or $500 per group.

Details of John Calipari's New Contract

No shockin U of M contract Calipari's raise spread several different ways

By Gary Parrish, Memphis Commercial Appeal
April 18, 2006

Compared to the back-and-forth of last week, the actual amendment that brought closure to University of Memphis basketball coach John Calipari's flirtation with North Carolina State is uneventful. There are raises across the board, yet nothing out of the ordinary was found when The Commercial Appeal reviewed a copy of the contract Monday.

The main origins of pay increase come from Calipari's UofM base salary, radio and television package and public relations fee. The base salary went from $139,050 to $155,000, the radio and TV package went from $310,000 to $460,000 and the public relations fee went from $251,000 to $385,000. Combined with a $300,000 guarantee in shoe/apparel/equipment money, the promised total package Calipari will receive annually comes to $1.3 million, not including various incentives, bonuses and the opportunity to secure additional shoe contract money. For instance, Calipari -- per this fifth amendment to his contract originally signed on March 11, 2000 -- is now allowed to negotiate a shoe deal with any company and keep all the income. Previously, he shared the revenue with the school. Next year, that money – from adidas -- is expected to be $225,000, meaning Calipari will at least earn $1.525 million while coaching the Tigers for a seventh season. Beyond that, most everything stayed the same, including the $2.5 million annuity Calipari will collect if he finishes the 2009-2010 season. The only notable difference is that he dropped a percentage of his win/loss record and graduation rate bonuses so that, if achieved, $40,000 of those bonuses will now go to his assistants, who had spent the past few seasons underpaid in comparison to assistants at other programs.
Calipari negotiated an additional $130,000 in salary for his assistants that he will divide among Tony Barbee, Derek Kellogg, John Robic and Milt Wagner as he sees fit. They will also divide $40,000 in summer camp guarantees.

Calipari's new contract runs through the 2010-2011 season, and the UofM reserves the right to offer two one-year extensions over the next two years.

Calipari's buyout remained at $200,000, and his annual clothing allowance remained at $15,000.

-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365

Grading the Recruiting Class (Hoop Scoop vs. Scout.com)

I visited Scout.com today to check out some recruiting news.

First, I noticed that Pierre Niles did not make the Scout.com 2006 Top 25 Post Graduate listing. (BTW, Tyler Smith #3 who is still officially undecided is reportedly leaning toward Pittsburgh).

Second, I noticed that Memphis does not even make Scout.com's top 25 recruiting classes. However Hoop Scoop has the Tigers at #8 with 29 points (#1 UNC has 46 points and #10 Georgia Tech has 24 points). Scout.com also has UNC at #1 with 4.50 average recruit rating and #25 N.C. State with a 3.67 average recruiting rating.

Of course the reason why Scout.com doesn't have the Tigers ranked is because only Willie Kemp received a top 25 position ranking. He received 4 stars and is considered the #6 Point Guard in the county. Hashim Bailey, Pierre Niles and Tre'Von Willis all received 3 stars, but were unranked in their respective positions.

Note that Tyler Smith is ranked as the #12 Small Forward and is a 4 star player.

Memphis' current rating (3.25 stars) would increase to 3.40 with the signing of Tyler Smith, but that is still below #25 N.C. State's 3.67 star average.

Summer High School All-Star Events

SUMMER ALL-STAR SCHEDULE:

In case you are curious, here are the main summer high school all-star events:

03/23 - 03/26..... Las Vegas Easter Classic (Las Vegas, NV)
03/30................. McDonalds All-American (South Bend, Ind)
04/09................ Nike Hoops Summit (Memphis, TN)
04/08 - 04/10..... Charm City Challenge (Baltimore, MD)
04/08 - 04/10..... Boo Williams (Hampton VA)
04/16................. Jordan Classic (New York City - MSG)
04/16................. Adidas Derby Festival Basketball Clinic (Louisville, KY)
04/15 - 04/17...... Real Deal on the Hill (Fayetteville, AR)
04/15 - 04/17...... Las Vegas Spring Showcase (Las Vegas, NV)
04/15 - 04/17...... Pump and Run Tourney (Las Vegas, NV)
04/22 - 04/24.... DC Hoop Fest (Washington DC)
04/22 - 04/24.... Kingwood Classic (Houston, TX)
04/29 - 05/01..... Spiece Run 'N Slam (Fort Wayne, IN)
05/27 - 05/29..... Tournament of Champions (Chapel Hill, NC)
05/28 - 05/30..... Nike Memorial Day Classic (New Orleans, LA)
05/28 - 05/30..... Adidas Memorial Day (College Park, MD)
06/12 - 06/14..... Rumble in the Bronx (New York)
06/15 - 06/18...... Hoop Jamboree (St.Louis, MO)
07/05 - 07/08...... Adidas Superstar Camp (Suwanee GA)
07/05 - 07/09..... Nike All-American Camp (Indianapolis, IN)
07/06 - 07/09..... Houston National Summer Showcase (Houston, TX)
07/12 - 07/15...... Nike Peach Jam (Augusta, GA)
07/22 - 07/26..... The Main Event (Las Vegas, NV)
07/27 - 07/31...... Las Vegas Summer Classic (Las Vegas, NV)

Adidas Derby Classic Box Score

Adidas Derby Festival, Saturday, April 15, 2006
Louisville, Kentucky

Pierre Niles and Willie Kemp scored 12 and 13 points respectfully for the White team who was victorious in the Adidas Derby Classic in Louisville, Kentucky. Tre'Von Willis had a poor game going 0 for 8 from the field and scoring just one point.

Kemp had a tremendous game overall going 5 or 6 from the field and adding five rebounds and eight assists.

White 118, Black 106 (OT)

Black (106)

Last Name, minutes, fg-fga, 3pt-3pta, ft-fta, rb, asst, pf, tp
Crews 32 6-10 0-1 0-0 11 0 2 12
Caracter 32 6-11 4-6 1-3 5 1 1 17
Crittenton 32 5-15 1-9 5-8 7 4 4 16
Sosa 35 8-23 3-13 0-1 6 6 6 19
Henderson 34 9-20 0-2 1-3 7 3 0 19
Pena 20 1-6 1-4 2-4 4 3 2 5
Johnson 16 0-0 0-0 0-0 4 2 0 0
Chism 19 2-9 0-1 1-2 6 0 2 5
Robinson 24 4-8 1-3 0-0 7 0 0 9
Speights 21 2-9 0-1 0-0 8 1 2 4
Team 5
Totals 265 43-111 10-40 10-21 70 20 19 106

White (118)

Last Name, minutes, fg-fga, 3pt-3pta, ft-fta, rb, asst, pf, tp
Pierre Niles 24 6-11 0-2 0-0 3 3 4 12
B. Lopez 28 6-8 1-2 2-2 15 2 2 15
Pondexter 28 8-11 1-2 1-2 7 1 3 18
Tre'Von Willis 24 0-8 0-3 1-2 4 3 4 1
Willie Kemp 28 5-6 1-2 2-3 5 8 0 13
Jasper 26 3-5 0-0 1-2 8 5 2 7
Augustin 29 5-11 3-7 2-4 3 4 2 15
R. Lopez 26 4-9 0-0 2-4 5 4 4 10
Meeks 26 7-16 0-5 3-4 2 1 1 17
Stevenson 26 5-12 0-0 0-0 6 0 1 10
Team 1
Totals 265 49-97 6-23 14-23 59 31 23 118
Black 22 23 21 33 7--106White 21 29 30 19 19--118
Field-goal shooting: Black 38.7, White 50.5. Free-throw shooting: Black 47.6, White 60.9. Technicals: none. Turnovers: Black 30 (Crittenton 6, Pena 6, Henderson 4, Caracter 3, Sosa 3, Speights 3, Crews 2, Johnson 1, Chism 1, Robinson 1), White 24 (Jasper 7, Miles 3, Kemp 3, Pondexter 3, Augustin 3, B. Lopez 1, Willis 1, R. Lopez 1, Meeks 1, Team 1). Blocked shots: Black 11 (Crews 7, Caracter 2, Henderson 1, Chism 1), White 9 (R. Lopez 5, B. Lopez 3, Steve 1). Officials: Rip Hatfield, Scott Johnson, Richard Price. Attendance: 14,072.

2006 C-USA Basketball Signees

2006 C-USA Basketball Signees

To date, a total of 39 men’s basketball players have committed to become student-athletes at Conference USA schools for the 2006-07 season:

EAST CAROLINA

Gabe Blair F 6-8 190 Kings Mountain, N.C./Hope Christian
John Fields F 6-9 205 Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt
Hillary Haley G/F 6-6 195 Ft. Washington, Md./Friendly
Chad Wynn C 6-11 255 Marietta, Ga./North Atlanta Prep

HOUSTON

Marcus Malone G 6-5 Long Beach, Calif./Lee (Texas) JC
Rob McKiver G 6-3 New Haven, Conn./San Jacinto (TX)
Nic Mosley C 6-8 Bellville, Texas/Bellville

MARSHALL

Jeral “Stretch” Davis C 7-1 Toledo, Ohio/St. Catharine College
Robbie Jackson C 7-0 265 Aberdeen, Md./Prince Avenue (SC) Prep
Marcus Moses G 6-0 Washington, D.C./St. Catharine College
Chris Williams G 6-2 Long Beach, Calif./Fullerton College

MEMPHIS

Hashim Bailey F/C 6-10 Wayne, N.J./The Patterson School (NC)
Willie Kemp G 6-2 Bolivar, Tenn./Bolivar Central
Pierre Niles F 6-8 Memphis, Tenn./Florida Prep
Tre’Von Willis G 6-4 Fresno, Calif./Washington Union

RICE

Marius Craciun F 6-8 Cluj-Napoca, Romania/Weatherford (Texas) College Lawrence ‘Cliff’ Ghoram G 6-5 Baton Rouge, La./Zachary

SMU

Menghe Nyam G 6-5 New Hampton, N.H./New Hampton Prep

SOUTHERN MISS

Gjio Bain C 6-11 230 Nassau, Bahamas/Northeastern (Neb.) CC
Demar Dotson F/C 6-5 250 Alexandria, La./Southeastern Illinois Coll.
Dewayne Green G 5-10 155 Saginaw, Mich./Mt. San Jacinto (Calif.)
David Howard F 6-5 220 Waynesboro, Miss./Wayne County
Andre Stephens F 6-8 230 Heidelberg, Miss./Heidelberg
Saiquon Stone G 6-6 200 Brooklyn, N.Y./Laurinburg (N.C.) Prep
Maros Zuffa G 6-4 185 Bratislava, Slovakia/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Md.)

TULANE

Johnny Mayhane G 6-5 185 Mobile, Ala./LeFlore
Kevin Sims G 5-10 160 Jackson, Miss./Forest Hill

TULSA

Jamel McLean F 6-8 225 Hampton, Va./Bethel

UAB

Howard Crawford F 6-8 200 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County
Taurus Dortch G 6-2 185 Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay
Curtis Nickson C 6-9 245 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County
Mykal Riley F 6-6 185 Pine Bluff, Ark./Panola (Texas) JC
Jonathan Tiller G 6-3 190 Marietta, Ga./Wheeler

UCF

Tony Davis F 6-7 Sarasota, Fla./Riverview
Andre Thornton F 6-7 Memphis, Tenn./Mitchell

UTEP

Malik Alvin G 5-11 Philadelphia, Pa./Simon Gratz
Victor Ramalho F 6-8 Santa Cruz, Brazil/South Plains (TX)
Jeremy Sampson C 6-10 Daytona Beach, Fla./Hillsborough (Fla.) CC
Tavaris Watts F 6-8 Burlington, N.C./ Hillsborough (Fla.) CC

Source: www.georgelapides.com

Five Questions That Must Be Answered Before Next Season

5 questions that must be answered before next season

By Gary Parrish, Memphis Commercial Appeal
April 16, 2006

John Calipari, new contract signed, is on board for the future. That means University of Memphis basketball fans have one less thing worry about. Still, many questions linger. Here, we'll try to answer five.

Q: Will Shawne Williams and Darius Washington return to school?

A: The short answer is that it's unclear. Over the past week, people close to the situation have offered contrasting opinions with some stating the outlook changes daily.
It breaks down like this:

Williams will be a first-round pick if he turns pro, and that means a guaranteed contract worth millions of dollars. His family is aware of this, and his grandfather is a proponent of leaving school, noting life offers no promises if a sophomore slump brings problems.

On the other hand, Williams is the kind of prospect who could go from the middle of the first round to near the top of the lottery by returning to Memphis and delivering a more-polished and consistent effort next season. That would garner even more money, not to mention better position the Hamilton High product to contribute immediately at the NBA level, which is crucial considering the second contract of most players is the one that typically defines their careers, and it's hard for a person to get a lucrative second deal if he hasn't done much early.

As for Washington, the options aren't as promising. Nobody projects him as a first-round pick, and it's debatable whether he'd be selected at all. So for the most part jumping to the NBA now seems silly unless Washington doesn't believe his proverbial stock will increase and the goal is to draw a paycheck now no matter what.

On the other hand, in returning to Memphis Washington would be part of a logjam at point guard that could force him to play more off-the-ball. The positive is he would probably flourish in that role and become one of the best shooting guards in the nation. The negative is that the NBA is not looking for 6-2 shooting guards, so abandoning the quest to become a "true" point guard may hinder his longstanding pro aspirations.

In other words, stay tuned.

Q: Will all four signees qualify and be available next season?

A: It appears so. Those close to the program have said Willie Kemp, Hashim Bailey and Pierre Niles are all fine academically, and should enroll in the first summer session of classes at the UofM. Tre'Von Willis is also OK. But he may be unable to enroll until the second summer term, though only because his high school year lasts longer than normal.

Q: Will the Tigers sign anyone late who can help next season?

A: Probably not. At one point, Tyler Smith was an option, but now it appears he's headed elsewhere, perhaps Pittsburgh. As always, there could be a walk-on, and Calipari acknowledged Saturday via cell phone while recruiting at an AAU Tournament in Fayetteville, Ark., that he is considering taking a transfer (Oklahoma State freshman Roderick Flemings is a possibility, though at this point only a possibility).

Either way, walk-ons -- at least those not sponsored by Streets Ministries -- don't tend to contribute at this level, and any transfer wouldn't be eligible until the 2007-08 season. So there's probably nothing unknown that will help next year.

Q: How is the recruitment of the Class of 2007 going?

A: Good, by all accounts. Memphis already has a commitment from Will Bogan, a center from Missouri. Meanwhile, the Tigers are on solid ground with several of Rivals.com's Top 100 prospects, among them Illinois point guard Derrick Rose (No. 8), Texas center Anthony Randolph (No. 25), Ohio forward Alex Tyus (No. 36), New Jersey forward Jeff Robinson (No. 68), Memphis point guard Maurice Miller (No. 82) and Mississippi forward Ravern Johnson ( No. 93).

Q: What about next year's schedule?

A: Good news came from last week's meeting of the NCAA Management Council. One thing finally nixed -- though it still has to go through the board of directors, which shouldn't be a problem -- was the two-in-four rule that prohibited schools from playing in more than two exempted tournaments every four seasons.

Had that stayed in place, the Tigers would've been unable to participate in the Maui Invitational because they played in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic two years ago and the NIT Season Tip-off last year. But with the rule now apparently out of the way, it's off to Maui for games on Nov. 20, 21 and 22.

Other teams participating in the event are UCLA, Kentucky, Oklahoma, DePaul, Purdue, Chaminade and Georgia Tech. Memphis is guaranteed three games against those teams, though the bracket has not been set.

Meanwhile, the Management Council also raised the total of regular-season games from 27 to 28 with exempted tournaments counting as one game. So because the Tigers will get a three-for-one deal in terms of accounting in Maui, they will play 30 regular-season games, 16 of which will be non-conference.

Already on the schedule are contests at Tennessee, Arizona and Gonzaga. At home, the Tigers will have Ole Miss and Cincinnati. Beyond that, there will be a handful of "buy games" with opponents such as or similar to Winthrop and Louisiana Tech, and Calipari said Saturday there will be at least one more home game against a yet-to-be-determined Top 20 team.

It's doubtful the schedule will be finalized before September.

-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365

2006 Prep Derby Class Played Tonight in Louisville

In Order from left to right - Tre'Von Willis (Washington jersey), Willie Kemp (Memphis jersey) and Pierre Niles







From Hoop Scoop (ed. - Memphis signees noted in color)

[Here are the] rosters for this year's Derby Classic, which promises to have the most talent since the spring of 2000. This year's game, which will be played on April 15th at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY will feature five McDonald's All-American's in 6'5 Javaris Crittenton from Atlanta (Southwest Atlanta Christian) GA, 6'5 Gerald Henderson from Merion Station (Episcopal Academy) PA, 6'11 Brook Lopez from Fresno (San Joaquin Memorial) CA, 6'11 Robin Lopez from Fresno (San Joaquin Memorial) CA, 6'0 D.J. Augustine from Sugar Land (Hightower) TX; two more players who should have been McDonald's All-Americans in 6'9 Derrick Caracter from Fitchburg (Notre Dame) MA and 6'7 Duke Crews from Hampton (Bethel) VA; and 13 more players who are ranked in the 25-61 range nationally by the HOOP SCOOP in 6'9 Stanley Robinson from Birmingham (Huffman) AL, 6'7 Quincy Pondexter from Fresno (San Joaquin Memorial) CA, 6'3 Edgar Sosa from New York (Rice) NY, 6'8 Pierre Niles from Lenoir (The Patterson School) NC, 6'6 Marques Johnson from Ft. Wayne (Snider) IN, 6'1 Willie Kemp from Bolivar (Central) TN, 6'4 Derrick Jasper from Paso Robles (H.S.) CA, 6'7 Antonio Pena from Oakdale (St. Thomas More) CT, 6'3 Tre'Von Willis from Fresno (Washington Union) CA, 6'4 Jodie Meeks from Norcross (H.S.) GA, 6'9 Perry Stevenson from Lafayette (Northside) LA, 6'10 Marreese Speights from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA, and 6'9 Wayne Chism from Bolivar (Central) TN. We also think it's worth noting that there is not one player from the state of Kentucky in the game (yes, the talent level in the senior class in the state is that bad), but the game does still have a local flavor, as three players (Jasper, Stevenson, and Meeks) have already signed with the University of Kentucky and two players in the game (Caracter and Sosa) have already signed with the University of Louisville.

Note: Tre'Von Willis lost in the semifinals of the Derby Classic dunk contest held last night.

SI's Top 100 Prep Players Class of '06, Willie Kemp #40, Pierre Niles #47

Class of '06
Ranking the top 100 hoops recruits headed to school

By Ben Sylvan, Special to SI.com, SchoolSports.com
For the first time in three years, picking the No. 1 senior basketball player in the country was an easy call. Not since LeBron James in 2003 has the decision been this much of a no-brainer. For the Class of 2006, there's Lawrence North (Indianapolis) 7-foot center Greg Oden and then there's everyone else.

Greg Oden is simply dominant -- dominant on offense, dominant on defense and dominant on the boards. No other prep baller has such a complete impact on every part of the game. That's not a knock on guys like Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) forward Kevin Durant, Episcopal Academy (Merion, Pa.) guard Wayne Ellington, Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy forward Brandan Wright or Mitchell (Memphis, Tenn.) swingman Thaddeus Young, all of whom might normally be in serious contention for the top spot. But Oden is just so good that there's no debate.

#40
Willie Kemp
Bolivar Central (Bolivar, Tenn.)
PG
6-3
175
Memphis


#47
Pierre Niles
Ridgeway (Memphis, Tenn.)
PF
6-7
250
Memphis