The Inner Circle
By Dan Wolken, Memphis Commercial Appeal
November 12, 2006
There was, on the surface, nothing all that historic about it, nothing in the record books to show that the University of Memphis' run to the NCAA Elite Eight last season was that much different than the previous three times this program had made it that far. Isn't it true, after all, that Memphis had already etched its name in Final Four history twice before last year, dwarfing anything less than a national title? And isn't it true that Memphis' accomplishment was no different from that of schools like St. Joseph's and Xavier and Kent State, all of whom have made the Elite Eight in the last five years and immediately faded back into anonymity? And, by the way, didn't something called George Mason do the Tigers one better last year?
But as Memphis prepares to open the 2006-07 season on Thursday against Jackson State, last year's breakthrough is beginning to look more and more like the watershed moment in program history. In this ESPN-fueled, Rivals-dot-com-crazy college basketball landscape, Memphis has indeed arrived, on a national scale like this city has never seen.
"When we went to the (1985) Final Four in Lexington, Ky., Sports Illustrated had the pictures of three of the four teams on the front cover," said Win Rainey, president of the Rebounders booster club who has followed the program since the 1950s. "Memphis wasn't even mentioned.
"Now, every time you turn on the TV, something's said about either John Calipari or the University of Memphis. He's on 'The Best Damn Sports Show Period.' He has Larry Brown here, big-name coaches coming down. So, yeah, Memphis has arrived."
In one sense, it has been that way since Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson hired Calipari in 2000 to fix a program that had been broken by mismanagement and scandal under Tic Price.
With him, Calipari brought the national profile that, right away, got the Tigers on national television and lured top recruits like Dajuan Wagner. By his third year, Calipari had gotten Memphis back into the NCAA Tournament, which, for fans who endured the previous regime, was a good time.
But it wasn't the big-time.
Calipari knew that as well as anyone, which is why he readily admits that last season -- a 33-4 record, the school's first No. 1 seed in its NCAA Tournament history and advancement to the Elite Eight -- was a breakthrough.
"I think everybody was waiting," Calipari said. "For six years, and I'm talking not just in Memphis but people around the country, they knew coming here that we wanted to compete for national titles. We want to be one of those teams they talk about.
"And the landscape changed. Kids could go directly to the NBA. Kids could leave after a year. In my last run at UMass, that never happened. So that happens, and it sets us back. A couple issues set you back, and then all of a sudden you're fighting to survive. Fighting to survive here was 23 wins a year. It's not like we won 15 a year. We won 23 a year, and then I think the Elite Eight said, 'Wait a minute, they're not just playing to win games, they're playing to win a national title.'"
Perhaps the biggest piece of evidence that the perception of Memphis has changed nationally is that the Tigers were ranked 14th recently in both major preseason polls, despite losing two first-round NBA draft picks in Shawne Williams and Rodney Carney, plus starting point guard Darius Washington.
Though nobody is quite sure whether 14th is vastly overrating or underrating this particular team, only a handful of programs get that kind of respect in years when their players are largely unproven.
Without the Elite Eight, Memphis might not have shown up in the preseason top 25.
"I'm on the NCAA management council, and I go to a lot of national meetings. and I can tell the difference (in perception) by talking to those people," athletic director R.C. Johnson said. "As you get to that point, there's so many fans that are into the NCAA Tournament, and when you're to that point, everybody knows who's left and it becomes rather significant.
"The plan all along was for that to happen. And the main reason that I really wanted to go with John was that I felt he was the guy that could do it."
Though Memphians have long had the reputation for believing their basketball program belongs in the same stratosphere as North Carolina and Kentucky, the overwhelming evidence suggests otherwise.
In fact, even within Conference USA, one could make a pretty strong argument that Houston occupies a more significant place in college basketball history.
The periods in which Memphis has achieved a level of national prominence can be defined the following way: the Gene Bartow era 1970-74, the 1981-86 stretch in which Memphis made five straight NCAA Tournaments, and Penny Hardaway's two-year stint beginning in 1991.
John Wilfong, who played 1983-87, said he sees a difference between those eras and the present one.
"There have been brief periods when they've ascended to national prominence," Wilfong said. "Cal has brought it to where he has a chance to sustain greatness.
"My four years, we won 110 games, and that's a lot of wins. And you had great players that contributed to that. And so if Calipari is able to sustain something like that, over a five-, six-, eight- or 10-year period like he's moving towards, I think that puts it above what has been accomplished here."
Memphis this season is guaranteed to appear on national television 17 times -- four times on CSTV, once on CBS, once on Fox Sports Net and 11 times on either ESPN or ESPN 2.
Ilan Ben-Hanan, ESPN's senior director of programming and acquisitions for college basketball, said Memphis is now one of the country's elite teams in terms of national television appeal.
"I think they have stepped above the crowd based on their players, their coach, the team they have and their take-on-all-comers philosophy," Ben-Hanan said. "They have a very charismatic coach that people like to root for or perhaps root against. They're not afraid to go on the road and play big-nonconference games or bring in anyone (to FedExForum).
"We love high-profile games, and Memphis plays a lot of them."
Here's how much that kind of television exposure, combined with the recent success, has changed the Tigers' program.
When Calipari first started recruiting Chris Douglas-Roberts, now a sophomore guard, the only thing the Detroit native knew about Memphis is that "Elvis was from there," Douglas-Roberts said.
Last Saturday, Memphis secured a verbal commitment from Derrick Rose, the nation's No. 1 point guard and perhaps the best high school player Calipari has recruited.
Rose, who's from Chicago, has no connection to the city of Memphis and no connection to the school. At the press conference announcing his college destination, Rose's brother, Reggie Rose, said Derrick hadn't thought about going to Memphis until he saw the Tigers play in last year's NCAA Tournament.
"They love our style of play. If you know how to play, Coach lets you play," Douglas-Roberts said. "There's recruits from everywhere that know about us now."
There is, of course, a possibility that Memphis could have a very good season without duplicating its Elite Eight run. But even if that happens, Calipari will be able to look forward to 2007-08, when Rose's arrival will bring even more attention and another legitimate opportunity to make a national splash.
"Kids from around the country, they're seeing guys being drafted, but they're also seeing that we're on national television, we're competing for national titles," Calipari said. "That's what they want. But you've got to have a program that is at that level, competing at that level."
And now, it appears, Memphis is finally there.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The opener
Opponent: Jackson St.
When, where: Thursday, 7 p.m., at FedExForum
TV: WLMT (30)
Tickets: Call 678-2331, go to gotigersgo.com
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sportable.com's Memphis Tigers Review
Sportable.com evaluates the AP Top 25.
http://www.sportable.com/2006/11/10/ncaa-basketball-preview-day-3/
14. Memphis: The best news all offseason was that coach John Capliari is staying put. The bad news is the Tigers lost Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams, and Darius Washington, three players that combined for 43 points a night. They may not be a #1 seed again or advance into the Elite Eight again, but they should be the powerhouse in Conference USA again. Memphis does have a trio of talented sophomores in Chris Douglas Roberts, Antonio Anderson, and Robert Dozier. I think they’re a bit overrated in this poll, they should probably be in the 20s somewhere. I wouldn’t expect this team to win 33 games again but Capliari is going to keep them at the top of Conference USA.
http://www.sportable.com/2006/11/10/ncaa-basketball-preview-day-3/
14. Memphis: The best news all offseason was that coach John Capliari is staying put. The bad news is the Tigers lost Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams, and Darius Washington, three players that combined for 43 points a night. They may not be a #1 seed again or advance into the Elite Eight again, but they should be the powerhouse in Conference USA again. Memphis does have a trio of talented sophomores in Chris Douglas Roberts, Antonio Anderson, and Robert Dozier. I think they’re a bit overrated in this poll, they should probably be in the 20s somewhere. I wouldn’t expect this team to win 33 games again but Capliari is going to keep them at the top of Conference USA.
Four Questions to the Tigers Season
Well, today is the day.
As we start the regular season there are a number of questions that will be answered this year that will basically determine if this Memphis Tigers team can be as successful that last year's 33-4 team. I plan to cut the season down into five components. I'll do a review after each 1/4th of the season and then the postseason will be the 5th component.
So let's get started.............
1) Will the Tigers develop a consistent outside shooting threat? I believe we will definitely see a lot of zone defense from competitors. Cal will try to run the ball to limit the number of possessions requiring a 1/2 court offense, but against the likes of UCLA, Arizona, Tennessee and Houston the Tigers will have to prove they can hit the 3. The Tigers need to average 35% or better from the 3 and at least two major players need to average 39% or better.
2) Will Willie Kemp develop into a floor leader who has an assist to turnover ratio better than 1.2? The Tigers got away with not having a point guard last year and with having more turnovers than assists. I'm not so sure that lightening can strike twice. It will be better to develop a point guard who can dish consistently. While I don't expect Kemp to average more than 22 minutes a game, he needs to average 4 assists or more and less than 3 turnovers per game.
3) Will CDR and/or Antonio Anderson average more than 15 points per game? Someone must step up and probably both of these guys need to average 13 to 17 points per game. If this team averages 80 points a game, these two guys need to average 3/8th of the offense - 30 points.
4) Will Joey Dorsey develop a scoring game outside of 2 feet? Let's face it, Joey was fine taking out the trash last year. Also against lesser competition, Joey was good (though he did have a great second half against Houston in the C-USA conference semi-finals). However, Joey needs to develop a four to six foot shot and he must improve his free throw shooting to 60%.
Friday, November 10, 2006
WHBQ 560 Radio's Eli Savoie Reporting that Tiger Recruit Will Bogan from Bell City, MO Will Not Attend Memphis Next Fall
Quote from Eli's blog
http://elisavoie.blogspot.com/2006/11/horn-tooting-and-picks.html
"We also told you yesterday that Will Bogan, the University of Memphis basketball commitment from Bell City, Mo. will not be signing with the Tigers. Bogan verbally committed last year, but will now look at other options, will not sign anywhere at this time, and is about 90% certain not to be coming to Memphis. Bogan would like to play for a team and in a conference that fits the his style of play better. He is 6'11" and 300 pounds. He wants to play for someone where he can bang down low, and not a team that runs up and down like the Tigers. I know a lot of you have wondered about Bogan's status. This is good information I'm giving you from a good source close to Bogan."
http://elisavoie.blogspot.com/2006/11/horn-tooting-and-picks.html
"We also told you yesterday that Will Bogan, the University of Memphis basketball commitment from Bell City, Mo. will not be signing with the Tigers. Bogan verbally committed last year, but will now look at other options, will not sign anywhere at this time, and is about 90% certain not to be coming to Memphis. Bogan would like to play for a team and in a conference that fits the his style of play better. He is 6'11" and 300 pounds. He wants to play for someone where he can bang down low, and not a team that runs up and down like the Tigers. I know a lot of you have wondered about Bogan's status. This is good information I'm giving you from a good source close to Bogan."
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thoughts on the CBU Game
In recap there are a few items that stand out about the CBU exhibition.
1) While the Princeton offense is fun to watch, I don't believe the Tigers will face an opponent this year in the regular season running this offense or a version of it. To my knowledge the major programs running this style include Northwestern, Air Force and Samford. NC State did run it prior to Sidney Lowe's arrival this summer, but I doubt it will be carried over.
2) I was very happy to see CDR have the strong overall game, but the turnovers were excessive at seven. Overall, one would have to give him an A- for the game. 7 of 9 from the field including 2 of 2 from 3 pt range, 5 boards, 5 assists and the 7 TOs. Very nice.
3) Speaking of nice, how about the spark from Freshman Tre'Von Willis who wasn't even in the rotation. Here is making the most of very limited minutes - 1 of 1 from the field, 5 of 6 from the line, 4 boards and a steal in SIX minutes (ok, four personal fouls - hey, he's a freshman).
4) I thought Pierre Niles was ok considering he is just back from knee surgery and he is clearly a backup at this point. Of course, if Joey Dorsey continues his prior tendancies to get in foul trouble, we may need Niles to step up sooner than later.
Rose Creates a Glut at PG for Tigers in '07-'08
Three may be a crowd for Tigers
Blue chipper will create point guard glut; Calipari says it's OK
By Dan Wolken
November 9, 2006
When Derrick Rose, the nation's No. 1 high school point guard, announced Saturday that he'd attend the University of Memphis next year, it was cause for most Tigers fans to celebrate a landmark commitment in program history.
For others, however, it was reason to prove that sometimes even good news isn't good enough. A small segment of the Memphis fan base bombarded Internet message boards and talk radio shows, worried about how Rose's arrival will affect freshman point guard Willie Kemp.
But as Kemp explained Wednesday, that concern was misplaced.
"Man, I feel good," Kemp said. "I want great players here. If Derrick is a point guard, we can work together -- me, him and Andre (Allen). We're trying to win. It's not about who's playing or whatever. We're just trying to win a national championship."
To be fair, Memphis' situation will be somewhat unusual in 2006-07.
A year ago, when Kemp chose Memphis after an intense recruiting battle with Tennessee, it seemed Memphis coach John Calipari would be able to cross "elite point guard" off his wish list for the next few years.
But it didn't stop Calipari from pursuing Rose, a consensus top-five player nationally who selected Memphis over Indiana and Illinois this past weekend.
In the process, he became arguably the most highly regarded prep player to ever pick the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Memphis will also have junior Andre Allen, who is technically a walk-on but will play scholarship minutes this year and next.
Though Calipari can't comment specifically about Rose until Memphis receives his signed letter of intent -- it's expected to arrive by mail within the week -- he said there's no reason two point guards can't star for the Tigers.
That's because Memphis' offense is based on a driving motion, meaning there's always room for quick players who can handle the ball and get to the rim off the dribble.
"You can have two point guards playing," Calipari said.
"I told Willie that. You can have two point guards and a backup point guard and still be fine, and the guys that are supposed to be playing will play. This offense was designed for two point guards and two perimeter guys."
Calipari has already started using two point guards at once. Though he said Wednesday that Kemp will start the Tigers' Nov. 16 opener against Jackson State with Allen coming off the bench, it's possible they could be on the floor at the same time, as they were for a stretch in Monday's exhibition game against Christian Brothers University.
"I feel like we both can play at the same time," Kemp said.
"Me and Andre played at the same time Monday night, so yeah, we can play together. It doesn't matter who's out there playing point guard. I think he can come in and play because he's a great player, and if both of us are out there on the floor, I think it will help our team out a lot."
Kemp, in fact, liked the idea so much that he actively helped recruit Rose when he was in town on his official visit Oct. 13.
"He was with me all the time," Kemp said.
"He stayed over at the house with me. We talk on the phone. We're really close. I think he's a great player. We've got good players here, and with him coming next year, it's going to be helping our team out."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Blue chipper will create point guard glut; Calipari says it's OK
By Dan Wolken
November 9, 2006
When Derrick Rose, the nation's No. 1 high school point guard, announced Saturday that he'd attend the University of Memphis next year, it was cause for most Tigers fans to celebrate a landmark commitment in program history.
For others, however, it was reason to prove that sometimes even good news isn't good enough. A small segment of the Memphis fan base bombarded Internet message boards and talk radio shows, worried about how Rose's arrival will affect freshman point guard Willie Kemp.
But as Kemp explained Wednesday, that concern was misplaced.
"Man, I feel good," Kemp said. "I want great players here. If Derrick is a point guard, we can work together -- me, him and Andre (Allen). We're trying to win. It's not about who's playing or whatever. We're just trying to win a national championship."
To be fair, Memphis' situation will be somewhat unusual in 2006-07.
A year ago, when Kemp chose Memphis after an intense recruiting battle with Tennessee, it seemed Memphis coach John Calipari would be able to cross "elite point guard" off his wish list for the next few years.
But it didn't stop Calipari from pursuing Rose, a consensus top-five player nationally who selected Memphis over Indiana and Illinois this past weekend.
In the process, he became arguably the most highly regarded prep player to ever pick the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Memphis will also have junior Andre Allen, who is technically a walk-on but will play scholarship minutes this year and next.
Though Calipari can't comment specifically about Rose until Memphis receives his signed letter of intent -- it's expected to arrive by mail within the week -- he said there's no reason two point guards can't star for the Tigers.
That's because Memphis' offense is based on a driving motion, meaning there's always room for quick players who can handle the ball and get to the rim off the dribble.
"You can have two point guards playing," Calipari said.
"I told Willie that. You can have two point guards and a backup point guard and still be fine, and the guys that are supposed to be playing will play. This offense was designed for two point guards and two perimeter guys."
Calipari has already started using two point guards at once. Though he said Wednesday that Kemp will start the Tigers' Nov. 16 opener against Jackson State with Allen coming off the bench, it's possible they could be on the floor at the same time, as they were for a stretch in Monday's exhibition game against Christian Brothers University.
"I feel like we both can play at the same time," Kemp said.
"Me and Andre played at the same time Monday night, so yeah, we can play together. It doesn't matter who's out there playing point guard. I think he can come in and play because he's a great player, and if both of us are out there on the floor, I think it will help our team out a lot."
Kemp, in fact, liked the idea so much that he actively helped recruit Rose when he was in town on his official visit Oct. 13.
"He was with me all the time," Kemp said.
"He stayed over at the house with me. We talk on the phone. We're really close. I think he's a great player. We've got good players here, and with him coming next year, it's going to be helping our team out."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Camp Report
Tiger basketball camp report
November 9, 2006
Taggart surgery
Even if he were completely healthy, Tigers center Shawn Taggart wouldn't have been able to play this year due to NCAA transfer rules.
So in that sense, it's somewhat redundant that Taggart had season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee.
Taggart suffered the injury in a pick-up game before the Tigers officially began practice Oct. 13. Though Taggart would have been eligible to practice this year, the decision to have surgery was an easy one since Taggart had to sit out this year anyway after transferring from Iowa State.
The time frame for Taggart's full recovery is 6-to-8 months, meaning he'll have plenty of time to get ready for the 2007-08 season. Tigers coach John Calipari expects Taggart, a former top-50 recruit, to have a big impact once he gets healthy.
"He'll be an ideal (center) for us because he's 6-11," Calipari said. "He's great around the rim. He'll block shots. He's active. He'll be great on the back of a press."
Side trip
The Tigers took Tuesday off, which allowed Calipari to take some members of his coaching staff to Lubbock, Texas, where they observed Bobby Knight run practice at Texas Tech.
Calipari said it was the first time he's seen a Knight practice. In return, Calipari gave Knight film of a Memphis practice for him to critique.
"He's the best," Calipari said. "Their practice is really physical, the practice is really intense. There's no drag time, and every player does what they're supposed to be doing ... It was good for me to see."
Making progress
Senior guard Jeremy Hunt is the most experienced player on the Tigers' roster. He's a novice, however, at running the Tigers' offense.
Last season, when the Tigers installed a new system based on Pepperdine coach Vance Walberg's driving motion, Hunt wasn't a member of the team, sidelined for off-court issues.
Calipari took a moment out of practice Wednesday, however, to point out that Hunt is finally getting a feel for things.
"Right now I'm just thinking easy play every time," Hunt said. "It's getting easier every day.
"It's a whole lot different from seeing it, and saying, 'Oh that's easy,' and then going out and actually running it with defense on you. It's not that easy just by watching it on the sidelines."
Etc.
Center Joey Dorsey continues to be sidelined by a sprained toe on his right foot. He missed his third straight practice Wednesday and spent some time wearing a protective boot. ...
Wednesday was the beginning of the week-long signing period for recruits, but the Memphis coaching staff doesn't expect to get paperwork mailed back from the Tigers' two commitments -- point guard Derrick Rose and shooting guard Jeff Robinson -- until later in the week. Rose and Robinson are the only two players expected to sign in the fall period.
-- Dan Wolken
November 9, 2006
Taggart surgery
Even if he were completely healthy, Tigers center Shawn Taggart wouldn't have been able to play this year due to NCAA transfer rules.
So in that sense, it's somewhat redundant that Taggart had season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee.
Taggart suffered the injury in a pick-up game before the Tigers officially began practice Oct. 13. Though Taggart would have been eligible to practice this year, the decision to have surgery was an easy one since Taggart had to sit out this year anyway after transferring from Iowa State.
The time frame for Taggart's full recovery is 6-to-8 months, meaning he'll have plenty of time to get ready for the 2007-08 season. Tigers coach John Calipari expects Taggart, a former top-50 recruit, to have a big impact once he gets healthy.
"He'll be an ideal (center) for us because he's 6-11," Calipari said. "He's great around the rim. He'll block shots. He's active. He'll be great on the back of a press."
Side trip
The Tigers took Tuesday off, which allowed Calipari to take some members of his coaching staff to Lubbock, Texas, where they observed Bobby Knight run practice at Texas Tech.
Calipari said it was the first time he's seen a Knight practice. In return, Calipari gave Knight film of a Memphis practice for him to critique.
"He's the best," Calipari said. "Their practice is really physical, the practice is really intense. There's no drag time, and every player does what they're supposed to be doing ... It was good for me to see."
Making progress
Senior guard Jeremy Hunt is the most experienced player on the Tigers' roster. He's a novice, however, at running the Tigers' offense.
Last season, when the Tigers installed a new system based on Pepperdine coach Vance Walberg's driving motion, Hunt wasn't a member of the team, sidelined for off-court issues.
Calipari took a moment out of practice Wednesday, however, to point out that Hunt is finally getting a feel for things.
"Right now I'm just thinking easy play every time," Hunt said. "It's getting easier every day.
"It's a whole lot different from seeing it, and saying, 'Oh that's easy,' and then going out and actually running it with defense on you. It's not that easy just by watching it on the sidelines."
Etc.
Center Joey Dorsey continues to be sidelined by a sprained toe on his right foot. He missed his third straight practice Wednesday and spent some time wearing a protective boot. ...
Wednesday was the beginning of the week-long signing period for recruits, but the Memphis coaching staff doesn't expect to get paperwork mailed back from the Tigers' two commitments -- point guard Derrick Rose and shooting guard Jeff Robinson -- until later in the week. Rose and Robinson are the only two players expected to sign in the fall period.
-- Dan Wolken
All 30 Regular Season Games On National, Regional or Local TV
All 30 Memphis Basketball Regular Season Games On Television
Regional, local television packages finalized
Nov. 7, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis head coach John Calipari has been saying for the last couple of weeks that all Tiger basketball games will be televised, and now it's official. Last month, it was announced that 17 of Memphis' 30 games are on national television, and Tuesday, the rest of the Tiger television package was released.
Memphis is scheduled to appear regionally on Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) seven times and locally on WLMT/CW 30 six times.
The local WLMT/CW 30 (channel 8 on the Comcast basic cable package) slate tips off Nov. 16 with the Tigers' season opener versus Jackson State. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. The five other WLMT/CW 30 games are Arkansas State Nov. 29, Manhattan Dec. 2, Marshall Dec. 4, Austin Peay Dec. 14 and Lamar Dec. 28.
The CSS (channel 6 on the Comcast basic cable package) regional television schedule begins with Memphis' Dec. 9 contest against Mid-South rival Ole Miss. Game time is 12:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. The other CSS games are Middle Tennessee Dec. 23, Southern Miss Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, Tulsa Jan. 24, UCF Jan. 31 and Tulane Feb. 10.
The Tigers, ranked No. 14 in both national preseason polls, completed their exhibition schedule with wins over LeMoyne-Owen (113-63) and Christian Brothers (78-47). Memphis returns to action Nov. 16 against Jackson State in the Tigers' regular season opener. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. Following the season opener, Memphis travels to Hawaii to play in the 2006 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Nov. 20-22.
WLMT/CW 30 Games
Nov. 16 Jackson State 7 pm
Nov. 29 Arkansas State 7 pm
Dec. 2 Manhattan 12 pm
Dec. 4 Marshall 7 pm
Dec. 14 Austin Peay 8 pm
Dec. 28 Lamar 7 pm
CSS Games
Dec. 9 Ole Miss 12 pm
Dec. 23 Middle Tennessee 12 pm
Jan. 13 at Southern Miss 7 pm
Jan. 24 Tulsa 8 pm
Jan. 27 Southern Miss 12 pm
Jan. 31 at UCF 6:30 pm
Feb. 10 Tulane 7 pm
Regional, local television packages finalized
Nov. 7, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis head coach John Calipari has been saying for the last couple of weeks that all Tiger basketball games will be televised, and now it's official. Last month, it was announced that 17 of Memphis' 30 games are on national television, and Tuesday, the rest of the Tiger television package was released.
Memphis is scheduled to appear regionally on Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) seven times and locally on WLMT/CW 30 six times.
The local WLMT/CW 30 (channel 8 on the Comcast basic cable package) slate tips off Nov. 16 with the Tigers' season opener versus Jackson State. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. The five other WLMT/CW 30 games are Arkansas State Nov. 29, Manhattan Dec. 2, Marshall Dec. 4, Austin Peay Dec. 14 and Lamar Dec. 28.
The CSS (channel 6 on the Comcast basic cable package) regional television schedule begins with Memphis' Dec. 9 contest against Mid-South rival Ole Miss. Game time is 12:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. The other CSS games are Middle Tennessee Dec. 23, Southern Miss Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, Tulsa Jan. 24, UCF Jan. 31 and Tulane Feb. 10.
The Tigers, ranked No. 14 in both national preseason polls, completed their exhibition schedule with wins over LeMoyne-Owen (113-63) and Christian Brothers (78-47). Memphis returns to action Nov. 16 against Jackson State in the Tigers' regular season opener. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum. Following the season opener, Memphis travels to Hawaii to play in the 2006 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Nov. 20-22.
WLMT/CW 30 Games
Nov. 16 Jackson State 7 pm
Nov. 29 Arkansas State 7 pm
Dec. 2 Manhattan 12 pm
Dec. 4 Marshall 7 pm
Dec. 14 Austin Peay 8 pm
Dec. 28 Lamar 7 pm
CSS Games
Dec. 9 Ole Miss 12 pm
Dec. 23 Middle Tennessee 12 pm
Jan. 13 at Southern Miss 7 pm
Jan. 24 Tulsa 8 pm
Jan. 27 Southern Miss 12 pm
Jan. 31 at UCF 6:30 pm
Feb. 10 Tulane 7 pm
Calipari Weekly Radio Show
John Calipari Weekly Radio Show Starts Wednesday
Show, which airs on WREC 600AM, to be held at Newby's on Highland Avenue, Memphis
WREC does broadcast over the internet. Use the following link to listen to Cal's show http://www.wrecradio.com/main.html, ed.
Nov. 7, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - If you have questions for Memphis head coach John Calipari, then you can start asking them at his weekly radio show that begins Wednesday, Nov. 8. The weekly show, which airs on WREC 600AM, runs from 7-8 p.m. (CST) and is held at Newby's in the Highland Strip on Highland Avenue.
Forrest Goodman serves as the show's host.
Due to the Tommy West weekly show and basketball schedule conflicts, the early portion of Calipari's show may change days from week-to-week. Below is the early season schedule:
John Calipari Weekly Radio Show (7-8 pm CST/Newby's on Highland Avenue)
Week of Nov. 6-10 - Wednesday, Nov. 8
Week of Nov. 13-17 - Tuesday, Nov. 14
Week of Nov. 20-25 - No show due to Maui Invitational/Thanksgiving
Week of Nov. 27-Dec. 1 - Tuesday, Nov. 28
Week of Dec. 4-8 - TBA
Week of Dec. 11-15 - Monday, Dec. 11
Week of Dec. 18-24 -Monday, Dec. 18
Show, which airs on WREC 600AM, to be held at Newby's on Highland Avenue, Memphis
WREC does broadcast over the internet. Use the following link to listen to Cal's show http://www.wrecradio.com/main.html, ed.
Nov. 7, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - If you have questions for Memphis head coach John Calipari, then you can start asking them at his weekly radio show that begins Wednesday, Nov. 8. The weekly show, which airs on WREC 600AM, runs from 7-8 p.m. (CST) and is held at Newby's in the Highland Strip on Highland Avenue.
Forrest Goodman serves as the show's host.
Due to the Tommy West weekly show and basketball schedule conflicts, the early portion of Calipari's show may change days from week-to-week. Below is the early season schedule:
John Calipari Weekly Radio Show (7-8 pm CST/Newby's on Highland Avenue)
Week of Nov. 6-10 - Wednesday, Nov. 8
Week of Nov. 13-17 - Tuesday, Nov. 14
Week of Nov. 20-25 - No show due to Maui Invitational/Thanksgiving
Week of Nov. 27-Dec. 1 - Tuesday, Nov. 28
Week of Dec. 4-8 - TBA
Week of Dec. 11-15 - Monday, Dec. 11
Week of Dec. 18-24 -Monday, Dec. 18
Season Tickets Count at 13,306
Memphis Basketball Season Tickets Over 13,000
Season ticket packages still can be purchased through Nov. 15th
Nov. 8, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Excitement for Tiger basketball has energized the city of Memphis, and fans have responded by purchasing over 13,000 season tickets for the 2006-07 campaign, Director of Athletics R.C. Johnson announced Wednesday. The Tigers, ranked No. 14 in both national preseason polls, have 16 regular season contests scheduled for FedExForum.
"We are very fortunate at the University of Memphis to have strong fan support for all of our sports," said Johnson. "Men's basketball at the U of M has a long tradition of being one of the hardest places for a visiting team to gain a victory and that is partially due to Tiger fans packing the house at each home game. This year will be no exception, and I would personally like to thank our Tiger fans for buying season tickets."
The Memphis Athletic Ticket Office has sold 13,306 season tickets, with only Terrace Level packages remaining. The two Terrace Level packages available are $100 ($6.25 per game) and $195 ($12.20 per game), and no donations to the Tiger Scholarship Fund are needed. No season tickets remain for the Plaza and Club levels.
Fans can purchase season tickets through Nov. 15 by calling the Memphis Athletic Ticket Office at 678-2331 or by visiting the department's athletic web site at gotigersgo.com. Last year, Memphis sold 13,259 season tickets.
The Tigers open regular season play Nov. 16 against Jackson State at FedExForum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT).
Season ticket packages still can be purchased through Nov. 15th
Nov. 8, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Excitement for Tiger basketball has energized the city of Memphis, and fans have responded by purchasing over 13,000 season tickets for the 2006-07 campaign, Director of Athletics R.C. Johnson announced Wednesday. The Tigers, ranked No. 14 in both national preseason polls, have 16 regular season contests scheduled for FedExForum.
"We are very fortunate at the University of Memphis to have strong fan support for all of our sports," said Johnson. "Men's basketball at the U of M has a long tradition of being one of the hardest places for a visiting team to gain a victory and that is partially due to Tiger fans packing the house at each home game. This year will be no exception, and I would personally like to thank our Tiger fans for buying season tickets."
The Memphis Athletic Ticket Office has sold 13,306 season tickets, with only Terrace Level packages remaining. The two Terrace Level packages available are $100 ($6.25 per game) and $195 ($12.20 per game), and no donations to the Tiger Scholarship Fund are needed. No season tickets remain for the Plaza and Club levels.
Fans can purchase season tickets through Nov. 15 by calling the Memphis Athletic Ticket Office at 678-2331 or by visiting the department's athletic web site at gotigersgo.com. Last year, Memphis sold 13,259 season tickets.
The Tigers open regular season play Nov. 16 against Jackson State at FedExForum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT).
Commercial Appeal Recap on CBU Game
Taking control
Tigers pull away after real shaky first-half play
By Dan Wolken
November 7, 2006
No. 14 Memphis 78, CBU 47
When the Memphis Tigers trudged off the FedExForum floor at halftime Monday with a sloppy four-point lead over Christian Brothers University, nobody would have blamed the roughly 6,000 die-hards in attendance for suffering from flashbacks.
Two years ago, in an exhibition game against CBU, Memphis actually trailed at the half, didn't wrestle the lead away for good until roughly 12 minutes remained and struggled all night in an 11-point victory. In retrospect, the game was a harbinger of season-long problems for a dysfunctional team that came apart at the seams and never lived up to expectations.
Though the Tigers were in a similar battle Monday after 20 minutes, for Tigers coach John Calipari, the contrast between that team and his current one couldn't have been clearer. Instead of bickering and struggling against a Division 2 opponent, the Tigers shook off their sub-standard first half against CBU and dominated the second to punctuate a 78-47 victory in which Memphis seemed to get better by the minute.
"That was a great second half," Calipari said. "We took it right at them, and that's what we needed to see. So this was good."
Though Calipari stopped short of proclaiming the Tigers ready for their Nov. 16 regular- season opener against Jackson State, he saw more good than bad, especially in a 23-5 run to open the second half that put the game away.
With an efficient, effective full-court press that forced CBU into 29 turnovers, Memphis found a rhythm for the first time in two exhibition games and began to look like the team that The Associated Press ranked 14th in the preseason poll it released Monday.
After committing 12 turnovers in the first half, Memphis committed just six in the second. After going 0-for-8 from the 3-point line in the first, the Tigers made 4-of-11 in the second.
One good play, it seemed, led to another.
"We realize it's only the second game, and we're not going to be in midseason form, and we're still working some kinks out," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. "But in the second half, we looked good. If we play like that, we'll be great."
Although the Tigers had to adjust their lineups and substitution patterns with the absence of junior center Joey Dorsey (sprained toe), they seemed far more out-of-sorts and disorganized than they should have been early on.
Though CBU's slow-down, Princeton-style offense milked the clock and didn't allow Memphis to get up to full speed, that wasn't Memphis' biggest problem. Rather, it was allowing CBU six second-chance points and missing out on a handful of loose balls.
"The first half they came at us pretty tough," Tiger guard Jeremy Hunt said. "They slowed the game down and it seemed like we were out there lackadaisical, going through the motions. But once coach got on us at halftime, we picked it up, the press started working, we started making shots and we got it rolling."
Memphis also played the brand of energetic, lock-down defense that Calipari expects. Memphis recorded 19 steals and held CBU to 14-of-44 shooting, many of which were missed layups that occurred because the Buccaneers were forced to play faster than they're used to.
"Our kids battled," CBU coach Mike Nienaber said. "I think we just finally gave out. We just got banged around so much that it just finally took its toll I think. They're good. They're just so much more physical and so much quicker, and it finally just wore us down."
Unlike Memphis' first exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen, the Tigers got their dribble-drive offense untracked. Douglas-Roberts attacked the basket relentlessly and scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting while sophomore forward Robert Dozier scored 15 on 7-of-12 field goals.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Tigers pull away after real shaky first-half play
By Dan Wolken
November 7, 2006
No. 14 Memphis 78, CBU 47
When the Memphis Tigers trudged off the FedExForum floor at halftime Monday with a sloppy four-point lead over Christian Brothers University, nobody would have blamed the roughly 6,000 die-hards in attendance for suffering from flashbacks.
Two years ago, in an exhibition game against CBU, Memphis actually trailed at the half, didn't wrestle the lead away for good until roughly 12 minutes remained and struggled all night in an 11-point victory. In retrospect, the game was a harbinger of season-long problems for a dysfunctional team that came apart at the seams and never lived up to expectations.
Though the Tigers were in a similar battle Monday after 20 minutes, for Tigers coach John Calipari, the contrast between that team and his current one couldn't have been clearer. Instead of bickering and struggling against a Division 2 opponent, the Tigers shook off their sub-standard first half against CBU and dominated the second to punctuate a 78-47 victory in which Memphis seemed to get better by the minute.
"That was a great second half," Calipari said. "We took it right at them, and that's what we needed to see. So this was good."
Though Calipari stopped short of proclaiming the Tigers ready for their Nov. 16 regular- season opener against Jackson State, he saw more good than bad, especially in a 23-5 run to open the second half that put the game away.
With an efficient, effective full-court press that forced CBU into 29 turnovers, Memphis found a rhythm for the first time in two exhibition games and began to look like the team that The Associated Press ranked 14th in the preseason poll it released Monday.
After committing 12 turnovers in the first half, Memphis committed just six in the second. After going 0-for-8 from the 3-point line in the first, the Tigers made 4-of-11 in the second.
One good play, it seemed, led to another.
"We realize it's only the second game, and we're not going to be in midseason form, and we're still working some kinks out," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. "But in the second half, we looked good. If we play like that, we'll be great."
Although the Tigers had to adjust their lineups and substitution patterns with the absence of junior center Joey Dorsey (sprained toe), they seemed far more out-of-sorts and disorganized than they should have been early on.
Though CBU's slow-down, Princeton-style offense milked the clock and didn't allow Memphis to get up to full speed, that wasn't Memphis' biggest problem. Rather, it was allowing CBU six second-chance points and missing out on a handful of loose balls.
"The first half they came at us pretty tough," Tiger guard Jeremy Hunt said. "They slowed the game down and it seemed like we were out there lackadaisical, going through the motions. But once coach got on us at halftime, we picked it up, the press started working, we started making shots and we got it rolling."
Memphis also played the brand of energetic, lock-down defense that Calipari expects. Memphis recorded 19 steals and held CBU to 14-of-44 shooting, many of which were missed layups that occurred because the Buccaneers were forced to play faster than they're used to.
"Our kids battled," CBU coach Mike Nienaber said. "I think we just finally gave out. We just got banged around so much that it just finally took its toll I think. They're good. They're just so much more physical and so much quicker, and it finally just wore us down."
Unlike Memphis' first exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen, the Tigers got their dribble-drive offense untracked. Douglas-Roberts attacked the basket relentlessly and scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting while sophomore forward Robert Dozier scored 15 on 7-of-12 field goals.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Official Box Score - Memphis vs Christian Brothers
Official Basketball Box Score -- GAME TOTALS -- FINAL STATISTICS
Christian Brothers vs Memphis
11/06/06 7:00 pm at Memphis, Tenn. (FedExForum)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: Christian Brothers
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
23 Weybright, Kevin.... f 5-10 1-3 6-6 1 6 7 1 17 1 10 0 0 29
33 Brock, Adam......... f 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 15
41 Kohs, Nick.......... c 3-8 0-2 0-4 1 5 6 1 6 4 3 1 1 33
22 Peyton, Reggie...... g 3-9 1-2 3-3 3 3 6 3 10 0 2 0 1 32
31 Ray, Justin......... g 1-7 1-7 0-0 1 0 1 3 3 0 5 0 1 25
03 Shane, Brandon...... 0-3 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 1 14
10 Casiano, Roberto.... 1-1 0-0 4-4 0 2 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 4
12 Couvion, Kyle....... 1-4 1-3 0-1 0 1 1 2 3 3 2 0 2 25
13 Heim, Dylan......... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
15 Flynn, Colin........ 0-1 0-1 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 13
44 Welter, Zach........ 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
45 Brandenburg, Bill... 0-0 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 4
TEAM................ 1
Totals.............. 14-44 4-20 15-20 7 19 26 18 47 9 29 1 6 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 9-24 37.5% 2nd Half: 5-20 25.0% Game: 31.8% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-9 22.2% 2nd Half: 2-11 18.2% Game: 20.0% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 6-8 75.0% 2nd Half: 9-12 75.0% Game: 75.0% 3,1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Memphis
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
02 Dozier, Robert...... f 7-12 0-1 1-2 2 2 4 3 15 1 0 2 3 24
05 Hunt, Jeremy........ g 2-4 1-2 0-0 2 2 4 4 5 1 1 0 3 24
12 Anderson, Antonio... g 5-11 0-5 0-0 1 6 7 3 10 4 2 0 5 30
14 DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, C.. g 7-9 2-2 2-3 2 3 5 2 18 5 7 2 2 27
15 Allen, Andre........ g 1-6 0-3 1-5 0 1 1 1 3 3 3 0 2 22
00 Wade, Clyde......... 0-2 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3
01 Kemp, Willie........ 3-7 1-4 3-4 1 2 3 1 10 2 2 1 1 20
03 Willis, Tre'Von..... 1-1 0-0 5-6 1 3 4 4 7 0 0 0 1 6
04 Niles, Pierre....... 3-6 0-0 0-0 3 3 6 1 6 0 1 1 2 15
20 Mack, Doneal........ 1-3 0-2 2-2 1 0 1 2 4 1 1 0 0 16
30 Sandridge, Jared.... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
35 Bailey, Hashim...... 0-2 0-0 0-0 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 7
55 McGrady, Chance..... 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
TEAM................ 2 2
Totals.............. 30-63 4-19 14-24 16 25 41 24 78 17 18 6 19 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 13-31 41.9% 2nd Half: 17-32 53.1% Game: 47.6% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 0-8 0.0% 2nd Half: 4-11 36.4% Game: 21.1% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 4-6 66.7% 2nd Half: 10-18 55.6% Game: 58.3% 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Ted Hillary, James Hicks, Curtis Shaw
Technical fouls: Christian Brothers-TEAM. Memphis-None.
Attendance:
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
Christian Brothers............ 26 21 - 47
Memphis....................... 30 48 - 78
Points in the paint-CBU 16,MEM 52. Points off turnovers-CBU 11,MEM 34.
2nd chance points-CBU 8,MEM 13. Fast break points-CBU 3,MEM 15.
Bench points-CBU 11,MEM 27. Score tied-0 times. Lead changed-0 times.
Last FG-CBU 2nd-02:58, MEM 2nd-00:00.
Largest lead-CBU None, MEM by 35 2nd-05:24.
Christian Brothers vs Memphis
11/06/06 7:00 pm at Memphis, Tenn. (FedExForum)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: Christian Brothers
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
23 Weybright, Kevin.... f 5-10 1-3 6-6 1 6 7 1 17 1 10 0 0 29
33 Brock, Adam......... f 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 15
41 Kohs, Nick.......... c 3-8 0-2 0-4 1 5 6 1 6 4 3 1 1 33
22 Peyton, Reggie...... g 3-9 1-2 3-3 3 3 6 3 10 0 2 0 1 32
31 Ray, Justin......... g 1-7 1-7 0-0 1 0 1 3 3 0 5 0 1 25
03 Shane, Brandon...... 0-3 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 1 14
10 Casiano, Roberto.... 1-1 0-0 4-4 0 2 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 4
12 Couvion, Kyle....... 1-4 1-3 0-1 0 1 1 2 3 3 2 0 2 25
13 Heim, Dylan......... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
15 Flynn, Colin........ 0-1 0-1 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 13
44 Welter, Zach........ 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
45 Brandenburg, Bill... 0-0 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 4
TEAM................ 1
Totals.............. 14-44 4-20 15-20 7 19 26 18 47 9 29 1 6 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 9-24 37.5% 2nd Half: 5-20 25.0% Game: 31.8% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-9 22.2% 2nd Half: 2-11 18.2% Game: 20.0% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 6-8 75.0% 2nd Half: 9-12 75.0% Game: 75.0% 3,1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Memphis
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
02 Dozier, Robert...... f 7-12 0-1 1-2 2 2 4 3 15 1 0 2 3 24
05 Hunt, Jeremy........ g 2-4 1-2 0-0 2 2 4 4 5 1 1 0 3 24
12 Anderson, Antonio... g 5-11 0-5 0-0 1 6 7 3 10 4 2 0 5 30
14 DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, C.. g 7-9 2-2 2-3 2 3 5 2 18 5 7 2 2 27
15 Allen, Andre........ g 1-6 0-3 1-5 0 1 1 1 3 3 3 0 2 22
00 Wade, Clyde......... 0-2 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3
01 Kemp, Willie........ 3-7 1-4 3-4 1 2 3 1 10 2 2 1 1 20
03 Willis, Tre'Von..... 1-1 0-0 5-6 1 3 4 4 7 0 0 0 1 6
04 Niles, Pierre....... 3-6 0-0 0-0 3 3 6 1 6 0 1 1 2 15
20 Mack, Doneal........ 1-3 0-2 2-2 1 0 1 2 4 1 1 0 0 16
30 Sandridge, Jared.... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
35 Bailey, Hashim...... 0-2 0-0 0-0 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 7
55 McGrady, Chance..... 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
TEAM................ 2 2
Totals.............. 30-63 4-19 14-24 16 25 41 24 78 17 18 6 19 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 13-31 41.9% 2nd Half: 17-32 53.1% Game: 47.6% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 0-8 0.0% 2nd Half: 4-11 36.4% Game: 21.1% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 4-6 66.7% 2nd Half: 10-18 55.6% Game: 58.3% 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Ted Hillary, James Hicks, Curtis Shaw
Technical fouls: Christian Brothers-TEAM. Memphis-None.
Attendance:
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
Christian Brothers............ 26 21 - 47
Memphis....................... 30 48 - 78
Points in the paint-CBU 16,MEM 52. Points off turnovers-CBU 11,MEM 34.
2nd chance points-CBU 8,MEM 13. Fast break points-CBU 3,MEM 15.
Bench points-CBU 11,MEM 27. Score tied-0 times. Lead changed-0 times.
Last FG-CBU 2nd-02:58, MEM 2nd-00:00.
Largest lead-CBU None, MEM by 35 2nd-05:24.
Memphis Takes Christian Brothers University 78-47 in Their Final Exhibition Game
Memphis Defeats Christian Brothers 78-47 In Exhibition Action MondayDouglas-Roberts led the No. 14/14 Tigers with 18 points.
Nov. 6, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sophomore Chris Douglas-Roberts scored a game-high 18 points and No. 14/14 Memphis used a 20-2 run to open the second half en route to a 78-47 exhibition victory over Christian Brothers Monday at FedExForum. Kevin Weybright led the Buccaneers with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Tigers held a narrow 30-26 lead at the intermission, but exploded with a 20-2 spurt in the first seven minutes of the second half to take a 50-28 lead and control of the contest. Robert Dozier paced the run with six points, while Jeremy Hunt and Douglas-Roberts each added five points.
After a Reggie Peyton three-pointer ended the Tigers' first run, Memphis put together another 16-0 spurt to take a commanding 66-31 advantage with 5:24 left. Douglas-Roberts and Willie Kemp each hit a trey to ignite the run.
The first half was close throughout, as the Tigers managed only one double-digit advantage at 22-11 with 6:19 left before halftime. Weybright kept the Buccaneers close, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the first half. Memphis held a 30-22 lead with just over a minute remaining, but Nick Kohs and Weybright netted consecutive hoops to cut the Memphis lead to 30-26 at the break.
Also scoring in double figures for the Tigers were Dozier with 15 points and Kemp and Antonio Anderson each with 10 points. Anderson led the Tigers on the glass with seven boards. In his first game action since having his knee scoped Oct. 16, freshman Pierre Niles had six points and six boards in 15 minutes of action. The Tigers return to action Nov. 16 when they host Jackson State in their regular season opener at FedExForum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT). Following the season opener, Memphis travels to Hawaii to participate in the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Nov. 20-22.
Nov. 6, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sophomore Chris Douglas-Roberts scored a game-high 18 points and No. 14/14 Memphis used a 20-2 run to open the second half en route to a 78-47 exhibition victory over Christian Brothers Monday at FedExForum. Kevin Weybright led the Buccaneers with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Tigers held a narrow 30-26 lead at the intermission, but exploded with a 20-2 spurt in the first seven minutes of the second half to take a 50-28 lead and control of the contest. Robert Dozier paced the run with six points, while Jeremy Hunt and Douglas-Roberts each added five points.
After a Reggie Peyton three-pointer ended the Tigers' first run, Memphis put together another 16-0 spurt to take a commanding 66-31 advantage with 5:24 left. Douglas-Roberts and Willie Kemp each hit a trey to ignite the run.
The first half was close throughout, as the Tigers managed only one double-digit advantage at 22-11 with 6:19 left before halftime. Weybright kept the Buccaneers close, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the first half. Memphis held a 30-22 lead with just over a minute remaining, but Nick Kohs and Weybright netted consecutive hoops to cut the Memphis lead to 30-26 at the break.
Also scoring in double figures for the Tigers were Dozier with 15 points and Kemp and Antonio Anderson each with 10 points. Anderson led the Tigers on the glass with seven boards. In his first game action since having his knee scoped Oct. 16, freshman Pierre Niles had six points and six boards in 15 minutes of action. The Tigers return to action Nov. 16 when they host Jackson State in their regular season opener at FedExForum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT). Following the season opener, Memphis travels to Hawaii to participate in the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Nov. 20-22.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
My thoughts on Recruiting
Just when I thought Cal might have a sub-Top 20 recruiting class he pulls off what is arguably his most prized recruit yet since coming to Memphis. Certainly both Darius Washington and Dajuan Wagner were top notch, but Derrick Rose is the highest profile to date.
Imagine a program where you as a fan and an analyst wonder how your going to play three point guards - Rose (a freshman to be next year), Kemp (a sophomore next year) and Allen (a senior next year). At this point, who cares..........nice problem to have.
The fans who believe the Memphis program goes on without a hitch if Cal was gone are nuts. Yes, Memphis has tradition, but not really on a national scale. If you poll people in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Atlanta, we probably aren't mentioned in the same group as Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, Indiana and Duke. As a storied program we are probably just outside of the top 20.
I don't believe fans are understanding the impact of the weaker Conference USA. When Louisville, Cincy and Marquette bolted for the Big East, it was a dagger in the heart for Memphis. We need those programs when we are down. We are very fortunate that Cal had this program in the position it was in 18 months ago when the defection came.
Memphis can survive and thrive like UNLV in 1980's and 1990's under Tark the Shark (please no felony convictions) even being in a lesser conference, but staying on top is very hard without the support of a major conference.
Cal is a recruiting star and Memphis can stay in the national spotlight as long as the likes of a Derrick Rose hit the program every three to four years. If Cal can continually create a Top 15 class, maintain the media spotlight and play a national, competitive schedule, Memphis will thrive.
The next step toward becoming a Top 15 to 20 storied program like Arizona, Connecticut, Louisville, and Georgetown is some consistent trips to the elite eight and beyond.
Camp Report
Tiger basketball camp report
November 5, 2006
List them in good condition
A year ago, John Calipari said, he watched his team in preseason practices and wondered whether his players were in good enough physical condition to play at the rapid-fire tempo he envisioned.
But once the actual games started, conditioning turned out to be one of Memphis' biggest advantages.
"We went to play Alabama," Calipari said, "and they (Alabama) just died."
Calipari finds himself in a similar predicament this year. After Memphis' exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen on Thursday, Calipari expressed some concern that his team wasn't in shape yet.
By Saturday, however, Calipari had re-evaluated his position.
"I'm just demanding," he said. "When you get that rotation of eight guys and they know when they're going in and playing, it will stay high. We're not in midseason shape, but for being in the first week of November, I'm pleased."
Sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said part of what makes it look like Memphis is behind on conditioning is that there's almost no way to simulate a full-speed Calipari practice in the summer.
Thus, players tend to tire out at the end of practice early in the season.
"It's really hard, and everybody's bodies are wearing down a little bit, but that's what happens in basketball," Anderson said. "You've got to push through it, and that's what we've got to do.
"I don't think you can do it in the summer."
Scouting report
Memphis spent part of Saturday's practice working on how to defend the Princeton offense because that's what the Tigers expect to see in Monday's exhibition game against Christian Brothers.
Calipari cautioned his team that CBU could very well burn the Tigers with backdoor layups if they didn't take preparations for Monday's game seriously.
"They're well-coached, and they run Princeton," Calipari said. "One year they were up one at half, and we ended up winning by eight and it was an absolute war."
Injury report
Junior center Joey Dorsey sat out Saturday's practice due to a sprained toe. Though Dorsey was wearing a boot on his right foot, he should be ready to go Monday, Calipari said.
Dorsey suffered the injury Friday when a teammate stepped on his foot but finished the practice anyway.
Anderson sat out most of Saturday's practice after suffering what he speculated was a strained left calf during a drill. Initial indications were that the injury wasn't serious.
-- Dan Wolken
November 5, 2006
List them in good condition
A year ago, John Calipari said, he watched his team in preseason practices and wondered whether his players were in good enough physical condition to play at the rapid-fire tempo he envisioned.
But once the actual games started, conditioning turned out to be one of Memphis' biggest advantages.
"We went to play Alabama," Calipari said, "and they (Alabama) just died."
Calipari finds himself in a similar predicament this year. After Memphis' exhibition game against LeMoyne-Owen on Thursday, Calipari expressed some concern that his team wasn't in shape yet.
By Saturday, however, Calipari had re-evaluated his position.
"I'm just demanding," he said. "When you get that rotation of eight guys and they know when they're going in and playing, it will stay high. We're not in midseason shape, but for being in the first week of November, I'm pleased."
Sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said part of what makes it look like Memphis is behind on conditioning is that there's almost no way to simulate a full-speed Calipari practice in the summer.
Thus, players tend to tire out at the end of practice early in the season.
"It's really hard, and everybody's bodies are wearing down a little bit, but that's what happens in basketball," Anderson said. "You've got to push through it, and that's what we've got to do.
"I don't think you can do it in the summer."
Scouting report
Memphis spent part of Saturday's practice working on how to defend the Princeton offense because that's what the Tigers expect to see in Monday's exhibition game against Christian Brothers.
Calipari cautioned his team that CBU could very well burn the Tigers with backdoor layups if they didn't take preparations for Monday's game seriously.
"They're well-coached, and they run Princeton," Calipari said. "One year they were up one at half, and we ended up winning by eight and it was an absolute war."
Injury report
Junior center Joey Dorsey sat out Saturday's practice due to a sprained toe. Though Dorsey was wearing a boot on his right foot, he should be ready to go Monday, Calipari said.
Dorsey suffered the injury Friday when a teammate stepped on his foot but finished the practice anyway.
Anderson sat out most of Saturday's practice after suffering what he speculated was a strained left calf during a drill. Initial indications were that the injury wasn't serious.
-- Dan Wolken
Color This Rose Tiger Blue
Color this Rose Tiger Blue
Chicago point-guard prodigy commits to UofM
By Dan Wolken
November 5, 2006
Memphis, meet your newest basketball superstar.
His name is Derrick Rose, he's one of the top five high school players in the country, and he said Saturday night at a news conference in his hometown of Chicago that he intends to play college basketball for John Calipari at the University of Memphis.
If Rose follows through with his non-binding verbal commitment and signs a letter of intent once the signing period begins Wednesday, he will join Dajuan Wagner and Penny Hardaway among the most highly rated recruits to ever attend Memphis.
Rose, a 6-2, 180-pound point guard, chose the Tigers over Indiana and Illinois.
"Before I made a decision, I visited my top three schools," Rose said. "I tried to evaluate the players, the coaches and the environment I'd be living in.
"I didn't sleep last night. I knew what I was doing, and there was just no way I could sleep."
Per NCAA rules, Calipari can't comment on recruits until they sign.
Rose joins shooting guard Jeff Robinson, a top-100 recruit from New Jersey, in Memphis' incoming class for 2007. Also considered a part of that class is former top-50 recruit Shawn Taggart, a 6-10 transfer from Iowa State who is sitting out this season due to NCAA rules but will be eligible next season.
Assuming all of Memphis' underclassmen return, Rose will join a team that loses only one scholarship player: senior guard Jeremy Hunt.
Given that Memphis is ranked No. 14 in this season's ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll, it's reasonable to project that the addition of Rose will make the Tigers a preseason top-five team next year.
Rivals.com ranks Rose as the No. 3 player in the country overall and the top point guard, ahead of O.J. Mayo, who has not made a commitment.
NBAdraft.net projects Rose as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, which would mean one year at Memphis before heading to the pros.
One interesting question the Tigers will face is how to handle their sudden logjam at point guard. Memphis already has two starting-quality point guards in freshman Willie Kemp and junior Andre Allen, both of whom are expected to return next year.
Rose's commitment to Memphis ends a long recruiting battle in which very little information was made public before Saturday's announcement. Rose himself had said almost nothing publicly, assigning his brother, Reggie Rose, to be the family spokesman.
In August, Derrick Rose released a list of his top-five schools, which included Memphis, Kansas, DePaul, Indiana and UCLA.
By the time Rose made his official visit to Memphis on the weekend of Oct. 13, the field had been narrowed to Memphis and Indiana, where his friend and top recruit Eric Gordon had committed.
Then, on Oct. 27, Rose made a surprise visit to Illinois, which made the guessing game even more intense over the past week.
But in the end, all the factors that seemed to be working against Memphis -- primarily its affiliation in Conference USA and its distance from Chicago -- apparently didn't outweigh the Tigers' rising national status and the appeal of playing for Calipari in an NBA city where he'll get maximum exposure.
Rose also mentioned style of play and the presence of former NBA point guard Rod Strickland, who played at DePaul and has Chicago ties. Strickland joined the Tigers' staff this year as the director of student-athlete development.
"I love the environment, the coaches and the players," Rose said. "Who better to learn from and help me develop than Rod Strickland? They told me I would start at point guard, and that I'll be able to play my game."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Internet Comments on Rose, Future Backcourt and the Recruitment of Herb Pope
Post from arudefish on collegehoops.net
There was a genuine confidence coming from people that seemed to indicate that Rose was headed for Memphis, but Rose's visit to Illinois plus a big push late by Sampson made it somewhat uncertain.
This sets Memphis up to have three very talented PGs on their 2007-08 roster. It will be interesting to see how that works, but there's no doubt that Rose & Kemp are going to spend a bunch of time on the court together.
Rumor has it that Calipari is also making a late push for Herb Pope, a guy who could be a difference maker in the post for just about anybody, but also a guy about whom there are major character questions. Maryland seems to be the current frontrunner for Pope now, but today's Rose commit for Memphis provides some bait to lure Pope. I'd almost rather do without the endless character questions (we have enough of that in Memphis, whether real, perceived, or a little of both), but top-notch low block scorers are hard to come by.
Regardless, the Rose commit is definitely great news for Memphis, and sets up the Tigers to field a very special backcourt in '07-'08.
There was a genuine confidence coming from people that seemed to indicate that Rose was headed for Memphis, but Rose's visit to Illinois plus a big push late by Sampson made it somewhat uncertain.
This sets Memphis up to have three very talented PGs on their 2007-08 roster. It will be interesting to see how that works, but there's no doubt that Rose & Kemp are going to spend a bunch of time on the court together.
Rumor has it that Calipari is also making a late push for Herb Pope, a guy who could be a difference maker in the post for just about anybody, but also a guy about whom there are major character questions. Maryland seems to be the current frontrunner for Pope now, but today's Rose commit for Memphis provides some bait to lure Pope. I'd almost rather do without the endless character questions (we have enough of that in Memphis, whether real, perceived, or a little of both), but top-notch low block scorers are hard to come by.
Regardless, the Rose commit is definitely great news for Memphis, and sets up the Tigers to field a very special backcourt in '07-'08.
Camp Report
Tiger basketball camp report
November 4, 2006
Niles returns When freshman Pierre Niles first learned he would need arthroscopic surgery to clean up some cartilage in his right knee, the time frame given for a return was somewhere between four and six weeks.
"I really didn't want to hear that," Niles said. But after a diligent and demanding rehabilitation schedule, Niles returned to the court Friday fewer than three weeks removed from the Oct. 16 procedure. Though the 6-8, 280-pound Niles clearly wasn't in top shape, just having him back on the court so soon was a breakthrough for the former Ridgeway star.
"I'm stunned," Tigers coach John Calipari said. "I know that's probably the first time he's ever pushed through pain like that and kept his weight down and committed to something that way. Now he's just got to get his wind and all that stuff. It will be good to see him out there playing."
Niles' return is timely in light of center Kareem Cooper's indefinite suspension for a violation of team rules. Though Niles said he was still a little tentative about playing in Monday's exhibition against Christian Brothers, he's going to push himself to get back in shape for the Nov. 16 opener against Jackson State
As far as the knee itself, Niles reported no problems following Friday's workout.
"It's not sore," Niles said. "It's still tight a little bit, but when I start working it more, it will be better next week."
Boarding school
Though the Tigers out-rebounded LeMoyne-Owen 63-41 in their 113-63 exhibition victory Thursday, Calipari didn't feel their rebounding was up to standard.
LeMoyne-Owen got 17 offensive rebounds, which shouldn't have happened given the Tigers' size advantage.
Calipari devoted a significant part of Friday's practice to drills that emphasize rebounding.
"I wasn't happy," Calipari said. "When I went to that small lineup, they didn't rebound. Part of it was I had the small team and (freshman Hashim Bailey) on the floor together. When you have the small team with (junior Joey Dorsey), it's not that big an issue."
Etc.
The Tigers will practice today and Sunday at FedExForum. They had only practiced once there before Thursday's exhibition game, and Calipari said it was clear against LeMoyne-Owen that the Tigers needed to get a better feel for the building. ... Former Vanderbilt coach Jan van Breda Kolff, who is now coaching private youth clinics in Nashville, observed the Tigers' practice on Friday.
-- Dan Wolken
November 4, 2006
Niles returns When freshman Pierre Niles first learned he would need arthroscopic surgery to clean up some cartilage in his right knee, the time frame given for a return was somewhere between four and six weeks.
"I really didn't want to hear that," Niles said. But after a diligent and demanding rehabilitation schedule, Niles returned to the court Friday fewer than three weeks removed from the Oct. 16 procedure. Though the 6-8, 280-pound Niles clearly wasn't in top shape, just having him back on the court so soon was a breakthrough for the former Ridgeway star.
"I'm stunned," Tigers coach John Calipari said. "I know that's probably the first time he's ever pushed through pain like that and kept his weight down and committed to something that way. Now he's just got to get his wind and all that stuff. It will be good to see him out there playing."
Niles' return is timely in light of center Kareem Cooper's indefinite suspension for a violation of team rules. Though Niles said he was still a little tentative about playing in Monday's exhibition against Christian Brothers, he's going to push himself to get back in shape for the Nov. 16 opener against Jackson State
As far as the knee itself, Niles reported no problems following Friday's workout.
"It's not sore," Niles said. "It's still tight a little bit, but when I start working it more, it will be better next week."
Boarding school
Though the Tigers out-rebounded LeMoyne-Owen 63-41 in their 113-63 exhibition victory Thursday, Calipari didn't feel their rebounding was up to standard.
LeMoyne-Owen got 17 offensive rebounds, which shouldn't have happened given the Tigers' size advantage.
Calipari devoted a significant part of Friday's practice to drills that emphasize rebounding.
"I wasn't happy," Calipari said. "When I went to that small lineup, they didn't rebound. Part of it was I had the small team and (freshman Hashim Bailey) on the floor together. When you have the small team with (junior Joey Dorsey), it's not that big an issue."
Etc.
The Tigers will practice today and Sunday at FedExForum. They had only practiced once there before Thursday's exhibition game, and Calipari said it was clear against LeMoyne-Owen that the Tigers needed to get a better feel for the building. ... Former Vanderbilt coach Jan van Breda Kolff, who is now coaching private youth clinics in Nashville, observed the Tigers' practice on Friday.
-- Dan Wolken
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Memphis Smelling Like A Rose............CSTV.com's Van Coleman
Memphis Smelling Like A Rose
Prospect Derrick Rose will sign with Tigers
Nov. 4, 2006
By Van Coleman
CSTV.com & Hoopmaster.com
John Calipari and his Memphis staff received some big-time news as our No. 5-rated prep Derrick Rose from Chicago Simeon made his college choice this evening and is headed to Memphis.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Rose made his college choice this evening at a school banquet and has announced he will sign with Memphis next Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Rose has been in an intense recruiting battle the past two months that got even more intriguing earlier this month when he added Illinois to Memphis and Indiana as one of his final three schools.
To make the intrigue persist to the last second before his decision, the announcement was an invitation only affair. Unfortunately, we didn't find anyone who was invited, including Chicago-area media, who had covered Rose throughout his career, and had recently written glowing stories on the budding Windy City superstar. But, the Sun-Times did have someone on the inside, and they received the word on Rose's decision.
Rose had an excellent junior season at Chicago Simeon last winter, averaging nearly a triple-double, putting up 18 points, pulling down eight boards and handing out eight assists as he led his Simeon squad to the Illinois Class AA state crown.
But, it was in Las Vegas this summer that he established his legacy with talent and pro scouts. He put all questions to rest whether he can bring it when faced with one of the nation's best. He was as impressive as anyone on the floor. The blur from Chicago, had a triple-double versus O.J. Mayo and Company, scoring 21 points, pulling down an amazing 14 boards and handing out 12 assists. He showed that he can break down pressure and cut through the press like a hot knife or make the spectacular alley-oop pass with the best. Truly, he brought his "A" game and established himself as one of best pure points in recent memory.
Rose looks to be a one year talent at Memphis, as he has the kind of game that leads to quick success in college and a high draft pick in the NBA Draft. And that was reportedly one of the main reasons that he chose Memphis. Calipari and his Tigers have had success with the one year player like Dajuan Wagner and Shawne Williams. Also, Calipari has strong NBA ties and believes that having talent with the ability to make that transition is a real bonus to his program.
Rose's commitment to Memphis has moved the Tigers up to the No. 10/11 spot in our fall recruiting rankings, and that ranking will be reflected in our next update on Friday, Nov. 10.
Prospect Derrick Rose will sign with Tigers
Nov. 4, 2006
By Van Coleman
CSTV.com & Hoopmaster.com
John Calipari and his Memphis staff received some big-time news as our No. 5-rated prep Derrick Rose from Chicago Simeon made his college choice this evening and is headed to Memphis.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Rose made his college choice this evening at a school banquet and has announced he will sign with Memphis next Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Rose has been in an intense recruiting battle the past two months that got even more intriguing earlier this month when he added Illinois to Memphis and Indiana as one of his final three schools.
To make the intrigue persist to the last second before his decision, the announcement was an invitation only affair. Unfortunately, we didn't find anyone who was invited, including Chicago-area media, who had covered Rose throughout his career, and had recently written glowing stories on the budding Windy City superstar. But, the Sun-Times did have someone on the inside, and they received the word on Rose's decision.
Rose had an excellent junior season at Chicago Simeon last winter, averaging nearly a triple-double, putting up 18 points, pulling down eight boards and handing out eight assists as he led his Simeon squad to the Illinois Class AA state crown.
But, it was in Las Vegas this summer that he established his legacy with talent and pro scouts. He put all questions to rest whether he can bring it when faced with one of the nation's best. He was as impressive as anyone on the floor. The blur from Chicago, had a triple-double versus O.J. Mayo and Company, scoring 21 points, pulling down an amazing 14 boards and handing out 12 assists. He showed that he can break down pressure and cut through the press like a hot knife or make the spectacular alley-oop pass with the best. Truly, he brought his "A" game and established himself as one of best pure points in recent memory.
Rose looks to be a one year talent at Memphis, as he has the kind of game that leads to quick success in college and a high draft pick in the NBA Draft. And that was reportedly one of the main reasons that he chose Memphis. Calipari and his Tigers have had success with the one year player like Dajuan Wagner and Shawne Williams. Also, Calipari has strong NBA ties and believes that having talent with the ability to make that transition is a real bonus to his program.
Rose's commitment to Memphis has moved the Tigers up to the No. 10/11 spot in our fall recruiting rankings, and that ranking will be reflected in our next update on Friday, Nov. 10.
Chicago Tribune on Simeon High School's Derrick Rose Choosing Memphis
Simeon's Rose headed to Memphis
Guard passes on Illinois, Indiana
By Brian Hamilton, Chicago Tribune staff reporter
November 4, 2006, 10:12 PM CST
Derrick Rose approached the podium Saturday night with some 140 guests and a phalanx of microphones in front of him, plus a glitzy chandelier dangling overhead. Over his right shoulder, the embossed mirror designated the space as the "Celebrity Room" at the Martinique banquet hall.But for all the recruiting histrionics, and for all the melodramatic buildup to his college decision, the prized Simeon point guard couldn't affect a superstar's aura at the mike.
"Man," Rose said, surveying the scene, "I'm so nervous right now."
Moments later Rose quelled the anxiety and announced he would play college basketball at Memphis—where, for all the hullabaloo, most everyone figured he would end up anyway.
Thus Illinois and Indiana fell by the wayside. Rose said he arrived at the decision two weeks ago but managed to keep it from even prying Simeon teammates until Saturday.
"After all my visits, me and my family sat down," Rose said. "They asked me what school I wanted to go to, and after I told them, I was looking sad—I was like, man, this is a life-changing decision. And if I messed it up, it could be my career."I prayed, I asked God to help me, because I was so scared. The next morning, my fear was gone."
Now Rose, rivals.com's No. 3-ranked prospect nationally, officially joins the list of in-state recruits escaping Illinois and coach Bruce Weber. Rose conceded an 11th-hour visit to Champaign last weekend put a smidgen of doubt in his mind, but otherwise remained diplomatic."
It's a good school and everything, but Memphis to me was better," Rose said of Illinois. "That was my opinion. That's why I chose Memphis."
His older brother and recruiting adviser, Reggie, said the Illini's welcome last weekend differed from previous visits. (By NCAA rules, Weber cannot comment on a recruit until he signs a letter of intent to any school.)"
The recruiting changed—it went from 'Derrick, you're a regular recruit' to 'Derrick, you're a program-changing recruit,'" Reggie Rose said. "If you would've had that setup from the get-go, things could've been different. ... The atmosphere [last weekend], it was like he was a rock star. Every other recruiting visit we went to, Derrick was a rock star. But the [first] visit we went to Illinois, it was just, 'Hey, Derrick, how you doing.'"
With Memphis, the 6-foot-4-inch Rose will have the ball in his hands instantly. The presence of point guard Willie Kemp, a well-regarded freshman for the Tigers this season, isn't likely to matter."They told me if I came, I'd be able to start at point guard and that I'll be able to play my game," Rose said.
Rose won't be long for Beale Street, his NBA aspirations after one or two college seasons no secret. But even that horizon was too far to look toward Saturday, as Rose reveled in some relative peace.He said Eric Gordon, his equally vaunted AAU teammate who switched commitments from Illinois to Indiana, called five times Saturday.
Rose didn't answer thanks to the frayed nerves, which no longer seemed an issue that evening as he made his way through the crowd with a Memphis hat on his head and a smile on his face."I didn't get to sleep last night, really," Rose said. "I'm going to sleep nice now."
Simeon's Kevin Johnson and Tim Flowers made it a 2-for-1, with both players committing to play at Wisconsin-Milwaukee at the news conference.
bhamilton@tribune.com
Guard passes on Illinois, Indiana
By Brian Hamilton, Chicago Tribune staff reporter
November 4, 2006, 10:12 PM CST
Derrick Rose approached the podium Saturday night with some 140 guests and a phalanx of microphones in front of him, plus a glitzy chandelier dangling overhead. Over his right shoulder, the embossed mirror designated the space as the "Celebrity Room" at the Martinique banquet hall.But for all the recruiting histrionics, and for all the melodramatic buildup to his college decision, the prized Simeon point guard couldn't affect a superstar's aura at the mike.
"Man," Rose said, surveying the scene, "I'm so nervous right now."
Moments later Rose quelled the anxiety and announced he would play college basketball at Memphis—where, for all the hullabaloo, most everyone figured he would end up anyway.
Thus Illinois and Indiana fell by the wayside. Rose said he arrived at the decision two weeks ago but managed to keep it from even prying Simeon teammates until Saturday.
"After all my visits, me and my family sat down," Rose said. "They asked me what school I wanted to go to, and after I told them, I was looking sad—I was like, man, this is a life-changing decision. And if I messed it up, it could be my career."I prayed, I asked God to help me, because I was so scared. The next morning, my fear was gone."
Now Rose, rivals.com's No. 3-ranked prospect nationally, officially joins the list of in-state recruits escaping Illinois and coach Bruce Weber. Rose conceded an 11th-hour visit to Champaign last weekend put a smidgen of doubt in his mind, but otherwise remained diplomatic."
It's a good school and everything, but Memphis to me was better," Rose said of Illinois. "That was my opinion. That's why I chose Memphis."
His older brother and recruiting adviser, Reggie, said the Illini's welcome last weekend differed from previous visits. (By NCAA rules, Weber cannot comment on a recruit until he signs a letter of intent to any school.)"
The recruiting changed—it went from 'Derrick, you're a regular recruit' to 'Derrick, you're a program-changing recruit,'" Reggie Rose said. "If you would've had that setup from the get-go, things could've been different. ... The atmosphere [last weekend], it was like he was a rock star. Every other recruiting visit we went to, Derrick was a rock star. But the [first] visit we went to Illinois, it was just, 'Hey, Derrick, how you doing.'"
With Memphis, the 6-foot-4-inch Rose will have the ball in his hands instantly. The presence of point guard Willie Kemp, a well-regarded freshman for the Tigers this season, isn't likely to matter."They told me if I came, I'd be able to start at point guard and that I'll be able to play my game," Rose said.
Rose won't be long for Beale Street, his NBA aspirations after one or two college seasons no secret. But even that horizon was too far to look toward Saturday, as Rose reveled in some relative peace.He said Eric Gordon, his equally vaunted AAU teammate who switched commitments from Illinois to Indiana, called five times Saturday.
Rose didn't answer thanks to the frayed nerves, which no longer seemed an issue that evening as he made his way through the crowd with a Memphis hat on his head and a smile on his face."I didn't get to sleep last night, really," Rose said. "I'm going to sleep nice now."
Simeon's Kevin Johnson and Tim Flowers made it a 2-for-1, with both players committing to play at Wisconsin-Milwaukee at the news conference.
bhamilton@tribune.com
Derrick Rose Chooses Memphis
Blue-chipper Rose chooses Memphis
Nov. 4, 2006
By Gary Parrish CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Derrick Rose, the top available high school prospect in the nation, ended an intense recruiting battle Saturday night by publicly committing to Memphis. The 6-foot-2 point guard chose the Tigers over Indiana and Illinois, and he plans to sign a national letter of intent Wednesday.
Rose's announcement is a huge coup for John Calipari, who, unconventionally, was the point man on this recruitment, arguably more so than he's been at any other time in his career.
Consequently, Memphis has long been considered the favorite to land Rose, and most believed the commitment would come long ago. But the prospect NBA Draft.net projects as the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft did not commit on his visit to the Memphis campus last month, leaving many to believe Rose might follow AAU teammate Eric Gordon to Indiana.
In the end, though, Rose opted for Memphis, where he's expected to join Willie Kemp in the backcourt next season for a team that's currently ranked in the top 15 of most preseason polls and projects to lose only Jeremy Hunt after this season. Under that scenario, the Tigers would return all five starters in 2007-08 and likely insert a one-year player in Rose, who the staff genuinely believes could be the prospect that pushes Memphis toward its first Final Four since 1985.
Nov. 4, 2006
By Gary Parrish CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Derrick Rose, the top available high school prospect in the nation, ended an intense recruiting battle Saturday night by publicly committing to Memphis. The 6-foot-2 point guard chose the Tigers over Indiana and Illinois, and he plans to sign a national letter of intent Wednesday.
Rose's announcement is a huge coup for John Calipari, who, unconventionally, was the point man on this recruitment, arguably more so than he's been at any other time in his career.
Consequently, Memphis has long been considered the favorite to land Rose, and most believed the commitment would come long ago. But the prospect NBA Draft.net projects as the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft did not commit on his visit to the Memphis campus last month, leaving many to believe Rose might follow AAU teammate Eric Gordon to Indiana.
In the end, though, Rose opted for Memphis, where he's expected to join Willie Kemp in the backcourt next season for a team that's currently ranked in the top 15 of most preseason polls and projects to lose only Jeremy Hunt after this season. Under that scenario, the Tigers would return all five starters in 2007-08 and likely insert a one-year player in Rose, who the staff genuinely believes could be the prospect that pushes Memphis toward its first Final Four since 1985.
Friday, November 03, 2006
SI.com's Luke Winn Says Tiger Backcourt 6th Best in Nation
Headliners: Antonio Anderson (right), Chris Douglas-Roberts (center), Willie Kemp, Andre Allen (left), Jeremy Hunt
The Tigers will be better off using Andre Allen and Willie Kemp at the point in place of the departed Darius Washington, and Douglas-Roberts, a versatile wing who shot 53.1 percent from the floor last season, could emerge as their new top scorer.
The Tigers will be better off using Andre Allen and Willie Kemp at the point in place of the departed Darius Washington, and Douglas-Roberts, a versatile wing who shot 53.1 percent from the floor last season, could emerge as their new top scorer.
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Chicago Tribune Report on Derrick Rose
Chicago Tribune Report On Derrick Rose
Prize high school basketball recruit Derrick Rose is set to choose between Memphis, Indiana and Illinois at a 7 p.m. news conference Saturday, which will be followed by a $15-a-head party at a South Side banquet hall.
As for the imminent news, Rose has offered little to tip his hand as to a preference. Memphis still would seem the best bet, but what about the 11th-hour visit to Illinois last weekend and the hugs all around when Rose left? Or the decision of Rose friend and summer running mate Eric Gordon to attend Indiana?
The explosive 6-foot-3-inch Rose is rated No. 3 nationally by rivals.com and No. 6 by scout.com in the Class of '07. His brother/recruiting adviser Reggie has been open in saying college likely will provide a short layover before an NBA departure. Still, chances are the school that wins his services won't mind.
In addition, Rose's Simeon and AAU teammates Tim Flowers and Kevin Johnson are expected to announce their college choices at the same news conference. Both are considered mid-major Division I-A prospects.
NBADL Austin Toros Select Darius Washington as First Pick
Toros Select Darius Washington as First Pick
11/03/06 - NBA Development League (D-League)
Austin Toros
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 2, 2006 - The Austin Toros selected Darius Washington Jr. with their first pick (10th overall) in the 2006-07 NBA Development League draft. A 6'2, 195 pound guard from Winter Park, Fla., Washington finished his collegiate career at the University of Memphis by becoming the 41st player in school history to score 1,000 points, finishing with 1,054 points in only two seasons.
"There was a glaring need and a big hole on our team at point guard," Toros head coach Dennis Johnson said. "I like that he is a pass first guy and a leader on the court, he knows how to set up people - he is an all around guard that has a great chance to make an impact in the League."
Washington played two seasons for the Tigers averaging 14.4 points and 3.5 assists throughout his career. As a sophomore, he earned First Team All-Conference USA honors and was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, which recognizes the best point guard in the country.
Former Georgia Tech University guard B.J. Elder was selected by the Toros with the 13th pick in the second round. Elder, 6'4 and 218 pounds, played last season for the Giessen 46ers in Germany, averaging 12.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He helped the 46ers reached the Bundesliga Cup Semifinals.
"What you get out of a guy like B.J. (Elder) is that he can play both guard positions," Johnson said. "When you need him to run a play or hit the big shot, he definitely can because he is so versatile."
The rest of the Austin Toros draft selections: Brock Gillespie (Rice), Walt Walters (Cleveland State), Justin Bowen (Illinois-Chicago), Rod Benson (California), Tedric Hill (Gulf Coast Community College - Fla.), Dustin Brown (Loyola Marymount), Ty Thomas (Concordia - Minn.) and Melvin Scott (North Carolina).
The Austin Toros' regular season home opener is Saturday, Nov. 25 against the Fort Worth Flyers at 7 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. The regular season tips off Friday, Nov. 24 against the defending D-League champion Albuquerque Thunderbirds in New Mexico. For ticket information call the Toros at (512) 236-8333 or visit austintoros.com.
The following are the results of the Toros 2006 NBA Development League draft selections:
1. Darius Washington Jr., Memphis
2. B.J. Elder, Georgia Tech
3. Brock Gillespie, Rice
4. Walt Walters, Cleveland State
5. Justin Bowen, Illinois-Chicago
6. Rod Benson, California
7. Tedric Hill, Gulf Coast Community College (Fla.)
8. Dustin Brown, Loyola Marymount
9. Ty Thomas, Concordia (Minn.)
10. Melvin Scott, North Carolina
The NBA Development League tips off its sixth season on Friday, November 24. The league includes Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles, Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
The D-League offers players an opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. In addition to thirty-four (34) players, eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also earned call-ups since the start of the league's inaugural season in November 2001.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the league also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. The D-League is a source for on-court talent for the NBA's 30 teams and is a diverse human resources pool for the NBA and its teams by training employees in management, operations, public relations, sales and marketing positions.
They're Back...........
They're back...
By: Matt Laurie, Daily Helmsman Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/3/06
Earlier this week basketball head coach John Calipari said he doesn't want his Tigers playing like its Jan. 28. And it's likely the 9,500 fans at FedExForum Thursday night watching Memphis manhandle Lemoyne-Owen had to ask one another for the date to see if they had missed two months of basketball.
In their first exhibition game of the season Memphis torched LeMoyne-Owen 113-63 with defense.
After winning the tip, LeMoyne-Owen promptly gave up the ball to Antonio Anderson who gave the Tigers the first bucket, and they never looked back. They aren't supposed when they play a Division II opponent.
"There was a lot of good stuff," Calipari said. "It was a bit disappointing. I wanted to see some man-to-man."
The first half saw Memphis get out to a 10-0 lead and with the pressure of their press defense and quick hands extended it to 59-34 by the end of the half.
The second half was more of the same, as Memphis scored 54 points, shooting almost 48 percent from the floor.
No matter who they played the Tigers played with effort. Memphis tallied 20 steals in the game and scored 44 of the teams 113 points off 33 Magician turnovers.
Although, Memphis dominated the scoreboard Calipari said they have a long way to go, especially shooting. The Tigers Antonio Anderson and Joey Dorsey were the dynamic duo for Memphis. Anderson dished out six assists, recorded six steals, along with 12 points. Dorsey, one of the seven Tigers in double figures, led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points.
"That was against LeMoyne-Owen, a D-II team, they arent' a bad team and I feel like he can get better," senior guard Jeremy Hunt said. "He can get a whole lot better - a whole lot."
The only thorns in the paw of the Tigers were finishing around the basket and LeMoyne-Owen guard Taurean Moy who led the Magicians with 20 points and hit 5 of his 11 three-point attempts. Memphians may remember Moy when he scored 83 points in high school for Booker T. Washington on 24 of 44 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Tigers will continue tuning up for their regular season opener against Jackson St. on Nov. 16 when they host Christian Brothers Monday at 7 p.m.
By: Matt Laurie, Daily Helmsman Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/3/06
Earlier this week basketball head coach John Calipari said he doesn't want his Tigers playing like its Jan. 28. And it's likely the 9,500 fans at FedExForum Thursday night watching Memphis manhandle Lemoyne-Owen had to ask one another for the date to see if they had missed two months of basketball.
In their first exhibition game of the season Memphis torched LeMoyne-Owen 113-63 with defense.
After winning the tip, LeMoyne-Owen promptly gave up the ball to Antonio Anderson who gave the Tigers the first bucket, and they never looked back. They aren't supposed when they play a Division II opponent.
"There was a lot of good stuff," Calipari said. "It was a bit disappointing. I wanted to see some man-to-man."
The first half saw Memphis get out to a 10-0 lead and with the pressure of their press defense and quick hands extended it to 59-34 by the end of the half.
The second half was more of the same, as Memphis scored 54 points, shooting almost 48 percent from the floor.
No matter who they played the Tigers played with effort. Memphis tallied 20 steals in the game and scored 44 of the teams 113 points off 33 Magician turnovers.
Although, Memphis dominated the scoreboard Calipari said they have a long way to go, especially shooting. The Tigers Antonio Anderson and Joey Dorsey were the dynamic duo for Memphis. Anderson dished out six assists, recorded six steals, along with 12 points. Dorsey, one of the seven Tigers in double figures, led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points.
"That was against LeMoyne-Owen, a D-II team, they arent' a bad team and I feel like he can get better," senior guard Jeremy Hunt said. "He can get a whole lot better - a whole lot."
The only thorns in the paw of the Tigers were finishing around the basket and LeMoyne-Owen guard Taurean Moy who led the Magicians with 20 points and hit 5 of his 11 three-point attempts. Memphians may remember Moy when he scored 83 points in high school for Booker T. Washington on 24 of 44 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Tigers will continue tuning up for their regular season opener against Jackson St. on Nov. 16 when they host Christian Brothers Monday at 7 p.m.
U of M Cruises Past LOC Magicians
U of M cruises past Magicians
Tigers 113, LeMoyne-Owen 63
By Dan Wolken
November 3, 2006
One minute and three seconds remained in the first half Thursday when University of Memphis point guard Andre Allen chased down a loose ball under the LeMoyne-Owen goal. His momentum carrying him out of bounds, Allen looked at the nearest referee and screamed for a timeout. Only later did Allen realize his mistake: That an off-season rule change no longer allows players to keep possession by calling for time.
It was a moment everybody on the Tigers' side could laugh about after their 113-63 destruction of LeMoyne-Owen in an exhibition game at FedExForum. But it drove home the point Tigers coach John Calipari has been making since his team began practice Oct. 13: It's not last season anymore.
Though Memphis didn't have much more trouble with LeMoyne-Owen than Tennessee -- which beat the Magicians 126-66 on Tuesday -- the Tigers showed some rust, shot the ball poorly from outside and tired more easily than Calipari expected.
On the other hand, the Tigers revealed facets of their identity that they expect to carry them through this season: Balanced scoring, superior offensive rebounding and easy buckets off their full-court press.
"We were a little rusty, but we expected that for the first game," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said after scoring 11 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. "We didn't play too good. I feel we played to the level of our competition, but that's what the first game is for, to see how we are against another team, see what we need to work on. We did do that."
Though Memphis didn't give the estimated crowd of 9,500 too much to worry about two weeks before the real season opener against Jackson State, Calipari said he "wasn't very happy" in the post-game locker room.
"We've got a long way to go," Calipari said, "but there were some good signs."
Among them would be Memphis scoring the game's first 10 points, pressing LeMoyne-Owen into 33 turnovers, leading 59-34 at halftime and increasing the advantage from there.
The Tigers grabbed 28 offensive rebounds, dished out 28 assists on 47 baskets and had seven players score in double-figures, led by junior center Joey Dorsey's 22 points.
On the other hand, Memphis made just 5-of-29 from the 3-point line, struggled early from the free-throw line and allowed the Magicians to score some unexpected points early because of shoddy work on the defensive glass.
"We played pretty good to my eyes," sophomore guard Antonio Anderson, who had 12 points, six assists and six steals, said. "We just came out there and worked on the press and played defense. That's what coach wanted us to do. That's what we did. Unfortunately we didn't shoot the ball too well, but that happens."
Calipari wasn't upset about the lack of 3-point proficiency, but he was perturbed that LeMoyne-Owen played primarily in a zone defense, which didn't give the Tigers much chance to work on their basic driving attack.
"I'm disappointed they played zone the whole game," Calipari said. "These exhibition games, you're trying to get better, and I wanted our young guys to get into our motion. They played man-to-man twice, and we shot two layups, so I can understand why you play zone. But I had to start throwing the ball right into the post every time so we didn't have to get our young guys thinking too much."
The biggest beneficiary of that strategy was Dorsey, who didn't need to venture far from the paint to convert 10-of-12 field goals.
Junior forward Robert Dozier also had a strong night against the undersized Magicians, scoring 14 points with nine rebounds.
Former Booker T. Washington star Taurean Moy scored 20 points for LeMoyne-Owen on 5-of-11 from the 3-point line.
-- Dan Wolken: 901-529-2365
Tigers 113, LeMoyne-Owen 63
By Dan Wolken
November 3, 2006
One minute and three seconds remained in the first half Thursday when University of Memphis point guard Andre Allen chased down a loose ball under the LeMoyne-Owen goal. His momentum carrying him out of bounds, Allen looked at the nearest referee and screamed for a timeout. Only later did Allen realize his mistake: That an off-season rule change no longer allows players to keep possession by calling for time.
It was a moment everybody on the Tigers' side could laugh about after their 113-63 destruction of LeMoyne-Owen in an exhibition game at FedExForum. But it drove home the point Tigers coach John Calipari has been making since his team began practice Oct. 13: It's not last season anymore.
Though Memphis didn't have much more trouble with LeMoyne-Owen than Tennessee -- which beat the Magicians 126-66 on Tuesday -- the Tigers showed some rust, shot the ball poorly from outside and tired more easily than Calipari expected.
On the other hand, the Tigers revealed facets of their identity that they expect to carry them through this season: Balanced scoring, superior offensive rebounding and easy buckets off their full-court press.
"We were a little rusty, but we expected that for the first game," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said after scoring 11 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. "We didn't play too good. I feel we played to the level of our competition, but that's what the first game is for, to see how we are against another team, see what we need to work on. We did do that."
Though Memphis didn't give the estimated crowd of 9,500 too much to worry about two weeks before the real season opener against Jackson State, Calipari said he "wasn't very happy" in the post-game locker room.
"We've got a long way to go," Calipari said, "but there were some good signs."
Among them would be Memphis scoring the game's first 10 points, pressing LeMoyne-Owen into 33 turnovers, leading 59-34 at halftime and increasing the advantage from there.
The Tigers grabbed 28 offensive rebounds, dished out 28 assists on 47 baskets and had seven players score in double-figures, led by junior center Joey Dorsey's 22 points.
On the other hand, Memphis made just 5-of-29 from the 3-point line, struggled early from the free-throw line and allowed the Magicians to score some unexpected points early because of shoddy work on the defensive glass.
"We played pretty good to my eyes," sophomore guard Antonio Anderson, who had 12 points, six assists and six steals, said. "We just came out there and worked on the press and played defense. That's what coach wanted us to do. That's what we did. Unfortunately we didn't shoot the ball too well, but that happens."
Calipari wasn't upset about the lack of 3-point proficiency, but he was perturbed that LeMoyne-Owen played primarily in a zone defense, which didn't give the Tigers much chance to work on their basic driving attack.
"I'm disappointed they played zone the whole game," Calipari said. "These exhibition games, you're trying to get better, and I wanted our young guys to get into our motion. They played man-to-man twice, and we shot two layups, so I can understand why you play zone. But I had to start throwing the ball right into the post every time so we didn't have to get our young guys thinking too much."
The biggest beneficiary of that strategy was Dorsey, who didn't need to venture far from the paint to convert 10-of-12 field goals.
Junior forward Robert Dozier also had a strong night against the undersized Magicians, scoring 14 points with nine rebounds.
Former Booker T. Washington star Taurean Moy scored 20 points for LeMoyne-Owen on 5-of-11 from the 3-point line.
-- Dan Wolken: 901-529-2365
Tigers Postgame
Tigers Replay
November 3, 2006
AS THE GAME TURNED
There's never really a turning point when the final score comes in 113-63, but there was a particularly deflating stretch near the end of the first half for LeMoyne-Owen in which Memphis' press produced four straight steals. The Tigers scored eight consecutive points -- without allowing the Magicians to get past halfcourt -- to build a 53-22 lead.
AS THE ROTATION TURNED
Tigers coach John Calipari used five-man platoons most of the game, subbing entire units in and out.
Freshman Willie Kemp started at point guard with Chris Douglas-Roberts, Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier and Joey Dorsey at center. That group played the first 4:27 and was replaced by a unit of Andre Allen, Doneal Mack, Tre'Von Willis, Jeremy Hunt and Hashim Bailey, who played the next 3:58.
Calipari changed up the lineup starting the second half, putting Allen, Dorsey and Douglas-Roberts with Mack and Hunt.
RIM GEMS
This is a category Dorsey should dominate this season, and it took him just 1:47 against LeMoyne-Owen to record his first highlight-reel dunk of the year. After a Douglas-Roberts dunk gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead, Dozier got an interception off the press, made a quick pass to Anderson, who fed it ahead to Dorsey. Dorsey took one dribble and extended into a full windmill dunk.
HIDE YOUR EYES
The Tigers' 3-point shooting had been getting better throughout the first three weeks of practice, but it didn't show up against LeMoyne-Owen. Memphis made 5 of 29, including a combined 0-for-13 from freshmen guards Mack, Willis and Kemp.
SCORER'S TABLE
Willis' six free-throw attempts were the most of any Tigers player. Good thing, too, because he made all six. The rest of the team went 8-for-15 from the line.
LOCKER ROOM CHATTER
"We just wanted to come out and play Memphis basketball," Anderson said when asked whether the Tigers felt pressure to match Tennessee's 60-point margin over LeMoyne-Owen. "Tennessee did what Tennessee did. We're not worried about Tennessee right now. We're worried about Christian Brothers now. That's our next challenge."
ODDS AND ENDS
Calipari said freshman center Pierre Niles, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 16, is scheduled to return to practice today (ahead of schedule) and will play some in the Tigers' next exhibition on Monday against Christian Brothers.
The Tigers sported new white uniforms that feature a blue stripe across the back, along the left side of the jersey and angling diagonally across the shorts. "They're cool, they're cool. I like it," Hunt said.
Sophomore center Kareem Cooper was not on the bench Thursday. He's in the midst of an indefinite suspension for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Grizzlies coach Mike Fratello was in attendance, sitting in the first row behind the Tigers' bench.
While the Memphis coaching staff was dressed in regular-season suits, Calipari wore a collared shirt without a tie.
Walk-ons Clyde Wade, Chance McGrady and Jared Sandridge entered the game with 4:35 remaining.
LOOKING AHEAD
Tiger exhibition vs. Christian Brothers, Monday, 7 p.m., FedExForum
-- Dan Wolken
November 3, 2006
AS THE GAME TURNED
There's never really a turning point when the final score comes in 113-63, but there was a particularly deflating stretch near the end of the first half for LeMoyne-Owen in which Memphis' press produced four straight steals. The Tigers scored eight consecutive points -- without allowing the Magicians to get past halfcourt -- to build a 53-22 lead.
AS THE ROTATION TURNED
Tigers coach John Calipari used five-man platoons most of the game, subbing entire units in and out.
Freshman Willie Kemp started at point guard with Chris Douglas-Roberts, Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier and Joey Dorsey at center. That group played the first 4:27 and was replaced by a unit of Andre Allen, Doneal Mack, Tre'Von Willis, Jeremy Hunt and Hashim Bailey, who played the next 3:58.
Calipari changed up the lineup starting the second half, putting Allen, Dorsey and Douglas-Roberts with Mack and Hunt.
RIM GEMS
This is a category Dorsey should dominate this season, and it took him just 1:47 against LeMoyne-Owen to record his first highlight-reel dunk of the year. After a Douglas-Roberts dunk gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead, Dozier got an interception off the press, made a quick pass to Anderson, who fed it ahead to Dorsey. Dorsey took one dribble and extended into a full windmill dunk.
HIDE YOUR EYES
The Tigers' 3-point shooting had been getting better throughout the first three weeks of practice, but it didn't show up against LeMoyne-Owen. Memphis made 5 of 29, including a combined 0-for-13 from freshmen guards Mack, Willis and Kemp.
SCORER'S TABLE
Willis' six free-throw attempts were the most of any Tigers player. Good thing, too, because he made all six. The rest of the team went 8-for-15 from the line.
LOCKER ROOM CHATTER
"We just wanted to come out and play Memphis basketball," Anderson said when asked whether the Tigers felt pressure to match Tennessee's 60-point margin over LeMoyne-Owen. "Tennessee did what Tennessee did. We're not worried about Tennessee right now. We're worried about Christian Brothers now. That's our next challenge."
ODDS AND ENDS
Calipari said freshman center Pierre Niles, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 16, is scheduled to return to practice today (ahead of schedule) and will play some in the Tigers' next exhibition on Monday against Christian Brothers.
The Tigers sported new white uniforms that feature a blue stripe across the back, along the left side of the jersey and angling diagonally across the shorts. "They're cool, they're cool. I like it," Hunt said.
Sophomore center Kareem Cooper was not on the bench Thursday. He's in the midst of an indefinite suspension for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Grizzlies coach Mike Fratello was in attendance, sitting in the first row behind the Tigers' bench.
While the Memphis coaching staff was dressed in regular-season suits, Calipari wore a collared shirt without a tie.
Walk-ons Clyde Wade, Chance McGrady and Jared Sandridge entered the game with 4:35 remaining.
LOOKING AHEAD
Tiger exhibition vs. Christian Brothers, Monday, 7 p.m., FedExForum
-- Dan Wolken
Geoff Calkins Commentary on Tigers Lack of Outside Shooting
From beyond the arc, shooters are missing in action
Geoff Calkins, Memphis Commercial Appeal
November 3, 2006
For advice about shooting, who better to ask than T-Head? You know, Taurean Moy, the former Booker T. Washington star, who once set the national high school record of 24 3-pointers in a game.
So, T-Head, what do the Tigers need to do to improve their 3-point shooting?
"They've got to get in the gym," he said, "and keep on shooting it."
There you go, lads. The rest is up to you.
Not that there's anything intrinsically wrong with opening your exhibition season with a 113-63 beat-down of LeMoyne-Owen.
"A lot of good stuff there," said Memphis coach John Calipari, and he was right.
The Tigers looked athletic, deep and snappy in their new uniforms. They're a lock to go back to the Elite Eight.
OK, they're a lock to go back to the Elite Eight if they get to take all their shots from within three feet.
Beyond that distance, well, you know how Hashim Bailey is alleged to have thrown that water bottle at a Memphis student?
It's not a big surprise it didn't hit her.
The Tigers took 29 3-pointers Wednesday night. They made five. Suddenly Seth Davis doesn't look like the one who's off the mark.
Davis, of SI.com, stopped by an early Memphis practice and wrote that "of all the major college practices I've witnessed over the years, (the Tigers) was one of the worst collective shooting displays I've seen."
Calipari dismissed it as one bad practice. Wednesday, he revised that somewhat.
"We've had two bad shooting days," he said.
Ahhhh, now it's two.
"If we made about five more threes and shot about 30-percent from three, what is it, about an 80-point spread?"
Actually, 5x3=15. The Tigers won by 50. And 50+15=65.
So if the Tigers had made five more 3-pointers, then the spread would have been 65. And if the Grizzlies had made five more free throws, then they would have beaten the Knicks the other day.
But you do what you do. What the Tigers did Wednesday wasn't good enough for an elite team.
Willie Kemp was 0-for-4 from behind the arc. Doneal Mack was 0-for-6. Tre'Von Willis was 0-for-3. Chris-Douglas Roberts was 0-for-2.
Of the regulars, only Antonio Anderson hit half his deep balls (2-for-4). When the fans started cheering for Jaren Sandridge, it was hard to know why.
Did they just want to see Calipari empty his bench? Or did they think Sandrige might help from the outside?
Sure enough, Sandridge went into the game and hit his only 3-pointer, bringing the Tigers final total to five.
That's exactly as many 3-pointers as Moy hit for LeMoyne-Owen, by the way, in 11 (instead of 29) shots.
So again, T-Head, any other thoughts?
"It's just an exhibition," he said.
And that's almost certainly true, and important, and the overwhelming theme in the Memphis locker room.
The Tigers are loaded with talent, all kinds of talent, and they have players who should be able to hit from long range. Anderson can shoot 3-pointers. So can Mack and Willis and Kemp and Douglas-Roberts and, geez, even Allen at times.
But let's not pretend outside shooting doesn't matter. Or have we already forgotten a certain game against UCLA?
In last year's Elite Eight game, the Tigers were 2-for-17 on 3-pointers. If they had made five more 3-pointers in that one, they would have advanced to the Final Four.
And that's why this matters, precisely because the stakes are so high. The Tigers have enough talent to be an elite team. Part of being an elite team is knocking down outside shots.
They didn't do that Wednesday. Here's hoping it doesn't become on trend.
"They'll be fine," said T-Head, which is comforting.
The guy isn't known to miss much.
To reach Geoff Calkins, call at 901-529-2364 or e-mail.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Quotes From Cal and LeMoyne-Owen Coach Smokey Gaines
Memphis Head Coach John Calipari
"Pierre Niles starts practicing tomorrow. I want to get him minutes in Monday's game. He won't play too much, but I want to get him and Joey rotating in and out, and use him as the third big man."
"I'm disappointed that they played zone against us the whole game. These exhibition games we try to get better, and I wanted my young guys to get in motion. They played man-to-man twice. I can understand why you play zone, but I had to throw the ball into the post every time. We didn't have to get our young guys thinking too much."
"There was a lot of good stuff. It was a little bit disappointing. I wanted to see some man-to-man a little more."
LeMoyne-Owen Head Coach Smokey Gaines
"It's a lot of exposure for us. When we get into our league, we won't see anywhere near that level of play. That's a fast-playing team out there."
"Cal does a good job with these kids. He typifies what a good coach should do. Once he started getting good players here, their success kept continuing."
"This has been a good way to get some exposure for us. We're trying to build a tradition at LeMoyne-Owen, and these games are good ways for us to build for the future."
"Pierre Niles starts practicing tomorrow. I want to get him minutes in Monday's game. He won't play too much, but I want to get him and Joey rotating in and out, and use him as the third big man."
"I'm disappointed that they played zone against us the whole game. These exhibition games we try to get better, and I wanted my young guys to get in motion. They played man-to-man twice. I can understand why you play zone, but I had to throw the ball into the post every time. We didn't have to get our young guys thinking too much."
"There was a lot of good stuff. It was a little bit disappointing. I wanted to see some man-to-man a little more."
LeMoyne-Owen Head Coach Smokey Gaines
"It's a lot of exposure for us. When we get into our league, we won't see anywhere near that level of play. That's a fast-playing team out there."
"Cal does a good job with these kids. He typifies what a good coach should do. Once he started getting good players here, their success kept continuing."
"This has been a good way to get some exposure for us. We're trying to build a tradition at LeMoyne-Owen, and these games are good ways for us to build for the future."
Tigers Easily Defeat LeMoyne-Owen College in Exhibition
No. 14 Memphis Defeats LeMoyne-Owen 113-63 In Exhibition Thursday
Seven Tigers net double figures in the victory.
(Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the game. I was playing Mr. Mom with my two little girls, but I did watch some of the highlights on the news - boy that really gives a lot of insight............anyway, it sounds like the zone hurt the outside shooting. Obviously, LOC would probably lose to C-USA basement dwellers on a regular basis, so using their team to compare the Tigers is just plain wrong. Cal was disappointed LOC did play a zone because he wanted the young guys to work the motion offense. On WREG CBS affiliate, Cal said he wasn't that worried about the shooting (17.2% from 3 point range, yes that is not a typo).
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Junior Joey Dorsey led seven Tigers in double figures with a game-high 22 points to lift No. 14-ranked Memphis to a 113-63 victory over LeMoyne-Owen in exhibition play Thursday at FedExForum. Taurean Moy led the Magicians with a team-best 20 points.
The Tigers jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Memphis netted its first 10 points on three dunks and two layups. LeMoyne-Owen cut the Tiger lead to 10-5 on a Moy trey at the 17:16 mark, but that was as close as the Magicians would get the remainder of the game.
From that point, Memphis went on a 17-6 run to increase its advantage to 27-11 with 11:35 left. The Tigers held a 59-34 lead at intermission.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Memphis opened with a 20-0 run after halftime. Dorsey and Robert Dozier paced the spurt with four points apiece. The Tigers then cruised to the 113-63 win.
Other Tigers in double figures were Dozier with 14 points, Antonio Anderson with 12 points, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Jeremy Hunt with 11 points and Tre'Von Willis and Andre Allen with 10 points. Dozier led Memphis with nine rebounds, while Dorsey, Douglas-Roberts and Hunt each grabbed seven boards. Anderson and Douglas-Roberts each had six assists.
Cedric Walker was the Magicians' only other double figure scorer with 16 points. Shan Mann led LeMoyne-Owen with nine rebounds and Greg Hill dished out five assists.
The Tiger defense forced 33 Magician turnovers and held LeMoyne-Owen to 31.4 percent shooting from the field.
Memphis returns to exhibition play Monday, Nov. 6 when it hosts Christian Brothers at 7 p.m. at FedExForum. The Tigers open regular season action Nov. 16 when they host Jackson State at 7 p.m.
Official Basketball Box Score -- GAME TOTALS -- FINAL STATISTICS
LeMoyne-Owen vs Memphis
11/02/06 7:00 pm at Memphis, Tenn. (FedExForum)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: LeMoyne-Owen TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
30 SHARIF, Jihad....... f 3-8 0-0 2-4 4 4 8 2 8 2 2 1 4 27
33 WALKER, Cedric...... f 6-16 0-0 4-4 4 2 6 2 16 0 6 1 0 38
01 PIGRAM, Anthony..... g 3-17 2-9 0-0 1 0 1 1 8 2 4 0 2 34
03 PRITCHETT, Adrian... g 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 0 1 3 1 1 14
15 MOY, Taurean........ g 6-16 5-11 3-4 1 0 1 2 20 3 4 0 0 35
10 HILL, Greg.......... 3-6 3-4 0-7 0 4 4 3 9 5 6 0 1 17
12 MANN, Shan.......... 0-2 0-0 0-0 3 6 9 0 0 4 0 0 1 12
22 MILLER, Antwon...... 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8
31 MASSEY, Paul........ 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 1 0 0 3 0 1 9
34 GREENE, Darrin...... 1-4 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 1 2 0 2 0 0 6 TEAM................ 2 1 3 3
Totals.............. 22-70 10-24 9-19 17 24 41 14 63 18 33 3 10 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 13-35 37.1% 2nd Half: 9-35 25.7% Game: 31.4% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 7-12 58.3% 2nd Half: 3-12 25.0% Game: 41.7% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 1-4 25.0% 2nd Half: 8-15 53.3% Game: 47.4% 5,2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Memphis TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN02 Dozier, Robert...... f 6-10 0-0 2-2 7 2 9 2 14 1 3 2 2 18
32 Dorsey, Joey........ f 10-12 0-0 2-5 2 5 7 2 22 1 1 4 3 23
01 Kemp, Willie........ g 4-12 0-4 0-0 3 3 6 0 8 4 1 0 1 18
12 Anderson, Antonio... g 5-7 2-4 0-0 0 2 2 2 12 6 0 3 6 18
14 DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, C.. g 5-9 0-2 1-4 2 5 7 0 11 6 2 0 2 20
00 Wade, Clyde......... 1-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 5
03 Willis, Tre'Von..... 2-9 0-3 6-6 5 1 6 1 10 1 3 0 2 18
05 Hunt, Jeremy........ 4-9 1-4 2-2 0 7 7 2 11 2 3 0 0 18
15 Allen, Andre........ 4-7 1-3 1-2 4 1 5 1 10 3 3 0 2 18
20 Mack, Doneal........ 2-10 0-6 0-0 2 1 3 3 4 2 0 1 1 20
30 Sandridge, Jared.... 1-1 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 5
35 Bailey, Hashim...... 3-6 0-0 0-0 2 5 7 3 6 0 1 3 0 17
55 McGrady, Chance..... 0-1 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 TEAM................ 1 1 2
Totals.............. 47-95 5-29 14-21 28 35 63 17 113 28 17 14 20 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 25-49 51.0% 2nd Half: 22-46 47.8% Game: 49.5% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-15 13.3% 2nd Half: 3-14 21.4% Game: 17.2% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 7-12 58.3% 2nd Half: 7-9 77.8% Game: 66.7% 1,1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Steve Welmer, Steve Olson, Tom Eades
Technical fouls: LeMoyne-Owen-None. Memphis-None.
Attendance: 9500
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
LeMoyne-Owen.................. 34 29 - 63
Memphis....................... 59 54 - 113
Attendance 9500 (estimated)
Points in the paint-LOC 18,MEM 82. Points off turnovers-LOC 6,MEM 44.
2nd chance points-LOC 12,MEM 22. Fast break points-LOC 12,MEM 28.
Bench points-LOC 11,MEM 46. Score tied-0 times. Lead changed-0 times.
Last FG-LOC 2nd-00:55, MEM 2nd-01:52.Largest lead-LOC None, MEM by 53 2nd-04:50.
Seven Tigers net double figures in the victory.
(Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the game. I was playing Mr. Mom with my two little girls, but I did watch some of the highlights on the news - boy that really gives a lot of insight............anyway, it sounds like the zone hurt the outside shooting. Obviously, LOC would probably lose to C-USA basement dwellers on a regular basis, so using their team to compare the Tigers is just plain wrong. Cal was disappointed LOC did play a zone because he wanted the young guys to work the motion offense. On WREG CBS affiliate, Cal said he wasn't that worried about the shooting (17.2% from 3 point range, yes that is not a typo).
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Junior Joey Dorsey led seven Tigers in double figures with a game-high 22 points to lift No. 14-ranked Memphis to a 113-63 victory over LeMoyne-Owen in exhibition play Thursday at FedExForum. Taurean Moy led the Magicians with a team-best 20 points.
The Tigers jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Memphis netted its first 10 points on three dunks and two layups. LeMoyne-Owen cut the Tiger lead to 10-5 on a Moy trey at the 17:16 mark, but that was as close as the Magicians would get the remainder of the game.
From that point, Memphis went on a 17-6 run to increase its advantage to 27-11 with 11:35 left. The Tigers held a 59-34 lead at intermission.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Memphis opened with a 20-0 run after halftime. Dorsey and Robert Dozier paced the spurt with four points apiece. The Tigers then cruised to the 113-63 win.
Other Tigers in double figures were Dozier with 14 points, Antonio Anderson with 12 points, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Jeremy Hunt with 11 points and Tre'Von Willis and Andre Allen with 10 points. Dozier led Memphis with nine rebounds, while Dorsey, Douglas-Roberts and Hunt each grabbed seven boards. Anderson and Douglas-Roberts each had six assists.
Cedric Walker was the Magicians' only other double figure scorer with 16 points. Shan Mann led LeMoyne-Owen with nine rebounds and Greg Hill dished out five assists.
The Tiger defense forced 33 Magician turnovers and held LeMoyne-Owen to 31.4 percent shooting from the field.
Memphis returns to exhibition play Monday, Nov. 6 when it hosts Christian Brothers at 7 p.m. at FedExForum. The Tigers open regular season action Nov. 16 when they host Jackson State at 7 p.m.
Official Basketball Box Score -- GAME TOTALS -- FINAL STATISTICS
LeMoyne-Owen vs Memphis
11/02/06 7:00 pm at Memphis, Tenn. (FedExForum)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: LeMoyne-Owen TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
30 SHARIF, Jihad....... f 3-8 0-0 2-4 4 4 8 2 8 2 2 1 4 27
33 WALKER, Cedric...... f 6-16 0-0 4-4 4 2 6 2 16 0 6 1 0 38
01 PIGRAM, Anthony..... g 3-17 2-9 0-0 1 0 1 1 8 2 4 0 2 34
03 PRITCHETT, Adrian... g 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 0 1 3 1 1 14
15 MOY, Taurean........ g 6-16 5-11 3-4 1 0 1 2 20 3 4 0 0 35
10 HILL, Greg.......... 3-6 3-4 0-7 0 4 4 3 9 5 6 0 1 17
12 MANN, Shan.......... 0-2 0-0 0-0 3 6 9 0 0 4 0 0 1 12
22 MILLER, Antwon...... 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8
31 MASSEY, Paul........ 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 1 0 0 3 0 1 9
34 GREENE, Darrin...... 1-4 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 1 2 0 2 0 0 6 TEAM................ 2 1 3 3
Totals.............. 22-70 10-24 9-19 17 24 41 14 63 18 33 3 10 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 13-35 37.1% 2nd Half: 9-35 25.7% Game: 31.4% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 7-12 58.3% 2nd Half: 3-12 25.0% Game: 41.7% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 1-4 25.0% 2nd Half: 8-15 53.3% Game: 47.4% 5,2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Memphis TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN02 Dozier, Robert...... f 6-10 0-0 2-2 7 2 9 2 14 1 3 2 2 18
32 Dorsey, Joey........ f 10-12 0-0 2-5 2 5 7 2 22 1 1 4 3 23
01 Kemp, Willie........ g 4-12 0-4 0-0 3 3 6 0 8 4 1 0 1 18
12 Anderson, Antonio... g 5-7 2-4 0-0 0 2 2 2 12 6 0 3 6 18
14 DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, C.. g 5-9 0-2 1-4 2 5 7 0 11 6 2 0 2 20
00 Wade, Clyde......... 1-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 5
03 Willis, Tre'Von..... 2-9 0-3 6-6 5 1 6 1 10 1 3 0 2 18
05 Hunt, Jeremy........ 4-9 1-4 2-2 0 7 7 2 11 2 3 0 0 18
15 Allen, Andre........ 4-7 1-3 1-2 4 1 5 1 10 3 3 0 2 18
20 Mack, Doneal........ 2-10 0-6 0-0 2 1 3 3 4 2 0 1 1 20
30 Sandridge, Jared.... 1-1 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 5
35 Bailey, Hashim...... 3-6 0-0 0-0 2 5 7 3 6 0 1 3 0 17
55 McGrady, Chance..... 0-1 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 TEAM................ 1 1 2
Totals.............. 47-95 5-29 14-21 28 35 63 17 113 28 17 14 20 200
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 25-49 51.0% 2nd Half: 22-46 47.8% Game: 49.5% DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-15 13.3% 2nd Half: 3-14 21.4% Game: 17.2% REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 7-12 58.3% 2nd Half: 7-9 77.8% Game: 66.7% 1,1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Steve Welmer, Steve Olson, Tom Eades
Technical fouls: LeMoyne-Owen-None. Memphis-None.
Attendance: 9500
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
LeMoyne-Owen.................. 34 29 - 63
Memphis....................... 59 54 - 113
Attendance 9500 (estimated)
Points in the paint-LOC 18,MEM 82. Points off turnovers-LOC 6,MEM 44.
2nd chance points-LOC 12,MEM 22. Fast break points-LOC 12,MEM 28.
Bench points-LOC 11,MEM 46. Score tied-0 times. Lead changed-0 times.
Last FG-LOC 2nd-00:55, MEM 2nd-01:52.Largest lead-LOC None, MEM by 53 2nd-04:50.
Hashim Bailey Faces Charges
Tigers' Bailey faces charges
By Dan Wolken
November 2, 2006
University of Memphis freshman center Hashim Bailey has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor for simple assault/bodily harm stemming from the Oct. 18 "water bottle incident" at West Hall dormitory involving two female students. An arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 17.
The women, Adia Corbin and Christina Peterson, called campus police on Oct. 18 to complain that two Tigers basketball players had followed them into the lobby of their dorm at roughly 9 p.m. and that one of the players threw a full water bottle at them and threatened them. They both told The Commercial Appeal they recognized one of the players as junior Joey Dorsey but didn't recognize the one who threw the bottle.
The car the players left in was later identified as Bailey's.
They also claimed that Dorsey poured the contents of a water bottle over Corbin's head.
After a UofM police investigation into the incident, the school turned the case over to the state court system, according to University counsel Sheri Lipman.
A magistrate judge then ordered a criminal summons, which Bailey signed last Thursday.
The summons was issued instead of an arrest warrant.
No charges have been filed against Dorsey.
Bailey, a 6-10, 290-pound center from Paterson, N.J., was automatically suspended from the basketball team due to the charge. That suspension was almost immediately overturned, however, after Bailey appealed it in front of a three-person University panel, Lipman said.
Bailey was not made available for comment Wednesday.
Tigers coach John Calipari declined comment.
Attempts to reach Corbin and Peterson were unsuccessful. In a phone interview Monday night, Peterson said she was "positive" Bailey was the second player, but then admitted she could not identify him for certain.
"I didn't identify him from a photo. I ran from him," Peterson said.
Asked why she believes the incident was an assault, Peterson said: "Pouring water on somebody is criminal. If I don't know you and you pour water on me, really, my clothes get wet and my hair is damaged."
By Dan Wolken
November 2, 2006
University of Memphis freshman center Hashim Bailey has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor for simple assault/bodily harm stemming from the Oct. 18 "water bottle incident" at West Hall dormitory involving two female students. An arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 17.
The women, Adia Corbin and Christina Peterson, called campus police on Oct. 18 to complain that two Tigers basketball players had followed them into the lobby of their dorm at roughly 9 p.m. and that one of the players threw a full water bottle at them and threatened them. They both told The Commercial Appeal they recognized one of the players as junior Joey Dorsey but didn't recognize the one who threw the bottle.
The car the players left in was later identified as Bailey's.
They also claimed that Dorsey poured the contents of a water bottle over Corbin's head.
After a UofM police investigation into the incident, the school turned the case over to the state court system, according to University counsel Sheri Lipman.
A magistrate judge then ordered a criminal summons, which Bailey signed last Thursday.
The summons was issued instead of an arrest warrant.
No charges have been filed against Dorsey.
Bailey, a 6-10, 290-pound center from Paterson, N.J., was automatically suspended from the basketball team due to the charge. That suspension was almost immediately overturned, however, after Bailey appealed it in front of a three-person University panel, Lipman said.
Bailey was not made available for comment Wednesday.
Tigers coach John Calipari declined comment.
Attempts to reach Corbin and Peterson were unsuccessful. In a phone interview Monday night, Peterson said she was "positive" Bailey was the second player, but then admitted she could not identify him for certain.
"I didn't identify him from a photo. I ran from him," Peterson said.
Asked why she believes the incident was an assault, Peterson said: "Pouring water on somebody is criminal. If I don't know you and you pour water on me, really, my clothes get wet and my hair is damaged."
Calipari of Two Minds on Tigers
Calipari of two minds on Tigers
By Dan Wolken
November 2, 2006
Catch John Calipari in certain moments these days, and he's going to give you The Speech. The one about losing his top three scorers, about how his Memphis Tigers of 2006-07 won't physically and athletically dominate like the Memphis Tigers of 2005-06, about how winning 30 games is something only three of his 14 previous teams have done.
But catch Calipari in other moments, and he can't help but gush. About his team's depth. About its personality and coachability. About how its energy and hunger reminds him of his 1996 Massachusetts team, which went to the Final Four.
There is a gulf of uncertainty between those two characterizations. And though the picture certainly won't be much clearer tonight after the Tigers' exhibition game at FedExForum against LeMoyne-Owen, at least the journey will have begun.
"We're going to have to do it different," Calipari said. "When people watch us play, it will not look like what last year looked like. It won't. It'll be a little different. Hopefully, it'll be a different that people enjoy."
And perhaps that's the best way to sum up a month in which Calipari has been admittedly perplexed about the preseason accolades his team has received, from being picked to win Conference USA to being voted No. 14 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.
Though Calipari could have used those polls to validate his contention that Memphis has arrived as a national program, he instead has attempted to manage expectations, pointing out that only support players were left over from his 33-4 squad that was one bad shooting night away from the Final Four.
His favorite talking point? The Tigers lost 56 percent of their scoring in Darius Washington and two first-round NBA Draft picks, Shawne Williams and Rodney Carney.
"He doesn't want that much on us because we lost three pros," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. "That's what he's trying to do, but we're a pretty good team; I know that. Our practices have been great. Every one."
Little by little, however, Calipari has brightened the forecast.
On the Tigers' scrimmage last Sunday night: "It almost scared me. I cut practice like, 'That's it, stop.' We're not supposed to be that good this early. And I don't want us to be that good this early. You don't want them playing like it's January 28."
On attitude: "I had a guy call me last night and say, 'This may be the best group of kids you've had here.' They are. That's not to say any other group are bad guys, but I'm just saying, this is pleasurable. Every day I come in, I'm like, I'm having fun. I know what I'm going to get from the guys."
On effort: "This is one of those teams; I had one in 1995-96. They want it for themselves collectively as bad as I want it for them. I don't know what that means, but I will tell you, I think they'll max out."
Regardless of the predictions -- both internal and external -- there has been a palpable buzz, an excitement about the start of this season felt on campus and around the city.
And though tonight's game against LeMoyne-Owen won't count in the final standings, the season is indeed here.
"There's always going to be a buzz," sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said. "Here, everything's big, especially with the basketball program. They expect something big out of us again, and I hope we can give it to them."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
--------------------
Tigers vs. LeMoyne-Owen
When, where: Today, 7 p.m., at FedExForum
TV, radio: No TV, WREC-AM (600)
By Dan Wolken
November 2, 2006
Catch John Calipari in certain moments these days, and he's going to give you The Speech. The one about losing his top three scorers, about how his Memphis Tigers of 2006-07 won't physically and athletically dominate like the Memphis Tigers of 2005-06, about how winning 30 games is something only three of his 14 previous teams have done.
But catch Calipari in other moments, and he can't help but gush. About his team's depth. About its personality and coachability. About how its energy and hunger reminds him of his 1996 Massachusetts team, which went to the Final Four.
There is a gulf of uncertainty between those two characterizations. And though the picture certainly won't be much clearer tonight after the Tigers' exhibition game at FedExForum against LeMoyne-Owen, at least the journey will have begun.
"We're going to have to do it different," Calipari said. "When people watch us play, it will not look like what last year looked like. It won't. It'll be a little different. Hopefully, it'll be a different that people enjoy."
And perhaps that's the best way to sum up a month in which Calipari has been admittedly perplexed about the preseason accolades his team has received, from being picked to win Conference USA to being voted No. 14 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.
Though Calipari could have used those polls to validate his contention that Memphis has arrived as a national program, he instead has attempted to manage expectations, pointing out that only support players were left over from his 33-4 squad that was one bad shooting night away from the Final Four.
His favorite talking point? The Tigers lost 56 percent of their scoring in Darius Washington and two first-round NBA Draft picks, Shawne Williams and Rodney Carney.
"He doesn't want that much on us because we lost three pros," sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. "That's what he's trying to do, but we're a pretty good team; I know that. Our practices have been great. Every one."
Little by little, however, Calipari has brightened the forecast.
On the Tigers' scrimmage last Sunday night: "It almost scared me. I cut practice like, 'That's it, stop.' We're not supposed to be that good this early. And I don't want us to be that good this early. You don't want them playing like it's January 28."
On attitude: "I had a guy call me last night and say, 'This may be the best group of kids you've had here.' They are. That's not to say any other group are bad guys, but I'm just saying, this is pleasurable. Every day I come in, I'm like, I'm having fun. I know what I'm going to get from the guys."
On effort: "This is one of those teams; I had one in 1995-96. They want it for themselves collectively as bad as I want it for them. I don't know what that means, but I will tell you, I think they'll max out."
Regardless of the predictions -- both internal and external -- there has been a palpable buzz, an excitement about the start of this season felt on campus and around the city.
And though tonight's game against LeMoyne-Owen won't count in the final standings, the season is indeed here.
"There's always going to be a buzz," sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said. "Here, everything's big, especially with the basketball program. They expect something big out of us again, and I hope we can give it to them."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
--------------------
Tigers vs. LeMoyne-Owen
When, where: Today, 7 p.m., at FedExForum
TV, radio: No TV, WREC-AM (600)
Tiger Basketball Camp Report
Tiger basketball camp report
November 2, 2006
Another look With all due respect to LeMoyne-Owen and Christian Brothers -- the Tigers' opponents in their exhibition games tonight and Monday -- John Calipari would rather be playing Alabama.
Calipari said Wednesday that next season he'll look at dropping one of the two exhibition games allowed by the NCAA and instead schedule a closed scrimmage against a high-level Division 1 opponent, something other top programs have already done this year (Kansas State and Marquette scrimmaged last week, as did Georgia Tech and UAB). In fact, Calipari said he and Alabama coach Mark Gottfried wanted to set up a scrimmage, but the Tigers' two exhibition games had already been scheduled.
Though Calipari said "There's no question" his team would get more out of scrimmaging Alabama, dropping an exhibition game would cost the athletic department roughly $200,000 worth of ticket revenue.
"The issue becomes, where do we come up with the $200,000 we're going to lose?" Calipari said. "But next year, I think we're going to have one or two more home games than (this year), so we won't lose any revenue."
Going small
With center Pierre Niles (knee surgery) still a handful of days away from returning to practice and Kareem Cooper suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules, the Tigers will have a smaller look tonight.
A three-guard lineup, however, is something the Tigers might use a lot of this season given the return of senior Jeremy Hunt and the addition of freshmen Doneal Mack, Tre'Von Willis and Willie Kemp.
Sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said the team has gotten comfortable playing with a three-guard look.
"There will be some teams with big players that we'll need to match up with," Douglas-Roberts said. "But if it's a small team we can match up fine with them. We're in great shape."
Platoon strategy
Calipari said he plans on substituting five-man units throughout the first half tonight. In other words, as soon as one of his starters begins to tire, the whole first team will be replaced.
"They'll play between three and five minutes," Calipari said. "If anyone on the team gets winded, the whole team comes out. Maybe it's two minutes, then boom, 'Next group let's go,' and let's see how hard we can push and how long they can go."
Calipari didn't name starters, but indicated Kemp might run the point with a more veteran unit and junior Andre Allen might play with rookies.
Etc.
Doors to the FedExForum will open an hour before tipoff tonight and for every home game this season. ... Former Tigers players John Wilfong and Duane Erwin watched Wednesday's practice.
-- Dan Wolken
November 2, 2006
Another look With all due respect to LeMoyne-Owen and Christian Brothers -- the Tigers' opponents in their exhibition games tonight and Monday -- John Calipari would rather be playing Alabama.
Calipari said Wednesday that next season he'll look at dropping one of the two exhibition games allowed by the NCAA and instead schedule a closed scrimmage against a high-level Division 1 opponent, something other top programs have already done this year (Kansas State and Marquette scrimmaged last week, as did Georgia Tech and UAB). In fact, Calipari said he and Alabama coach Mark Gottfried wanted to set up a scrimmage, but the Tigers' two exhibition games had already been scheduled.
Though Calipari said "There's no question" his team would get more out of scrimmaging Alabama, dropping an exhibition game would cost the athletic department roughly $200,000 worth of ticket revenue.
"The issue becomes, where do we come up with the $200,000 we're going to lose?" Calipari said. "But next year, I think we're going to have one or two more home games than (this year), so we won't lose any revenue."
Going small
With center Pierre Niles (knee surgery) still a handful of days away from returning to practice and Kareem Cooper suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules, the Tigers will have a smaller look tonight.
A three-guard lineup, however, is something the Tigers might use a lot of this season given the return of senior Jeremy Hunt and the addition of freshmen Doneal Mack, Tre'Von Willis and Willie Kemp.
Sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said the team has gotten comfortable playing with a three-guard look.
"There will be some teams with big players that we'll need to match up with," Douglas-Roberts said. "But if it's a small team we can match up fine with them. We're in great shape."
Platoon strategy
Calipari said he plans on substituting five-man units throughout the first half tonight. In other words, as soon as one of his starters begins to tire, the whole first team will be replaced.
"They'll play between three and five minutes," Calipari said. "If anyone on the team gets winded, the whole team comes out. Maybe it's two minutes, then boom, 'Next group let's go,' and let's see how hard we can push and how long they can go."
Calipari didn't name starters, but indicated Kemp might run the point with a more veteran unit and junior Andre Allen might play with rookies.
Etc.
Doors to the FedExForum will open an hour before tipoff tonight and for every home game this season. ... Former Tigers players John Wilfong and Duane Erwin watched Wednesday's practice.
-- Dan Wolken
TheBigLead.com Ranks Tigers #18
TheBigLead.com
18. Memphis Tigers (33-4) - The losses were heavy – point guard Darius Washington, and small forwards Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams. Not only were they the heart of the team, but the three leading scorers.
Washington, the best point guard the program has seen since Penny Hardaway, will hurt most, but if freshman Willie Kemp is as good as advertised, perhaps the falloff isn’t too dramatic. There are shooters – Chris Douglas-Roberts and Antonio Anderson – and bangers insider – Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier. So expect another waltz through Conference USA with, at most, three losses.
Will the Tigers thrive with more balance than stardom? Who emerges as the team leader? Mr. Clutch? Just how long until 23-year-old guard Jeremy Hunt gets booted from the team again for beating up women? (Cold comment, ed.)
PLAYER TO WATCH: Antonio Anderson
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: PG Willie Kemp.
BLIND GUESS AT MARCH PENETRATION: First round
18. Memphis Tigers (33-4) - The losses were heavy – point guard Darius Washington, and small forwards Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams. Not only were they the heart of the team, but the three leading scorers.
Washington, the best point guard the program has seen since Penny Hardaway, will hurt most, but if freshman Willie Kemp is as good as advertised, perhaps the falloff isn’t too dramatic. There are shooters – Chris Douglas-Roberts and Antonio Anderson – and bangers insider – Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier. So expect another waltz through Conference USA with, at most, three losses.
Will the Tigers thrive with more balance than stardom? Who emerges as the team leader? Mr. Clutch? Just how long until 23-year-old guard Jeremy Hunt gets booted from the team again for beating up women? (Cold comment, ed.)
PLAYER TO WATCH: Antonio Anderson
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: PG Willie Kemp.
BLIND GUESS AT MARCH PENETRATION: First round
Jack's Sports Humor Blog - A Country Music Themed Preseason Top 15
Jack Archey
Jack's Sports Humor Blog
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A Country Music-Themed Guide To College Basketball's Preseason Top 15
This Monday, excellence in country music will be celebrated at the 40th annual CMA Awards in Nashville. The festive occasion comes as college basketball fans gear up for another exciting season on campus. The preseason USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll has already been released, offering an opportunity to combine these American institutions. Each of the top 15 teams relates in some way to a country music star of the past or present. Here is an analysis.
15. Boston College: Keith Urban. Married to Nicole Kidman, Urban can be overshadowed by the glamorous company he keeps. The solid, but under-the-radar Eagles get the same treatment around UNC and Duke.
14. Memphis: Garth Brooks. As a powerhouse stuck in Conference USA, John Calipari’s Tigers have “Friends In Low Places.”
13. Texas A&M: Merle Haggard. Haggard turned his life around after being released from prison. Aggie opponents will learn the same lesson about A&M’s backcourt star. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of the (Acie) Law.
12. Alabama: Alabama. I completely racked my brain coming up with that one. Ronald Steele will make sweet music in Tuscaloosa.
11. Duke: Charlie Daniels. He brought us “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” and the Blue Devils hope to be in Georgia for the Final Four. Just in case, Coach K is devoting extra practice time to fiddling drills.
10. Arizona: The Judds. Another group of Wildcats is famously cheered on by a Judd. So Lute Olson decides that he can do even better with two of them.
9. Wisconsin: Tammy Wynette. Best known for “Stand By Your Man,” the late Wynette would have loved the tenacious defense of Bo Ryan’s Badgers.
8. Georgetown: Rosanne Cash. As the offspring of a famous father, Johnny Cash’s daughter would fit in well with coach John Thompson III and forward Patrick Ewing, Jr.
7. LSU: Big and Rich. After another stellar season in Baton Rouge, Glen Davis will soon be a Big AND Rich Baby.
5 (tie). UCLA: Dolly Parton. The Bruins’ revival has come under coach Ben Howland’s deliberate style, so “9 To 5” could be a halftime score.
5 (tie). Pittsburgh: The Dixie Chicks. The Panthers are expected to battle Georgetown for Big East supremacy. So like the Bush-bashing trio, they’ll make enemies in Washington.
4. Ohio State: Kenny Chesney. Like Chesney’s marriage to Renée Zellweger, Greg Oden’s partnership with the Buckeyes will last four months. Oden hopes to win a national title in his one season at OSU – the only way Maurice Clarett should ever be his role model.
3. Kansas: Sara Evans. Evans withdrew from Dancing With the Stars while still in competition. Similarly, KU’s past two seasons have resulted in premature exits from The Dance.
2. North Carolina: Kenny Rogers. You might have expected Faith Hill, as there is much faith in Chapel Hill among Tar Heel fans. But the name Kenny Rogers seems appropriate when “Tar” is mentioned.
1. Florida: Carrie Underwood. The American Idol winner hopes to be honored Monday for “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The defending champs also believe in Biblical guidance, being led by Noah.
We’re still many months away from knowing how the brackets will look. However, there could be a little bit of March Madness in Nashville on Monday. So don’t be too surprised if the award for Male Vocalist of the Year goes to George Mason.
Jack's Sports Humor Blog
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A Country Music-Themed Guide To College Basketball's Preseason Top 15
This Monday, excellence in country music will be celebrated at the 40th annual CMA Awards in Nashville. The festive occasion comes as college basketball fans gear up for another exciting season on campus. The preseason USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll has already been released, offering an opportunity to combine these American institutions. Each of the top 15 teams relates in some way to a country music star of the past or present. Here is an analysis.
15. Boston College: Keith Urban. Married to Nicole Kidman, Urban can be overshadowed by the glamorous company he keeps. The solid, but under-the-radar Eagles get the same treatment around UNC and Duke.
14. Memphis: Garth Brooks. As a powerhouse stuck in Conference USA, John Calipari’s Tigers have “Friends In Low Places.”
13. Texas A&M: Merle Haggard. Haggard turned his life around after being released from prison. Aggie opponents will learn the same lesson about A&M’s backcourt star. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of the (Acie) Law.
12. Alabama: Alabama. I completely racked my brain coming up with that one. Ronald Steele will make sweet music in Tuscaloosa.
11. Duke: Charlie Daniels. He brought us “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” and the Blue Devils hope to be in Georgia for the Final Four. Just in case, Coach K is devoting extra practice time to fiddling drills.
10. Arizona: The Judds. Another group of Wildcats is famously cheered on by a Judd. So Lute Olson decides that he can do even better with two of them.
9. Wisconsin: Tammy Wynette. Best known for “Stand By Your Man,” the late Wynette would have loved the tenacious defense of Bo Ryan’s Badgers.
8. Georgetown: Rosanne Cash. As the offspring of a famous father, Johnny Cash’s daughter would fit in well with coach John Thompson III and forward Patrick Ewing, Jr.
7. LSU: Big and Rich. After another stellar season in Baton Rouge, Glen Davis will soon be a Big AND Rich Baby.
5 (tie). UCLA: Dolly Parton. The Bruins’ revival has come under coach Ben Howland’s deliberate style, so “9 To 5” could be a halftime score.
5 (tie). Pittsburgh: The Dixie Chicks. The Panthers are expected to battle Georgetown for Big East supremacy. So like the Bush-bashing trio, they’ll make enemies in Washington.
4. Ohio State: Kenny Chesney. Like Chesney’s marriage to Renée Zellweger, Greg Oden’s partnership with the Buckeyes will last four months. Oden hopes to win a national title in his one season at OSU – the only way Maurice Clarett should ever be his role model.
3. Kansas: Sara Evans. Evans withdrew from Dancing With the Stars while still in competition. Similarly, KU’s past two seasons have resulted in premature exits from The Dance.
2. North Carolina: Kenny Rogers. You might have expected Faith Hill, as there is much faith in Chapel Hill among Tar Heel fans. But the name Kenny Rogers seems appropriate when “Tar” is mentioned.
1. Florida: Carrie Underwood. The American Idol winner hopes to be honored Monday for “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The defending champs also believe in Biblical guidance, being led by Noah.
We’re still many months away from knowing how the brackets will look. However, there could be a little bit of March Madness in Nashville on Monday. So don’t be too surprised if the award for Male Vocalist of the Year goes to George Mason.
Students Accuse U of M Campus Police of Not Following Through with Charges Against Hashim Bailey and Joey Dorsey
Students Say Campus Police Not Helping In U of M Player Assault Investigation
Posted: 10/31/2006 10:15:25 PM
Two University of Memphis students say they are getting the run-around from campus police. The girls filed assault charges against two star Tigers basketball players.
The students say players Joey Dorsey and Hashim Bailey doused them with water, threatened them, and tried to run them over with a car.
University officials tell Eyewitness News that there are two investigations. One is being conducted by the University, and the other is being conducted by Memphis police. They say both investigations are progressing.
But the students say campus police tried to tell them they could not file assault charges against the players. And they claim campus police are trying to block the investigation.
"He said you're not going to be able to file assault for them throwing water. He said that's not assault. So you're saying I can just walk up to somebody on the street and throw water on them?" asked University of Memphis senior Christina Peterson.
Peterson says she is "floored" by what she says U of M investigator Kevin Langelier told her after she says she and friends were doused with water, verbally threatened, and almost run over by a car driven by Hashim Bailey. Joey Dorsey was also in the car.
"It makes me upset because they can do what they want to do and nobody is going to do anything about it," Peterson said.
Peterson says that fact is clear based on how the investigation into Dorsey and Bailey's actions is being handled by University police.
Describing what happened, Peterson said, "We went down to 201 (County Jail) to swear out a warrant. He went into the courtroom with the judge before I got there. They made me wait outside. Then when I go in there to the judge it's not a warrant anymore it's a summons."
Peterson believes that happened because campus police didn't put all the facts in the report that was filed with Mempihs police. When you compare Peterson's statement to what's written in the police report, there are facts missing.
In her statement, Peterson describes the last minutes of the attack when the players tried to run.
She said, "I gathered the license information and the driver of the car (Bailey) swerved his car to the left to try to hit me. I dodged his car and he turned left."
Eyewitness News went with Christina Peterson and Adia Corbin as they tried to re-file charges. While they were helpful, Memphis police said the case would have to go back to the University Police Department because it's their case. That means justice for Peterson and her friends may be a long way off.
"I shouldn't have to be worried about who's going to come up here and assault me or threaten my life 'cause I'm not even from here. I'm not okay with that so maybe it's okay in Memphis but where I'm from it's not okay," Peterson said.
Eyewitness News tried several times to get University of Memphis officials to comment on the case, but our requests were refused.
Posted: 10/31/2006 10:15:25 PM
Two University of Memphis students say they are getting the run-around from campus police. The girls filed assault charges against two star Tigers basketball players.
The students say players Joey Dorsey and Hashim Bailey doused them with water, threatened them, and tried to run them over with a car.
University officials tell Eyewitness News that there are two investigations. One is being conducted by the University, and the other is being conducted by Memphis police. They say both investigations are progressing.
But the students say campus police tried to tell them they could not file assault charges against the players. And they claim campus police are trying to block the investigation.
"He said you're not going to be able to file assault for them throwing water. He said that's not assault. So you're saying I can just walk up to somebody on the street and throw water on them?" asked University of Memphis senior Christina Peterson.
Peterson says she is "floored" by what she says U of M investigator Kevin Langelier told her after she says she and friends were doused with water, verbally threatened, and almost run over by a car driven by Hashim Bailey. Joey Dorsey was also in the car.
"It makes me upset because they can do what they want to do and nobody is going to do anything about it," Peterson said.
Peterson says that fact is clear based on how the investigation into Dorsey and Bailey's actions is being handled by University police.
Describing what happened, Peterson said, "We went down to 201 (County Jail) to swear out a warrant. He went into the courtroom with the judge before I got there. They made me wait outside. Then when I go in there to the judge it's not a warrant anymore it's a summons."
Peterson believes that happened because campus police didn't put all the facts in the report that was filed with Mempihs police. When you compare Peterson's statement to what's written in the police report, there are facts missing.
In her statement, Peterson describes the last minutes of the attack when the players tried to run.
She said, "I gathered the license information and the driver of the car (Bailey) swerved his car to the left to try to hit me. I dodged his car and he turned left."
Eyewitness News went with Christina Peterson and Adia Corbin as they tried to re-file charges. While they were helpful, Memphis police said the case would have to go back to the University Police Department because it's their case. That means justice for Peterson and her friends may be a long way off.
"I shouldn't have to be worried about who's going to come up here and assault me or threaten my life 'cause I'm not even from here. I'm not okay with that so maybe it's okay in Memphis but where I'm from it's not okay," Peterson said.
Eyewitness News tried several times to get University of Memphis officials to comment on the case, but our requests were refused.
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