Jerseys change as quickly as hair styles
By Don Wolken
June 24, 2007
It's a numbers game at the University of Memphis this year, in more ways than one.
When Jeremy Hunt and Clyde Wade graduated from the program, two highly sought-after jersey numbers became available: No. 5 and No. 0, respectively.
It didn't take long for the remaining Tigers to jump on them as former No. 12 Antonio Anderson immediately claimed Hunt's No. 5 and Shawn Taggart took No. 0.
But they aren't the only players switching numbers for 2007-08. After wearing No. 32 for three years, forward Joey Dorsey will wear No. 3 as a senior, taking the number worn by Tre'Von Willis last year and Chris Douglas-Roberts the year before that. Walk-on guard Chance McGrady is going from No. 55 to No. 31.
Meanwhile, incoming freshman guard Jeff Robinson will wear 32, Dorsey's former number. Freshman point guard Derrick Rose will wear No. 23.
At Simeon High School in Chicago, Rose wore No. 25 to honor Ben Wilson, a star player at the school who was murdered in 1984. But 25 is one of the eight numbers retired by Memphis as it was last worn by Penny Hardaway.
Though Rose did not ask to wear No. 25, Hardaway offered to let him wear it, according to team manager Bryan Settle. The school, however, would not approve a number being unretired so Rose will wear No. 23.
Asked about the number issue, Rose was nonplussed.
"I'll wear whatever number they give me," he said.
For Anderson, going to No. 5 is a welcome change as it was the number he wore before coming to Memphis, where it was already occupied by Hunt.
"Twelve was never my number," Anderson said.
Thirteen was Taggart's number in high school, but when he came to Memphis, he found out it was retired in honor of Forest Arnold. Though he didn't play last season due to NCAA transfer rules, Taggart was No. 10 on the official team roster.
Presented with the opportunity to wear No. 0 for his Memphis debut, Taggart couldn't pass it up.
"Because I wasn't supposed to amount to nothing," Taggart said.
According to whom?
"The people who hated me back home. It's a tribute to them."
Transfer talk
While one former Memphis player has found a new college destination, another is in the process of looking for one.
Willis has settled on UNLV, which was his second choice coming out of high school. The Fresno, Calif., product also considered Hawaii and Pepperdine but committed shortly after visiting Las Vegas.
"I felt comfortable with everything. It's a perfect fit for me," Willis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I felt like it was the right thing, and I had to do what's best for me."
Center Kareem Cooper, meanwhile, will probably end up transferring to a program led by a former Memphis assistant. But it won't necessarily be the one you think.
Though Cooper was in El Paso this week visiting UTEP and second-year head coach Tony Barbee, don't be surprised if he ends up at Lamar with Steve Roccaforte.
Despite some media outlets inferring that Cooper's transfer to UTEP is a done deal, multiple sources close to the Memphis program maintain that Barbee has not decided whether to accept Cooper.
If UTEP is Cooper's destination, Memphis coach John Calipari confirmed he would sign a waiver of the Conference USA rule requiring players transferring within the league to sit out two years. Thus, Cooper would be eligible in 2008-09.
Not worried
Hunt said he's not sweating the outcome of Thursday's NBA Draft. Whether or not he gets picked, Hunt believes he'll have plenty of opportunities to impress NBA teams in a summer league or training camp.
"I only have positive thoughts if I do or don't get drafted," Hunt said. "Even in the worst-case scenario, it's not over with."
Though plenty of teams saw Hunt at the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, he's also done a private workout with Dallas and has one scheduled for Wednesday in Charlotte.
He said the L.A. Clippers also have shown interest in scheduling a workout this week.
"I probably won't know what to expect until the night before or the day of," Hunt said. "I'm never worried, never frustrated, never get down on myself. I just keep working."
Recruiting news
Christian Watford, who could be a key figure in Memphis' recruiting plans a year from now, was on campus this weekend for an unofficial visit.
Watford, a 6-7 forward from Trussville, Ala., is the 24th-ranked player in the class of 2009, according to Rivals.com. Though Watford is an elite prospect in his own right, he's also good friends with Birmingham phenom DeMarcus Cousins, a 6-9 forward ranked third by Rivals in the 2009 class.
Memphis has been mentioned in connection with several top players for 2009, including Xavier Henry (No. 2), Cousins, Derrick Favors (No. 5), Lance Stephenson (No. 7), Briarcrest's Leslie McDonald (No. 11), Watford and Richard Howell (No. 26), who was on campus last weekend for the Memphis elite camp.
Last chance to camp
The John Calipari Summer Basketball School concludes this week with the Rod Strickland and Friends camp Monday through Thursday. Strickland, the Tigers' director of student-athlete development and a 17-year NBA veteran, will lead the camp for ages 7 through 18 at the Finch Center on Spottswood and Echles. Spots are available for walk-up campers.
The camp includes a scheduled guest appearance by New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul.
The cost is $225 with a $25 discount for players who have signed up for a previous camp this year.
To reach reporter Dan Wolken, call 529-2365
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tiger Scholarship Fund Reaches New Heights
Scholarship fund reaches new heights
By Phil Stukenborg, Commercial Appeal
June 23, 2007
The University of Memphis athletic department is expected to set a record for donations to its Tiger Scholarship Fund, surpassing last year's record of $5 million.
The TSF, the fund-raising arm for the athletic department, reached its longtime goal of $5 million last year, but could approach $6 million when figures are announced next month. A re-seating at FedExForum for the Tiger basketball program -- coming off consecutive Elite Eight appearances and expected to be ranked in the preseason top five -- has contributed to increased donations.
''We budgeted $5.2 million (in donations) for 2007, but we are going to surpass that,'' said Bill Landsen, UofM associate athletic director/development. ''We'll be setting a new record, although I'm not sure what it will be.''
After last year's record donation total, athletic director R.C. Johnson, who set the $5 million bar when he was hired 11 years ago, said $6 million would be the next benchmark.
''I don't have a tally, but we're having phenomenal success with our (TSF) renewals and with new members,'' Johnson said. ''We wanted 500 new members, and we have surpassed that.
''As for our donations, the goal was $5.2 million. I feel confident we'll make that, which will be another all-time record. The goal has always been to offset scholarship costs.''
Johnson said each percentage point increase in tuition translates to about $52,000 in scholarship costs. Tuition has increased in recent years by about five percent annually.
By Phil Stukenborg, Commercial Appeal
June 23, 2007
The University of Memphis athletic department is expected to set a record for donations to its Tiger Scholarship Fund, surpassing last year's record of $5 million.
The TSF, the fund-raising arm for the athletic department, reached its longtime goal of $5 million last year, but could approach $6 million when figures are announced next month. A re-seating at FedExForum for the Tiger basketball program -- coming off consecutive Elite Eight appearances and expected to be ranked in the preseason top five -- has contributed to increased donations.
''We budgeted $5.2 million (in donations) for 2007, but we are going to surpass that,'' said Bill Landsen, UofM associate athletic director/development. ''We'll be setting a new record, although I'm not sure what it will be.''
After last year's record donation total, athletic director R.C. Johnson, who set the $5 million bar when he was hired 11 years ago, said $6 million would be the next benchmark.
''I don't have a tally, but we're having phenomenal success with our (TSF) renewals and with new members,'' Johnson said. ''We wanted 500 new members, and we have surpassed that.
''As for our donations, the goal was $5.2 million. I feel confident we'll make that, which will be another all-time record. The goal has always been to offset scholarship costs.''
Johnson said each percentage point increase in tuition translates to about $52,000 in scholarship costs. Tuition has increased in recent years by about five percent annually.
From Yellow Chair Sports "Early Look Toward Next Season"
http://yellow-chair-sports.blogspot.com
Yellow Chair Sports
Friday, June 22, 2007
An Early Look Towards Next Season in College Basketball
At my college basketball blog From Way Downtown, I have previewed my projected top 25 teams for next season. Besides my full preview of the top five shortly below here, other teams of note include Georgetown at 6, Michigan State at 8, Marquette at 9, Duke at 11, Villanova at 15 and Syracuse at 22.
1. Memphis:
An Elite 8 team last season, the Tigers return their starting five from a year ago and have one of the best point guard prospects in years coming in. Derrick Rose, the athletic 6'3 floor general from the Windy City, will lead the way for Memphis. A pure point guard with excellent size and a capable perimeter shooter, Rose has a very good chance of winning a national championship during his brief stay in college. A myriad of talented wing players join Rose on the perimeter. Chris Douglas-Roberts, a complete scorer who always finds a way to get open, should lead the Tigers in scoring again this season. Antonio Anderson gives the Tigers an adept ball handler and distributor from the wing, as well as another player who can take it to the basket. The super athletic Doneal Mack will provide instant offense of the bench, as he averaged 7 points per game in just 14 minutes of action. Another freshman, Jeff Robinson, should provide an offensive spark off the bench. A 6'5 wing from prep power St. Patrick's (NJ), Robinson can really shoot the ball and like most Memphis players, enjoys attacking the rim. To round the backcourt, last season's starter at the point, sophomore Willie Kemp, will back-up Rose and can also play next to him on occasion. Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier return to anchor the Tigers frontcourt. Dorsey, an athletic 6'9 bull, does a great job of rebounding and altering shots. He struggles with getting into foul trouble, but always makes a big impact when out on the court. Dozier, an athletic 6'9 forward, enjoys getting to the rim and can hit the mid-range jumper. On defense, he uses his length to block and alter shots. Massive 6'8 sophomore Pierre Niles gives the Tigers a true back to the basket scorer when he comes into the game. If the 285 pound Niles can get into better shape, he will earn significant minutes this season, especially when the Tigers get caught up in a half-court game. With a balanced roster and a proven coach in John Calipari, Memphis has the chance to make history this season as the first non-BCS national champion in almost two decades.
Projected Starters:
G Derrick Rose, 6'3, Fr.
G Chris Douglas-Roberts, 6'5, Jr.
G Antonio Anderson, 6'5, Jr.
F Robert Dozier, 6'9, Jr.
F Joey Dorsey, 6'9, Sr.
Key Reserves:
G Doneal Mack, 6'5, So.
G/F Jeff Robinson, 6'5, Fr.
F Pierre Niles, 6'8, So.
G Willie Kemp, 6'2, So.
G Andre Allen, 5'10, Sr.
2. North Carolina:
The Tar Heels, with the majority of their key parts returning, look to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss to Georgetown in the Elite 8. The hardest working player in America, Tyler Hansbrough, will once again lead the way. The 6'9 junior forward has been a scoring and rebounding machine during his two seasons in Chapel Hill, and should be the heavy favorite for ACC player of the year. Joining in him in the frontcourt will be a pair of talented sophomores, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson. Thompson, a well built power forward with excellent post moves, proved be a key player off the bench last season. During his one chance to start, he had a huge game replacing the sick Brandan Wright in their drubbing of Arizona. Stepheson, an athletic 6'9 forward, should be the first big off the bench this year and will be a nice option when Hansbrough or Thompson needs a rest. Super quick point guard Ty Lawson returns to lead the Tar Heels offense. The 5'11 Lawson has an extremely quick first step, and cannot be left open from the perimeter. Starting for the majority of his freshman season, Lawson generally played like an experienced floor general. Another sophomore, Wayne Ellington, joins Lawson in the backcourt. A very smooth player with an excellent perimeter shot, Ellington looks to be poised for a big sophomore campaign. At the other perimeter spot, Roy Williams will have an interesting choice between lockdown defender Marcus Ginyard and skilled wing Danny Green. After starting as a freshman, Ginyard adjusted nicely to coming off the bench last season and blends in nicely with this group of stars and future pros. Green, a crafty player from New York, could be a nice option as Carolina's sixth man. Guards Bobby Frasor and Quention Thomas give the Tar Heels two other very players off the bench, and redshirt forward William Graves will fight to earn minutes. While the Tar Heels lost two quality players in Brandan Wright and Reyshawn Terry, they still have a very talented, deep group capable of winning it all and ready to dominate the ACC.
Projected Starters:
G Ty Lawson, 5'11, So.
G Wayne Ellington, 6'4, So.
G Marcus Ginyard, 6'5, Jr.
F Deon Thompson, 6'8, So.
F Tyler Hansbrough, 6'9, Jr.
Key Reserves:
G/F Danny Green, 6'5, Jr.
F Alex Stepheson, 6'9, So.
G Bobby Frasor, 6'3, Jr.
G Quentin Thomas, 6'3, Sr.
F William Graves, 6'6, Fr.
3. UCLA:
The Bruins, coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances, look to be poised to make it three consecutive trips for Ben Howland. The return of super point guard Darren Collison and the arrival of awesome freshman Kevin Love gives the Bruins a dynamic pair to build around. Collison made the loss of Jordan Farmar to the NBA a non-issue last season. A very quick player with the knack for hitting big shots, Collison passed on the pros for a chance to help the Bruins take that elusive final step and bring the national championship back to Westwood. An excellent leader at the point guard spot, Collison will again look to set up his talented group of teammates. Joining him in the backcourt will be junior wing Josh Shipp. Despite struggling with injuries during his college career, Shipp has managed to be a consistent scoring threat and tough defender when he's on the court. Going through another hip surgery this offseason, Shipp hopes to finally comes back 100 percent for the 2008 season. The other perimeter starting spot will be competed for by Russell Westbrook, Michael Roll and incoming freshman Chace Stanback. Westbrook, a combo guard who can play off the ball or run the offense when Collison needs a blow, would probably be considered the favorite. Roll, a perimeter marksman, will need to work on the other elements of his game in order to get starter's minutes. The most talented of this group would be Stanback, but he may be better off playing Shipp's spot on the wing. An athletic 6'7 wing player who can get to the basket, Stanback should be a future stalwart for the Bruins program. The Bruins have lacked a guy who can score from the post, but Love will make that a non-issue this season. A complete forward who can hit the perimeter jumper and enjoys competing down low, I think Love will have the biggest freshman impact of anyone in the country. As a boon to the speedy Collison, Love may be the best outlet passer I have ever seen. After a disappointing sophomore season where he battled with injuries, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will be back and ready to make a major impact. As a freshman, Mbah a Moute always managed to get his hands on the ball. However, that quickness and tenacity were quelled by nagging leg injuries and he looked like a shell of his former self towards the end of last season. Before injuries hit, Mbah a Moute showed flashes of developing a complete game that could prepel him back into the serious NBA discussion after this upcoming campaign. All-effort guy Lorenzo Mata will be back and should provide a willing defender and banger down low. Defensive minded Alfred Aboya and perimeter threat James Keefe round out what will be a much improved frontcourt thanks to the presence of Love. Like Kansas, UCLA could see their roster decimated after next season. However, they have all the parts to make 2008 a season to remember.
Projected Starters:
G Darren Collison, 6'0, Jr.
G Russell Westbrook, 6'3, So.
G/F Josh Shipp, 6'5, Jr.
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, 6'7, Jr.
F Kevin Love, 6'9, Fr.
Key Reserves:
G/F Chace Stanback, 6'7, Fr.
F Lorenzo Mata, 6'8, Sr.
G Michael Roll, 6'5, Jr.
F Alfred Aboya, 6'8, Jr.
F James Keefe, 6'8, So.
4. Tennessee:
The Vols let Ohio State off the mat in last season's NCAA Tournament, but return all but one of their key guys from a Sweet 16 team. Chris Lofton, the best shooter in America, returns for his senior season to make a run at the Final Four. The 6'2 guard, lightly recruited by homestate Kentucky and Louisville, has developed into a college star. Along with his perimeter marksmanship, Lofton has become an adept penetrator who can burn opponents that guard him too closely. He will again have plenty of help in the backcourt. Sophomore Ramar Smith had a very nice freshman season as the Vols floor general. A lead guard who can set up his teammates and also create his own shot, Smith enjoys playing in Bruce Pearl's up-tempo system. JaJuan Smith has quietly developed into an outstanding college scorer. A dangerous perimeter shooter not afraid to chuck it, Smith has taken a step up during each season of his career and could be poised to join Lofton as an All-SEC performer this season. Senior Jordan Howell gives Pearl a true, pass first point guard. Sophomore Josh Tabb, an excellent defensive player, can play all three guard spots in Pearl's system. Incoming freshman wing Cameron Tatum could be a nice scoring option off the bench. Upfront, sophomore duo Duke Crews and Wayne Chism lead the way. Crews, a hard working post player who can really run the floor, fits nicely as the interior option for Pearl. Chism, a 6'9 big man who can hit the perimeter jumper, did a nice job competing down low with more physical players as a freshman. A lot of the time, Pearl keeps one of these guys on the bench in case other gets into foul trouble and to keep them both fresh. Because of this, emerging junior big man Ryan Childress will probably start at one of the forward spots. Like Chism, Childress can hit the perimeter jumper and gives Pearl the option to play a line-up full of guys who hit the three. With an experienced roster used to playing in Pearl's swarming attack, the Vols should be SEC favorites and a team you will dread to face in March. Given the right draw, they could be the last team standing.
Projected Starters:
G Ramar Smith, 6'2, So.
G Chris Lofton, 6'2, Sr.
G JaJuan Smith, 6'2, Sr.
F Ryan Childress, 6'9, Jr.
F Wayne Chism, 6'9, So.
Key Reserves:
F Duke Crews, 6'7, So.
G Josh Tabb, 6'4, So.
G Jordan Howell, 6'3, Sr.
G Cameron Tatum, 6'5, Fr.
5. Louisville:
After getting healthy and on the same page, the Cardinals may have been the best team in America the last month of the 2007 season. The Cardinals frontcourt may be the most complete unit in the country. Senior David Padgett, a crafty post player who has successfully overcome a myriad of knee injuries, leads this embattled group. While Padgett has lost some of his athleticism, his knowledge of the game and ability to outsmart opponents still makes him a very tough player to guard. Also, fouling him does not work, as he hits better than 80% of his free throws. Juan Palacios, another player who has had to overcome a bunch of injuries, hopes to have a healthy and productive senior season. An athletic forward who can hit the perimeter jumper, Palacios looked to be a future star after playing a key role in Louisville's 2005 Final Four season. Since then, serious ankle and knee injuries have caused him to spend lots of time next to Rick Pitino on the bench and kept him from playing to his vast potential. Super sopohmore Derrick Caracter could be ready to step into the starting line-up. A strong 6'9 post player, Caracter played extremely well after initially clashing with Pitino. If he plays 25 minutes a game, Caracter could easily be a double-double guy. The athletic Earl Clark really emerged after stepping into Palacios's starting spot. While coming to Louisville as a wing player, Clark successfully mixed it up inside and gives the Cardinals a versatile guy who can really bother bigger, slower players. Freshman George Goode, a dangerous perimeter shooter, gives Pitino another versatile frontcourt player to utilize. In the backcourt, sophomore Edgar Sosa leads the way. The New York City guard loves taking it to the basket, and became a better distributor as last season wore on. Sosa had a huge game in their close second round loss to Texas A&M, and could position himself as one of the best guards in the Big East by the end of next season. Jerry Smith had an excellent freshman season, highlighted by a 30 foot game-winning shot to steal a critical win at Marquette. A talented perimeter shooter and lockdown defender, Smith has fit comfortably in Pitino's system despite rumblings that he was looking to transfer. Athletic wing Terrence Williams rounds out the Cardinals starting line-up. A talented player who can be really tough to handle when he focuses on getting to the basket, Williams led the Cardinals in scoring, rebounding and assists last season. However, Williams can be a hinderence when he worries too much about jacking perimeter shots. Still, he's a very tough match-up for opposing teams and the guy who makes the Cardinals go. Junior Andre McGee, a capable back-up point guard, will allow Rick Pitino to play Sosa off the ball while he runs the offense. If they can stay healthy and on the same page, Louisville has a chance to capture the Big East crown and make another run to the Final Four. After a forgettable start to their Big East career, the Cardinals have quickly vaulted their way to the conference's elite.
Projected Starters:
G Edgar Sosa, 6'2, So.
G Jerry Smith, 6'1, So.
F Terrence Williams, 6'6, Jr.
F Juan Palacios, 6'8, Sr.
F/C David Padgett, 6'11, Sr.
Key Reserves:
F Derrick Caracter, 6'9, So.
F Earl Clark, 6'8, So.
G Andre McGee, 5'11, Jr.
F George Goode, 6'8, Fr.
Yellow Chair Sports
Friday, June 22, 2007
An Early Look Towards Next Season in College Basketball
At my college basketball blog From Way Downtown, I have previewed my projected top 25 teams for next season. Besides my full preview of the top five shortly below here, other teams of note include Georgetown at 6, Michigan State at 8, Marquette at 9, Duke at 11, Villanova at 15 and Syracuse at 22.
1. Memphis:
An Elite 8 team last season, the Tigers return their starting five from a year ago and have one of the best point guard prospects in years coming in. Derrick Rose, the athletic 6'3 floor general from the Windy City, will lead the way for Memphis. A pure point guard with excellent size and a capable perimeter shooter, Rose has a very good chance of winning a national championship during his brief stay in college. A myriad of talented wing players join Rose on the perimeter. Chris Douglas-Roberts, a complete scorer who always finds a way to get open, should lead the Tigers in scoring again this season. Antonio Anderson gives the Tigers an adept ball handler and distributor from the wing, as well as another player who can take it to the basket. The super athletic Doneal Mack will provide instant offense of the bench, as he averaged 7 points per game in just 14 minutes of action. Another freshman, Jeff Robinson, should provide an offensive spark off the bench. A 6'5 wing from prep power St. Patrick's (NJ), Robinson can really shoot the ball and like most Memphis players, enjoys attacking the rim. To round the backcourt, last season's starter at the point, sophomore Willie Kemp, will back-up Rose and can also play next to him on occasion. Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier return to anchor the Tigers frontcourt. Dorsey, an athletic 6'9 bull, does a great job of rebounding and altering shots. He struggles with getting into foul trouble, but always makes a big impact when out on the court. Dozier, an athletic 6'9 forward, enjoys getting to the rim and can hit the mid-range jumper. On defense, he uses his length to block and alter shots. Massive 6'8 sophomore Pierre Niles gives the Tigers a true back to the basket scorer when he comes into the game. If the 285 pound Niles can get into better shape, he will earn significant minutes this season, especially when the Tigers get caught up in a half-court game. With a balanced roster and a proven coach in John Calipari, Memphis has the chance to make history this season as the first non-BCS national champion in almost two decades.
Projected Starters:
G Derrick Rose, 6'3, Fr.
G Chris Douglas-Roberts, 6'5, Jr.
G Antonio Anderson, 6'5, Jr.
F Robert Dozier, 6'9, Jr.
F Joey Dorsey, 6'9, Sr.
Key Reserves:
G Doneal Mack, 6'5, So.
G/F Jeff Robinson, 6'5, Fr.
F Pierre Niles, 6'8, So.
G Willie Kemp, 6'2, So.
G Andre Allen, 5'10, Sr.
2. North Carolina:
The Tar Heels, with the majority of their key parts returning, look to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss to Georgetown in the Elite 8. The hardest working player in America, Tyler Hansbrough, will once again lead the way. The 6'9 junior forward has been a scoring and rebounding machine during his two seasons in Chapel Hill, and should be the heavy favorite for ACC player of the year. Joining in him in the frontcourt will be a pair of talented sophomores, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson. Thompson, a well built power forward with excellent post moves, proved be a key player off the bench last season. During his one chance to start, he had a huge game replacing the sick Brandan Wright in their drubbing of Arizona. Stepheson, an athletic 6'9 forward, should be the first big off the bench this year and will be a nice option when Hansbrough or Thompson needs a rest. Super quick point guard Ty Lawson returns to lead the Tar Heels offense. The 5'11 Lawson has an extremely quick first step, and cannot be left open from the perimeter. Starting for the majority of his freshman season, Lawson generally played like an experienced floor general. Another sophomore, Wayne Ellington, joins Lawson in the backcourt. A very smooth player with an excellent perimeter shot, Ellington looks to be poised for a big sophomore campaign. At the other perimeter spot, Roy Williams will have an interesting choice between lockdown defender Marcus Ginyard and skilled wing Danny Green. After starting as a freshman, Ginyard adjusted nicely to coming off the bench last season and blends in nicely with this group of stars and future pros. Green, a crafty player from New York, could be a nice option as Carolina's sixth man. Guards Bobby Frasor and Quention Thomas give the Tar Heels two other very players off the bench, and redshirt forward William Graves will fight to earn minutes. While the Tar Heels lost two quality players in Brandan Wright and Reyshawn Terry, they still have a very talented, deep group capable of winning it all and ready to dominate the ACC.
Projected Starters:
G Ty Lawson, 5'11, So.
G Wayne Ellington, 6'4, So.
G Marcus Ginyard, 6'5, Jr.
F Deon Thompson, 6'8, So.
F Tyler Hansbrough, 6'9, Jr.
Key Reserves:
G/F Danny Green, 6'5, Jr.
F Alex Stepheson, 6'9, So.
G Bobby Frasor, 6'3, Jr.
G Quentin Thomas, 6'3, Sr.
F William Graves, 6'6, Fr.
3. UCLA:
The Bruins, coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances, look to be poised to make it three consecutive trips for Ben Howland. The return of super point guard Darren Collison and the arrival of awesome freshman Kevin Love gives the Bruins a dynamic pair to build around. Collison made the loss of Jordan Farmar to the NBA a non-issue last season. A very quick player with the knack for hitting big shots, Collison passed on the pros for a chance to help the Bruins take that elusive final step and bring the national championship back to Westwood. An excellent leader at the point guard spot, Collison will again look to set up his talented group of teammates. Joining him in the backcourt will be junior wing Josh Shipp. Despite struggling with injuries during his college career, Shipp has managed to be a consistent scoring threat and tough defender when he's on the court. Going through another hip surgery this offseason, Shipp hopes to finally comes back 100 percent for the 2008 season. The other perimeter starting spot will be competed for by Russell Westbrook, Michael Roll and incoming freshman Chace Stanback. Westbrook, a combo guard who can play off the ball or run the offense when Collison needs a blow, would probably be considered the favorite. Roll, a perimeter marksman, will need to work on the other elements of his game in order to get starter's minutes. The most talented of this group would be Stanback, but he may be better off playing Shipp's spot on the wing. An athletic 6'7 wing player who can get to the basket, Stanback should be a future stalwart for the Bruins program. The Bruins have lacked a guy who can score from the post, but Love will make that a non-issue this season. A complete forward who can hit the perimeter jumper and enjoys competing down low, I think Love will have the biggest freshman impact of anyone in the country. As a boon to the speedy Collison, Love may be the best outlet passer I have ever seen. After a disappointing sophomore season where he battled with injuries, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will be back and ready to make a major impact. As a freshman, Mbah a Moute always managed to get his hands on the ball. However, that quickness and tenacity were quelled by nagging leg injuries and he looked like a shell of his former self towards the end of last season. Before injuries hit, Mbah a Moute showed flashes of developing a complete game that could prepel him back into the serious NBA discussion after this upcoming campaign. All-effort guy Lorenzo Mata will be back and should provide a willing defender and banger down low. Defensive minded Alfred Aboya and perimeter threat James Keefe round out what will be a much improved frontcourt thanks to the presence of Love. Like Kansas, UCLA could see their roster decimated after next season. However, they have all the parts to make 2008 a season to remember.
Projected Starters:
G Darren Collison, 6'0, Jr.
G Russell Westbrook, 6'3, So.
G/F Josh Shipp, 6'5, Jr.
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, 6'7, Jr.
F Kevin Love, 6'9, Fr.
Key Reserves:
G/F Chace Stanback, 6'7, Fr.
F Lorenzo Mata, 6'8, Sr.
G Michael Roll, 6'5, Jr.
F Alfred Aboya, 6'8, Jr.
F James Keefe, 6'8, So.
4. Tennessee:
The Vols let Ohio State off the mat in last season's NCAA Tournament, but return all but one of their key guys from a Sweet 16 team. Chris Lofton, the best shooter in America, returns for his senior season to make a run at the Final Four. The 6'2 guard, lightly recruited by homestate Kentucky and Louisville, has developed into a college star. Along with his perimeter marksmanship, Lofton has become an adept penetrator who can burn opponents that guard him too closely. He will again have plenty of help in the backcourt. Sophomore Ramar Smith had a very nice freshman season as the Vols floor general. A lead guard who can set up his teammates and also create his own shot, Smith enjoys playing in Bruce Pearl's up-tempo system. JaJuan Smith has quietly developed into an outstanding college scorer. A dangerous perimeter shooter not afraid to chuck it, Smith has taken a step up during each season of his career and could be poised to join Lofton as an All-SEC performer this season. Senior Jordan Howell gives Pearl a true, pass first point guard. Sophomore Josh Tabb, an excellent defensive player, can play all three guard spots in Pearl's system. Incoming freshman wing Cameron Tatum could be a nice scoring option off the bench. Upfront, sophomore duo Duke Crews and Wayne Chism lead the way. Crews, a hard working post player who can really run the floor, fits nicely as the interior option for Pearl. Chism, a 6'9 big man who can hit the perimeter jumper, did a nice job competing down low with more physical players as a freshman. A lot of the time, Pearl keeps one of these guys on the bench in case other gets into foul trouble and to keep them both fresh. Because of this, emerging junior big man Ryan Childress will probably start at one of the forward spots. Like Chism, Childress can hit the perimeter jumper and gives Pearl the option to play a line-up full of guys who hit the three. With an experienced roster used to playing in Pearl's swarming attack, the Vols should be SEC favorites and a team you will dread to face in March. Given the right draw, they could be the last team standing.
Projected Starters:
G Ramar Smith, 6'2, So.
G Chris Lofton, 6'2, Sr.
G JaJuan Smith, 6'2, Sr.
F Ryan Childress, 6'9, Jr.
F Wayne Chism, 6'9, So.
Key Reserves:
F Duke Crews, 6'7, So.
G Josh Tabb, 6'4, So.
G Jordan Howell, 6'3, Sr.
G Cameron Tatum, 6'5, Fr.
5. Louisville:
After getting healthy and on the same page, the Cardinals may have been the best team in America the last month of the 2007 season. The Cardinals frontcourt may be the most complete unit in the country. Senior David Padgett, a crafty post player who has successfully overcome a myriad of knee injuries, leads this embattled group. While Padgett has lost some of his athleticism, his knowledge of the game and ability to outsmart opponents still makes him a very tough player to guard. Also, fouling him does not work, as he hits better than 80% of his free throws. Juan Palacios, another player who has had to overcome a bunch of injuries, hopes to have a healthy and productive senior season. An athletic forward who can hit the perimeter jumper, Palacios looked to be a future star after playing a key role in Louisville's 2005 Final Four season. Since then, serious ankle and knee injuries have caused him to spend lots of time next to Rick Pitino on the bench and kept him from playing to his vast potential. Super sopohmore Derrick Caracter could be ready to step into the starting line-up. A strong 6'9 post player, Caracter played extremely well after initially clashing with Pitino. If he plays 25 minutes a game, Caracter could easily be a double-double guy. The athletic Earl Clark really emerged after stepping into Palacios's starting spot. While coming to Louisville as a wing player, Clark successfully mixed it up inside and gives the Cardinals a versatile guy who can really bother bigger, slower players. Freshman George Goode, a dangerous perimeter shooter, gives Pitino another versatile frontcourt player to utilize. In the backcourt, sophomore Edgar Sosa leads the way. The New York City guard loves taking it to the basket, and became a better distributor as last season wore on. Sosa had a huge game in their close second round loss to Texas A&M, and could position himself as one of the best guards in the Big East by the end of next season. Jerry Smith had an excellent freshman season, highlighted by a 30 foot game-winning shot to steal a critical win at Marquette. A talented perimeter shooter and lockdown defender, Smith has fit comfortably in Pitino's system despite rumblings that he was looking to transfer. Athletic wing Terrence Williams rounds out the Cardinals starting line-up. A talented player who can be really tough to handle when he focuses on getting to the basket, Williams led the Cardinals in scoring, rebounding and assists last season. However, Williams can be a hinderence when he worries too much about jacking perimeter shots. Still, he's a very tough match-up for opposing teams and the guy who makes the Cardinals go. Junior Andre McGee, a capable back-up point guard, will allow Rick Pitino to play Sosa off the ball while he runs the offense. If they can stay healthy and on the same page, Louisville has a chance to capture the Big East crown and make another run to the Final Four. After a forgettable start to their Big East career, the Cardinals have quickly vaulted their way to the conference's elite.
Projected Starters:
G Edgar Sosa, 6'2, So.
G Jerry Smith, 6'1, So.
F Terrence Williams, 6'6, Jr.
F Juan Palacios, 6'8, Sr.
F/C David Padgett, 6'11, Sr.
Key Reserves:
F Derrick Caracter, 6'9, So.
F Earl Clark, 6'8, So.
G Andre McGee, 5'11, Jr.
F George Goode, 6'8, Fr.
American Chronicle "Memphis Resurgence?"
Memphis resurgence?
Stefan Ming
June 20, 2007
After a disappointing loss to the Ohio St. Buckeyes in the Elite 8 of the 2007 NCAA Tournament, the Memphis Tigers were left looking for answers.
The Tigers had a lot of experience back but were still young and unproved. The 2007-2008 squad will return 5 of their top 6, plus the additions of recruits Derrick Rose and Jeff Robinson will help a lot. Especially the addition of Rose, he should be able to come in right away and help fill in for the lone loss in Jeremy Hunt.
After back to back Elite 8 finishes the past two seasons, Memphis finally has what it takes to get over the hump and into the Final Four. They were the lone team that wasn't affected by the draft deadline date.
With Chris-Douglas Roberts and Joey Dorsey deciding to stay for their junior and seniors seasons, this Tiger team will be ready to be one of the top teams in the country and ready to begin their quest for the school's first national championship.
With the likes of UNC, Georgetown, Kansas, UCLA, Louisville, and Washington St., Memphis will be right in the mix. The one thing is all these teams except Memphis had a significant loss.
Many people blasted the Tigers for their weak schedule last season. But in 2007-2008 they will be able to back it up playing at Arizona (Dec. 29), at Gonzaga (Jan. 19, 2008) and Tennessee (Feb. 23, 2008) at home. They will also be participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, with potential meetings against Connecticut, Kentucky and/or Oklahoma in New York. The Tigers play USC in the Jimmy V Classic in New York, at Ole Miss and at Cincinnati, and take on Middle Tennessee State.
This may finally be Memphis' year to get into the Final Four and possibly that national championship game. Chris Douglas-Roberts returned for one reason, to get a national title. The Memphis Tigers have the experience once again and some of the best talent returning of anyone; they are poised to get into the final four and that national title game; you know what they always say: “third times a charm”.
Stefan Ming
June 20, 2007
After a disappointing loss to the Ohio St. Buckeyes in the Elite 8 of the 2007 NCAA Tournament, the Memphis Tigers were left looking for answers.
The Tigers had a lot of experience back but were still young and unproved. The 2007-2008 squad will return 5 of their top 6, plus the additions of recruits Derrick Rose and Jeff Robinson will help a lot. Especially the addition of Rose, he should be able to come in right away and help fill in for the lone loss in Jeremy Hunt.
After back to back Elite 8 finishes the past two seasons, Memphis finally has what it takes to get over the hump and into the Final Four. They were the lone team that wasn't affected by the draft deadline date.
With Chris-Douglas Roberts and Joey Dorsey deciding to stay for their junior and seniors seasons, this Tiger team will be ready to be one of the top teams in the country and ready to begin their quest for the school's first national championship.
With the likes of UNC, Georgetown, Kansas, UCLA, Louisville, and Washington St., Memphis will be right in the mix. The one thing is all these teams except Memphis had a significant loss.
Many people blasted the Tigers for their weak schedule last season. But in 2007-2008 they will be able to back it up playing at Arizona (Dec. 29), at Gonzaga (Jan. 19, 2008) and Tennessee (Feb. 23, 2008) at home. They will also be participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, with potential meetings against Connecticut, Kentucky and/or Oklahoma in New York. The Tigers play USC in the Jimmy V Classic in New York, at Ole Miss and at Cincinnati, and take on Middle Tennessee State.
This may finally be Memphis' year to get into the Final Four and possibly that national championship game. Chris Douglas-Roberts returned for one reason, to get a national title. The Memphis Tigers have the experience once again and some of the best talent returning of anyone; they are poised to get into the final four and that national title game; you know what they always say: “third times a charm”.
CBS Sportsline.com "This Rose Will Bloom in Memphis"
This Rose will bloom in Memphis
June 20, 2007
By Gary Parrish
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A man inserts a dollar into the jukebox under the Stax poster, and a Jerry Lee Lewis hit recorded at Sun Studio blares from the speakers, that opening piano note unmistakable, undeniable, and uninhibited like "The Killer" himself.
On the wall by the register are newspaper clips with headlines declaring "Tigers take it to 'em" and "Blue Heaven," and in the air hangs the scent of slow cooked pork, the kind Central BBQ advertises right on those plastic cups.
So regardless of the preferred sense -- sight, sound or smell -- it's hard to mistake this is Memphis.
And Derrick Rose is in the middle of it.
He's soaking it up.
He's smiling.
"I wish the season could've started right when I got off the plane," Rose says. "But I've got to wait a couple more months."
More like five months, to be exact. But it's easy to lose track of time while having lunch and trying to make sure nothing is left on the bone. Performing otherwise with a rack of ribs is a sin in this city, like not loving your mama or calling her ma'am. So Rose does the best he can, gets full, gets up and gets a look at his white shorts that are now stained with a combination of famous sauce and rub.
"Ahh," Rose sighs. "It's all over me."
A freshman mistake, to be sure.
But rest assured, Memphis fans, he's gonna learn fast.
"Our ultimate goal is to win the national championship"
There is no shortage of reasons why Memphis sits atop CBS SportsLine.com's preseason college basketball rankings. Back-to-back Elite Eights and five returning starters are two of the major ones, but perhaps the most important is the recent arrival of the guy with the stained shorts -- not to mention quick first-step, deadly crossover and overall athleticism that packaged together has some projecting Rose as the No. 1 pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.
That's next year, though.
Between now and then, this 6-foot-3 point guard is expected to lead the Tigers to the Final Four, if not their first national title. He's that good, surrounded by other players who are that good, too. Which is why when the subject comes up, Rose doesn't duck it. While shaking hands with some of his new fans who happen to be enjoying lunch at the table beside us, the Chicago native explains how this is why he plays basketball, why he chose Memphis, why if somebody offered the chance to step onto the FedExForum court right now and tip it off against Georgetown, Arizona or any of the other teams scheduled to visit this season, he'd change shorts and head downtown, grab a ball and run a fast break.
"Just thinking about it is making me happy," Rose says. "Our ultimate goal is to win the national championship."
Those are strong words for an 18-year-old, but this isn't your normal 18-year-old. Hell, this isn't even your normal 18-year-old prodigy. For a McDonald's All-American and future millionaire, Rose is remarkably humble. He's quiet, but not shy. He's confident, but not cocky. On one end of the spectrum is Southern California freshman O.J. Mayo throwing a ball off the backboard, dunking it, tossing it into the crowd and ripping his shirt off before being ejected from a West Virginia state title game. On the other end is Rose distributing his way to an Illinois state championship while choosing to make just one basket.
"This kid can be unselfish to a fault," Memphis coach John Calipari says regularly. "I want him to be more selfish."
Pressed on the issue, Rose promises he will. But it's his willingness to use his unique ability to create opportunities for others that will likely make his transition to college seamless. Because though he is a star by any standard, all things being equal Rose would rather dish 10 assists to help Chris Douglas-Roberts score 20 points than take 10 shots of his own. That's a refreshing mindset for a newcomer set to join a starting lineup featuring three juniors (Douglas-Roberts, Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier) and a senior (Joey Dorsey).
"He's like Jason Kidd," Douglas-Roberts explains. "Who wouldn't want to play with Jason Kidd?"
Joumana Kidd, I guess.
But the list probably begins and ends there.
"Derrick is going to be great," says former NBA point guard Rod Strickland, who serves on Calipari's staff as the director of student-athlete development. "He has Jason Kidd qualities. His floor sense is unbelievable, and he's unselfish. He's a throwback point guard. He's my kind of point guard."
Strickland and I are having this conversation at the Bert Ferguson Community Center in east Memphis while watching Rose -- along with Douglas-Roberts, Anderson and Dozier -- conduct a camp for youths about an hour post rack of ribs. In passing I ask where Rose would be selected if he was eligible for this month's NBA Draft.
"High," Strickland answers without hesitation. "I'd take him ahead of Mike Conley."
Will you sign this, please?
Rose has been in Memphis less than four days at the time of this camp, yet many of the 7-year-olds recognize him immediately. It would be strange under most circumstances. But given how the Tigers have drawn television ratings that rival those of American Idol, it's actually not strange at all.
"They are very familiar with him," confirms Willie Biles, the community center's director. "I think him being in the McDonald's (All-American) game and on TV so much made it where they were looking forward to meeting him."
Did it ever.
After 15 minutes of shooting, this camp is turning into nothing more than an autograph session. One after another the kids hound Rose. And me.
"Can I have a sheet of that paper?" asks one little girl, pointing at my notebook. "I want to get his autograph."
I hand the girl a sheet.
It leads to absolute chaos.
Now I am totally surrounded.
"You're not going to have any paper left," Strickland laughs.
All the while, Rose is scribbling at a high rate. He writes his name and uniform number each time. But suddenly that's not good enough.
"Will you draw a smiley face on it?" asks a little boy.
A smiley face?
"Yeah," the boy answers. "A smiley face."
Here to please, Rose laughs and draws a smiley face beside his name and number. A few minutes later, I chase the boy down, pursue an explanation to this odd request.
"Why did you want Derrick to draw a smiley face?" I ask.
"Because," the boy answers, "that way I'll know that he's happy."
Over to the side, Rose is smiling at all this.
He sure looks happy.
Particularly for a guy with stained shorts and five months to wait.
June 20, 2007
By Gary Parrish
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A man inserts a dollar into the jukebox under the Stax poster, and a Jerry Lee Lewis hit recorded at Sun Studio blares from the speakers, that opening piano note unmistakable, undeniable, and uninhibited like "The Killer" himself.
On the wall by the register are newspaper clips with headlines declaring "Tigers take it to 'em" and "Blue Heaven," and in the air hangs the scent of slow cooked pork, the kind Central BBQ advertises right on those plastic cups.
So regardless of the preferred sense -- sight, sound or smell -- it's hard to mistake this is Memphis.
And Derrick Rose is in the middle of it.
He's soaking it up.
He's smiling.
"I wish the season could've started right when I got off the plane," Rose says. "But I've got to wait a couple more months."
More like five months, to be exact. But it's easy to lose track of time while having lunch and trying to make sure nothing is left on the bone. Performing otherwise with a rack of ribs is a sin in this city, like not loving your mama or calling her ma'am. So Rose does the best he can, gets full, gets up and gets a look at his white shorts that are now stained with a combination of famous sauce and rub.
"Ahh," Rose sighs. "It's all over me."
A freshman mistake, to be sure.
But rest assured, Memphis fans, he's gonna learn fast.
"Our ultimate goal is to win the national championship"
There is no shortage of reasons why Memphis sits atop CBS SportsLine.com's preseason college basketball rankings. Back-to-back Elite Eights and five returning starters are two of the major ones, but perhaps the most important is the recent arrival of the guy with the stained shorts -- not to mention quick first-step, deadly crossover and overall athleticism that packaged together has some projecting Rose as the No. 1 pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.
That's next year, though.
Between now and then, this 6-foot-3 point guard is expected to lead the Tigers to the Final Four, if not their first national title. He's that good, surrounded by other players who are that good, too. Which is why when the subject comes up, Rose doesn't duck it. While shaking hands with some of his new fans who happen to be enjoying lunch at the table beside us, the Chicago native explains how this is why he plays basketball, why he chose Memphis, why if somebody offered the chance to step onto the FedExForum court right now and tip it off against Georgetown, Arizona or any of the other teams scheduled to visit this season, he'd change shorts and head downtown, grab a ball and run a fast break.
"Just thinking about it is making me happy," Rose says. "Our ultimate goal is to win the national championship."
Those are strong words for an 18-year-old, but this isn't your normal 18-year-old. Hell, this isn't even your normal 18-year-old prodigy. For a McDonald's All-American and future millionaire, Rose is remarkably humble. He's quiet, but not shy. He's confident, but not cocky. On one end of the spectrum is Southern California freshman O.J. Mayo throwing a ball off the backboard, dunking it, tossing it into the crowd and ripping his shirt off before being ejected from a West Virginia state title game. On the other end is Rose distributing his way to an Illinois state championship while choosing to make just one basket.
"This kid can be unselfish to a fault," Memphis coach John Calipari says regularly. "I want him to be more selfish."
Pressed on the issue, Rose promises he will. But it's his willingness to use his unique ability to create opportunities for others that will likely make his transition to college seamless. Because though he is a star by any standard, all things being equal Rose would rather dish 10 assists to help Chris Douglas-Roberts score 20 points than take 10 shots of his own. That's a refreshing mindset for a newcomer set to join a starting lineup featuring three juniors (Douglas-Roberts, Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier) and a senior (Joey Dorsey).
"He's like Jason Kidd," Douglas-Roberts explains. "Who wouldn't want to play with Jason Kidd?"
Joumana Kidd, I guess.
But the list probably begins and ends there.
"Derrick is going to be great," says former NBA point guard Rod Strickland, who serves on Calipari's staff as the director of student-athlete development. "He has Jason Kidd qualities. His floor sense is unbelievable, and he's unselfish. He's a throwback point guard. He's my kind of point guard."
Strickland and I are having this conversation at the Bert Ferguson Community Center in east Memphis while watching Rose -- along with Douglas-Roberts, Anderson and Dozier -- conduct a camp for youths about an hour post rack of ribs. In passing I ask where Rose would be selected if he was eligible for this month's NBA Draft.
"High," Strickland answers without hesitation. "I'd take him ahead of Mike Conley."
Will you sign this, please?
Rose has been in Memphis less than four days at the time of this camp, yet many of the 7-year-olds recognize him immediately. It would be strange under most circumstances. But given how the Tigers have drawn television ratings that rival those of American Idol, it's actually not strange at all.
"They are very familiar with him," confirms Willie Biles, the community center's director. "I think him being in the McDonald's (All-American) game and on TV so much made it where they were looking forward to meeting him."
Did it ever.
After 15 minutes of shooting, this camp is turning into nothing more than an autograph session. One after another the kids hound Rose. And me.
"Can I have a sheet of that paper?" asks one little girl, pointing at my notebook. "I want to get his autograph."
I hand the girl a sheet.
It leads to absolute chaos.
Now I am totally surrounded.
"You're not going to have any paper left," Strickland laughs.
All the while, Rose is scribbling at a high rate. He writes his name and uniform number each time. But suddenly that's not good enough.
"Will you draw a smiley face on it?" asks a little boy.
A smiley face?
"Yeah," the boy answers. "A smiley face."
Here to please, Rose laughs and draws a smiley face beside his name and number. A few minutes later, I chase the boy down, pursue an explanation to this odd request.
"Why did you want Derrick to draw a smiley face?" I ask.
"Because," the boy answers, "that way I'll know that he's happy."
Over to the side, Rose is smiling at all this.
He sure looks happy.
Particularly for a guy with stained shorts and five months to wait.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Memphis Pre-Season #1 By CBSSportsline.com
Preseason Top 25 (and one): No doubting Memphis as No. 1 team
June 18, 2007
By Gary Parrish, CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
I hated Memphis last season.
I watched the Tigers lose every tough game they played early and was convinced it was an indication of their true ability. So when they waltzed through Conference USA and entered the NCAA Tournament on a 22-game winning streak, I thought the achievement represented nothing more than their talent overwhelming an inferior league, which is why I had Memphis ranked lower than most all season.
Then I picked the Tigers to lose in the Sweet 16.
Privately, I thought an earlier loss was possible.
But I clearly underestimated them.
And I won't let it happen again.
That's why now that the deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA Draft has passed, the Memphis Tigers sit atop CBS SportsLine.com's preseason college basketball rankings.
What say you, Chris Douglas-Roberts?
"It's an honor," answered the Memphis guard. "But we've still got to play."
Yes, you do.
But the good news for Memphis is that it will be playing with essentially the same group of guys -- sans Jeremy Hunt -- that led the school to its second consecutive Elite Eight. And while Hunt's toughness and ability to make a shot in the clutch will certainly be missed, the reality is this roster should be better than that roster based on the addition of Derrick Rose, a 6-foot-3 point guard projected by some to be the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
So Memphis is No. 1.
And Kansas State is No. 26.
Feel free to debate those selections and everything else in between on the message board below.
Preseason Top 25 (and one):
1. Memphis: A strange thing about the Tigers' schedule is how almost all of their difficult games (Tennessee, Georgetown, Arizona, Gonzaga and Southern California) will be played at home or on a neutral court. The toughest true road game is probably at UAB, meaning it's possible Memphis could be favored in every contest.
2. UCLA: Arron Afflalo turned pro prematurely, and that wasn't a plus for UCLA. But the Bruins should still challenge for a national title thanks to a roster featuring Darren Collison, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Josh Shipp and Kevin Love.
3. Kansas: Brandon Rush probably won't miss any meaningful games because of his torn ACL, and when he's on the court with Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins and Darrell Arthur, the Jayhawks will possess one of the most talented lineups in the nation.
4. North Carolina: There are few programs capable of not slipping when a lottery pick like Brandan Wright bolts for the NBA. But North Carolina is one of those programs thanks to coach Roy Williams, not to mention All-American candidates Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson.
5. Louisville: Derrick Caracter's knee surgery shouldn't affect his status. So assuming the sophomore doesn't relapse into a head case, the Cardinals are the pick to win the Big East, and perhaps more.
6. Tennessee: Bruce Pearl should finally have the numbers and size to play any way he wants. The guess here is it'll be fast and intense, and result in a bunch of wins.
7. Washington State: The Cougars won't surprise anybody this season. When they're good, everybody will know it's because they were supposed to be good.
8. Georgetown: In the spirit of full disclosure, had Jeff Green rejoined Roy Hibbert at Georgetown, the Hoyas would've been atop these rankings.
9. Michigan State: The top five scorers are returning, and Tom Izzo is still the coach. What's not to like?
10. Marquette: Dominic James' wise decision to return to school ensures Marquette's talented trio of guards will play together for at least another season.
11. Indiana: Got an e-mail from a guy named Nate the other day. He wanted to know why I hadn't written about Eric Gordon, Indiana's incoming star, lately. The answer: I'm just saving all my words for that first trip to Illinois. Boy, I can't wait.
12. Villanova: Once Jay Wright finishes with USA Basketball this summer, he'll turn his full attention toward winning a Big East title, which should be possible.
13. Duke: Even when the Blue Devils are down, they really don't slip too far. Remember that before claiming they're ranked too high, and note that Kyle Singler is really, really good.
14. Oregon: Aaron Brooks is the only important part missing from that squad that played Florida tough in the Elite Eight last March.
15. Stanford: Some people remember the Cardinal as the team Louisville blasted in the NCAA Tournament. But I remember them beating UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington State, which is why I'm not certain this isn't too low for Stanford.
16. Alabama: Clearly I didn't learn my lesson last season. But if Ron Steele is healthy (and he should be), I'm picking the Crimson Tide to win the SEC's Western Division.
17. Washington: Everybody not named Spencer Hawes is back. That's why the Huskies will be back in the NCAA Tournament.
18. Gonzaga: A core of Josh Heytvelt, Matt Bouldin and Jeremy Pargo is what Mark Few will win with for at least the next two years.
19. Arkansas: John Pelphrey inherited about the best situation any coach could ever want, specifically an NCAA Tournament team expected to return intact.
20. Southern California: This was a Final Four team had Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt remained in college. Instead, Tim Floyd is left wondering how good O.J. Mayo can make his Trojans.
21. Southern Illinois: The Salukis are good every season, even when nobody thinks they're going to be good. So everybody else can overlook them again if they want, but count me among the converted.
22. Texas A&M: Joseph Jones and DeAndre Jordan will be one of the best frontcourt duos in the country.
23. Arizona: Yes, this is the seventh Pac-10 team I have listed. I guess I really like that league.
24. Pittsburgh: The Panthers are similar to Southern Illinois in that regardless of what leaves, it's safe to assume they're going to be pretty good.
25. Butler: Coach Todd Lickliter is gone. But A.J. Graves and two more of the Bulldogs' top four scorers return from a Sweet 16 team, making Butler the easy pick in the Horizon League.
26. Kansas State: I loved this team when it seemed Bob Huggins would be the coach. But his departure and news that Bill Walker hasn't rehabbed well have me taking a wait-and-see approach.
June 18, 2007
By Gary Parrish, CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
I hated Memphis last season.
I watched the Tigers lose every tough game they played early and was convinced it was an indication of their true ability. So when they waltzed through Conference USA and entered the NCAA Tournament on a 22-game winning streak, I thought the achievement represented nothing more than their talent overwhelming an inferior league, which is why I had Memphis ranked lower than most all season.
Then I picked the Tigers to lose in the Sweet 16.
Privately, I thought an earlier loss was possible.
But I clearly underestimated them.
And I won't let it happen again.
That's why now that the deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA Draft has passed, the Memphis Tigers sit atop CBS SportsLine.com's preseason college basketball rankings.
What say you, Chris Douglas-Roberts?
"It's an honor," answered the Memphis guard. "But we've still got to play."
Yes, you do.
But the good news for Memphis is that it will be playing with essentially the same group of guys -- sans Jeremy Hunt -- that led the school to its second consecutive Elite Eight. And while Hunt's toughness and ability to make a shot in the clutch will certainly be missed, the reality is this roster should be better than that roster based on the addition of Derrick Rose, a 6-foot-3 point guard projected by some to be the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
So Memphis is No. 1.
And Kansas State is No. 26.
Feel free to debate those selections and everything else in between on the message board below.
Preseason Top 25 (and one):
1. Memphis: A strange thing about the Tigers' schedule is how almost all of their difficult games (Tennessee, Georgetown, Arizona, Gonzaga and Southern California) will be played at home or on a neutral court. The toughest true road game is probably at UAB, meaning it's possible Memphis could be favored in every contest.
2. UCLA: Arron Afflalo turned pro prematurely, and that wasn't a plus for UCLA. But the Bruins should still challenge for a national title thanks to a roster featuring Darren Collison, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Josh Shipp and Kevin Love.
3. Kansas: Brandon Rush probably won't miss any meaningful games because of his torn ACL, and when he's on the court with Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins and Darrell Arthur, the Jayhawks will possess one of the most talented lineups in the nation.
4. North Carolina: There are few programs capable of not slipping when a lottery pick like Brandan Wright bolts for the NBA. But North Carolina is one of those programs thanks to coach Roy Williams, not to mention All-American candidates Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson.
5. Louisville: Derrick Caracter's knee surgery shouldn't affect his status. So assuming the sophomore doesn't relapse into a head case, the Cardinals are the pick to win the Big East, and perhaps more.
6. Tennessee: Bruce Pearl should finally have the numbers and size to play any way he wants. The guess here is it'll be fast and intense, and result in a bunch of wins.
7. Washington State: The Cougars won't surprise anybody this season. When they're good, everybody will know it's because they were supposed to be good.
8. Georgetown: In the spirit of full disclosure, had Jeff Green rejoined Roy Hibbert at Georgetown, the Hoyas would've been atop these rankings.
9. Michigan State: The top five scorers are returning, and Tom Izzo is still the coach. What's not to like?
10. Marquette: Dominic James' wise decision to return to school ensures Marquette's talented trio of guards will play together for at least another season.
11. Indiana: Got an e-mail from a guy named Nate the other day. He wanted to know why I hadn't written about Eric Gordon, Indiana's incoming star, lately. The answer: I'm just saving all my words for that first trip to Illinois. Boy, I can't wait.
12. Villanova: Once Jay Wright finishes with USA Basketball this summer, he'll turn his full attention toward winning a Big East title, which should be possible.
13. Duke: Even when the Blue Devils are down, they really don't slip too far. Remember that before claiming they're ranked too high, and note that Kyle Singler is really, really good.
14. Oregon: Aaron Brooks is the only important part missing from that squad that played Florida tough in the Elite Eight last March.
15. Stanford: Some people remember the Cardinal as the team Louisville blasted in the NCAA Tournament. But I remember them beating UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington State, which is why I'm not certain this isn't too low for Stanford.
16. Alabama: Clearly I didn't learn my lesson last season. But if Ron Steele is healthy (and he should be), I'm picking the Crimson Tide to win the SEC's Western Division.
17. Washington: Everybody not named Spencer Hawes is back. That's why the Huskies will be back in the NCAA Tournament.
18. Gonzaga: A core of Josh Heytvelt, Matt Bouldin and Jeremy Pargo is what Mark Few will win with for at least the next two years.
19. Arkansas: John Pelphrey inherited about the best situation any coach could ever want, specifically an NCAA Tournament team expected to return intact.
20. Southern California: This was a Final Four team had Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt remained in college. Instead, Tim Floyd is left wondering how good O.J. Mayo can make his Trojans.
21. Southern Illinois: The Salukis are good every season, even when nobody thinks they're going to be good. So everybody else can overlook them again if they want, but count me among the converted.
22. Texas A&M: Joseph Jones and DeAndre Jordan will be one of the best frontcourt duos in the country.
23. Arizona: Yes, this is the seventh Pac-10 team I have listed. I guess I really like that league.
24. Pittsburgh: The Panthers are similar to Southern Illinois in that regardless of what leaves, it's safe to assume they're going to be pretty good.
25. Butler: Coach Todd Lickliter is gone. But A.J. Graves and two more of the Bulldogs' top four scorers return from a Sweet 16 team, making Butler the easy pick in the Horizon League.
26. Kansas State: I loved this team when it seemed Bob Huggins would be the coach. But his departure and news that Bill Walker hasn't rehabbed well have me taking a wait-and-see approach.
Tiger Basketball Tickets On Sale
Tigers Basketball Tickets Go On Sale
Last Update: Jun 18, 2007 6:57 PM
Posted By: Jamie Griffin
University of Memphis
With Tiger Nation still buzzing about the addition of Georgetown to its already attractive 2007-08 schedule last week, the University of Memphis athletic department announced Monday that $100 terrace level season tickets at FedExForum are on sale. To order terrace level $100 season tickets, call the athletic ticket office at 678-2331.
For information on donor reserved seating, contact the Tiger Scholarship Fund office at 678-2334. The Tigers have 19 scheduled home dates at FedExForum in 2007-08, including contests against Arizona, Georgetown, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Memphis also hosts two rounds (four games) in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.
“I believe this is one of the best deals around,” said Memphis head coach John Calipari. “To buy $100 season tickets for 19 home games to watch one of college basketball’s top teams, that’s less than buying a movie ticket. We are also planning some things for fans that purchase terrace level season tickets to make it an event for them.” The Tigers, ranked No. 1 in ESPN.com’s summer poll, return five starters from their 2006-07 squad that posted a 33-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
Memphis swept the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles for a second-straight year in 2006-07.
Last Update: Jun 18, 2007 6:57 PM
Posted By: Jamie Griffin
University of Memphis
With Tiger Nation still buzzing about the addition of Georgetown to its already attractive 2007-08 schedule last week, the University of Memphis athletic department announced Monday that $100 terrace level season tickets at FedExForum are on sale. To order terrace level $100 season tickets, call the athletic ticket office at 678-2331.
For information on donor reserved seating, contact the Tiger Scholarship Fund office at 678-2334. The Tigers have 19 scheduled home dates at FedExForum in 2007-08, including contests against Arizona, Georgetown, Gonzaga and Tennessee. Memphis also hosts two rounds (four games) in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.
“I believe this is one of the best deals around,” said Memphis head coach John Calipari. “To buy $100 season tickets for 19 home games to watch one of college basketball’s top teams, that’s less than buying a movie ticket. We are also planning some things for fans that purchase terrace level season tickets to make it an event for them.” The Tigers, ranked No. 1 in ESPN.com’s summer poll, return five starters from their 2006-07 squad that posted a 33-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
Memphis swept the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles for a second-straight year in 2006-07.
Former Tiger, NBAer Penny Hardaway Working Out with Tigers
Penny enjoys being involved with Tigers
Former Tiger Penny Hardaway has been working out and playing pickup games with members of the U of M team.
NBA career on hold, he's reconnecting with U of M
By Dan Wolken
June 18, 2007
Nearly every afternoon in January and February, Penny Hardaway would come to the Finch Center and quietly train for a return to the NBA. But with every weight Hardaway lifted and every basket he shot, he wasn't just inching closer to a return to professional basketball.
In a way, he was coming home.
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After years of barely being involved in the University of Memphis basketball program, Hardaway is beginning the process of reconnecting with the school and perhaps laying the foundation for a more official capacity once his playing career is over.
"I'm going to be involved until I leave this earth, because this is where I went to school," Hardaway, who will be 36 next month, said. "This is where I'm from."
Several longtime Memphis supporters say that Hardaway has been around the program more over the past few months than he has at any time since playing his last college game in 1993.
Mostly, Hardaway said, that's a function of his NBA career, which took him to four All-Star appearances before a series of knee injuries that limited him to 37 games in 2004-05, then just four in 2005-06 and none last season.
After rehabbing in Miami and getting to "all the way back healthy," Hardaway moved back to Memphis. He bought a house in Southwind to make his primary residence and began working out at the Finch Center in early 2007, usually slipping out just as the Tigers began practice.
Then, Hardaway became even more visible during the NCAA Tournament, traveling to both New Orleans and San Antonio as the Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight.
"It was fun because I hadn't had the opportunity to do that since I've been in the league," Hardaway said. "I didn't have the chance to go to any games, definitely didn't have the chance to go to NCAA games. And it was a fun experience for me to live that through them, with them, because I did the same thing they did, going to the Elite Eight. It's a magical run. It's a fun time of the year for everybody, and I was just glad to be around them."
And coach John Calipari certainly has no problem with Hardaway being around, playing pickup games and advising his players on what it takes to become a professional. Moreover, Hardaway has begun doing other things to help the program like purchasing equipment for the weight room.
"It's good for our guys to be around Penny," Calipari said. "Of all the guys from here who have gone to the NBA, Penny is someone I can count on."
The natural question is whether all this will lead to something more, whether Hardaway is headed toward some sort of official job with the program in the near or distant future. Hardaway refuses to directly address that issue, saying he's only concerned with playing in the NBA again.
"I'll talk to whoever is coaching at that time when I finally retire," Hardaway said. "Now I'm just trying to focus on getting back in the NBA and finishing up my career and trying to support them as much as I can while I'm doing my thing. After I retire, I'll try to figure out what I want to do from there."
And Hardaway is not eager to concede retirement.
Though he said he was healthy last season, Hardaway found a decided lack of interest in him from NBA teams, including the Grizzlies. Hardaway said he would have even taken a 10-day contract just to prove that he could play again but found no takers.
"I'm going to do a better job of marketing myself this summer," he said. "Last summer, I thought that because I was healthy teams would just bring me in. I was fooled by that because it didn't work like that. This summer I'm going to let everyone know I'm back and ready and if they need to see me, I'll do individual workouts and they can get a better look.
"It won't be anybody giving me anything or sympathy. I'm going to show them I can still play. It's just getting in the door."
As one foot tries to stop the NBA door from closing, the other seems to be leading him back to the Tigers.
Former Tiger Penny Hardaway has been working out and playing pickup games with members of the U of M team.
NBA career on hold, he's reconnecting with U of M
By Dan Wolken
June 18, 2007
Nearly every afternoon in January and February, Penny Hardaway would come to the Finch Center and quietly train for a return to the NBA. But with every weight Hardaway lifted and every basket he shot, he wasn't just inching closer to a return to professional basketball.
In a way, he was coming home.
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After years of barely being involved in the University of Memphis basketball program, Hardaway is beginning the process of reconnecting with the school and perhaps laying the foundation for a more official capacity once his playing career is over.
"I'm going to be involved until I leave this earth, because this is where I went to school," Hardaway, who will be 36 next month, said. "This is where I'm from."
Several longtime Memphis supporters say that Hardaway has been around the program more over the past few months than he has at any time since playing his last college game in 1993.
Mostly, Hardaway said, that's a function of his NBA career, which took him to four All-Star appearances before a series of knee injuries that limited him to 37 games in 2004-05, then just four in 2005-06 and none last season.
After rehabbing in Miami and getting to "all the way back healthy," Hardaway moved back to Memphis. He bought a house in Southwind to make his primary residence and began working out at the Finch Center in early 2007, usually slipping out just as the Tigers began practice.
Then, Hardaway became even more visible during the NCAA Tournament, traveling to both New Orleans and San Antonio as the Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight.
"It was fun because I hadn't had the opportunity to do that since I've been in the league," Hardaway said. "I didn't have the chance to go to any games, definitely didn't have the chance to go to NCAA games. And it was a fun experience for me to live that through them, with them, because I did the same thing they did, going to the Elite Eight. It's a magical run. It's a fun time of the year for everybody, and I was just glad to be around them."
And coach John Calipari certainly has no problem with Hardaway being around, playing pickup games and advising his players on what it takes to become a professional. Moreover, Hardaway has begun doing other things to help the program like purchasing equipment for the weight room.
"It's good for our guys to be around Penny," Calipari said. "Of all the guys from here who have gone to the NBA, Penny is someone I can count on."
The natural question is whether all this will lead to something more, whether Hardaway is headed toward some sort of official job with the program in the near or distant future. Hardaway refuses to directly address that issue, saying he's only concerned with playing in the NBA again.
"I'll talk to whoever is coaching at that time when I finally retire," Hardaway said. "Now I'm just trying to focus on getting back in the NBA and finishing up my career and trying to support them as much as I can while I'm doing my thing. After I retire, I'll try to figure out what I want to do from there."
And Hardaway is not eager to concede retirement.
Though he said he was healthy last season, Hardaway found a decided lack of interest in him from NBA teams, including the Grizzlies. Hardaway said he would have even taken a 10-day contract just to prove that he could play again but found no takers.
"I'm going to do a better job of marketing myself this summer," he said. "Last summer, I thought that because I was healthy teams would just bring me in. I was fooled by that because it didn't work like that. This summer I'm going to let everyone know I'm back and ready and if they need to see me, I'll do individual workouts and they can get a better look.
"It won't be anybody giving me anything or sympathy. I'm going to show them I can still play. It's just getting in the door."
As one foot tries to stop the NBA door from closing, the other seems to be leading him back to the Tigers.
UAB to Play @ Witchita State - Key RPI Game
From the Witchita Eagle
No headaches for WSU basketball
Hold the usual pain and suffering regarding Wichita State's men's basketball schedule.
It's done. It should be released this week. It went together quickly and somewhat painlessly, a contrast to recent seasons. Last season, WSU didn't add games with Syracuse and LSU until August. Former coach Mark Turgeon dreaded the challenges of mixing home games, good RPI games and road games into a worthy schedule.
"We're complete," coach Gregg Marshall said. "Maybe things just fell into place this year."
They certainly did. Home games against LSU and Wyoming were set in the Turgeon era. WSU travels to Appalachian State and UMKC. Baylor is the opening opponent in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands.
The newest addition is a game against Alabama-Birmingham in late December at Koch Arena.
Marshall said he could not comment on details of the schedule until it is released.
Scheduling didn't cause Marshall much stress for two reasons. One, associate athletic director Brian Pracht handled much of the work to free Marshall's time during the move to a new job. Second, WSU is a more attractive opponent than in past seasons.
"We're not coming off a Sweet 16 team," Marshall said. "Outside looking in, this would probably be a good time to play Wichita State."
An alliance proposed --Here's how smoothly things went for WSU: UAB is coming to Koch Arena without demanding a return game, according to Blazers athletic director Brian Mackin.
WSU will pay UAB to play at Koch Arena, a practice common for lower-profile opponents.
"We looked at this as an opportunity go on the road and play a good opponent," Mackin said. "We just happened to have this date open. (Coach) Mike (Davis) isn't afraid to go on the road and play anybody."
Mackin, who said he didn't know the amount of the guarantee, said he thinks Conference USA and Missouri Valley Conference schools should do more scheduling.
From his perspective, it is difficult to get an SEC or ACC team to do a home-and-home series. A Valley team, in most cases, will be open to an even series and offer a solid RPI benefit.
The Valley finished sixth in the conference RPI rankings, according to collegerpi.com. C-USA finished 11th. Six Valley schools ranked in the top 100 and no Valley team ranked lower than No. 139. C-USA had only two (Memphis, Houston) in the top 100 and three 200 or lower.
"There are RPI reasons to play this game," Mackin said. "You have to keep that in mind."
UAB might be the toughest guarantee game in the nation next season. The Blazers went 15-16 last season and are expected to improve dramatically in Davis' second season. They add three transfers, including Robert Vaden, who followed Davis from Indiana. One Internet site ranked UAB's recruiting class No. 9 in the nation.
No headaches for WSU basketball
Hold the usual pain and suffering regarding Wichita State's men's basketball schedule.
It's done. It should be released this week. It went together quickly and somewhat painlessly, a contrast to recent seasons. Last season, WSU didn't add games with Syracuse and LSU until August. Former coach Mark Turgeon dreaded the challenges of mixing home games, good RPI games and road games into a worthy schedule.
"We're complete," coach Gregg Marshall said. "Maybe things just fell into place this year."
They certainly did. Home games against LSU and Wyoming were set in the Turgeon era. WSU travels to Appalachian State and UMKC. Baylor is the opening opponent in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands.
The newest addition is a game against Alabama-Birmingham in late December at Koch Arena.
Marshall said he could not comment on details of the schedule until it is released.
Scheduling didn't cause Marshall much stress for two reasons. One, associate athletic director Brian Pracht handled much of the work to free Marshall's time during the move to a new job. Second, WSU is a more attractive opponent than in past seasons.
"We're not coming off a Sweet 16 team," Marshall said. "Outside looking in, this would probably be a good time to play Wichita State."
An alliance proposed --Here's how smoothly things went for WSU: UAB is coming to Koch Arena without demanding a return game, according to Blazers athletic director Brian Mackin.
WSU will pay UAB to play at Koch Arena, a practice common for lower-profile opponents.
"We looked at this as an opportunity go on the road and play a good opponent," Mackin said. "We just happened to have this date open. (Coach) Mike (Davis) isn't afraid to go on the road and play anybody."
Mackin, who said he didn't know the amount of the guarantee, said he thinks Conference USA and Missouri Valley Conference schools should do more scheduling.
From his perspective, it is difficult to get an SEC or ACC team to do a home-and-home series. A Valley team, in most cases, will be open to an even series and offer a solid RPI benefit.
The Valley finished sixth in the conference RPI rankings, according to collegerpi.com. C-USA finished 11th. Six Valley schools ranked in the top 100 and no Valley team ranked lower than No. 139. C-USA had only two (Memphis, Houston) in the top 100 and three 200 or lower.
"There are RPI reasons to play this game," Mackin said. "You have to keep that in mind."
UAB might be the toughest guarantee game in the nation next season. The Blazers went 15-16 last season and are expected to improve dramatically in Davis' second season. They add three transfers, including Robert Vaden, who followed Davis from Indiana. One Internet site ranked UAB's recruiting class No. 9 in the nation.
Memphis' Elite Overnight Camp (Recruiting Targets - Elliott Williams, Angel Garcia, Kenny Kadji, Leslie McDonald)
Budding hoop stars show for Cal camp
Four recruits demonstrate skills for Tiger coaches
By Dan Wolken
June 17, 2007
By the end of this weekend, University of Memphis coaches could very well have an idea of what their 2008 recruiting class might look like.
Three of the Tigers' top targets for the coming year -- St. George's guard Elliot Williams, wing forward Angel Garcia and center Kenny Kadji -- participated in Memphis' Elite Overnight Camp on Friday and Saturday, where they were able to showcase their skills in front of coach John Calipari.
In addition to Briarcrest guard Leslie McDonald, a class of 2009 recruit, the Elite Camp included four potential McDonald's All-Americans.
Though Calipari can't comment on unsigned recruits per NCAA rules, Memphis would clearly be happy to sign Williams, Garcia and Kadji and complete a recruiting class that already includes Philadelphia twin forwards Marcus and Markeiff Morris.
Though Williams' name is familiar locally, Garcia and Kadji's participation lends credence to the idea that Memphis isn't just a national program (as Calipari likes to say) but international.
Garcia, listed at 6-foot-10, is originally from Puerto Rico and in fact is leaving Memphis today for a two-month trip with his national team. After being discovered by a prep coach in Chicago, Garcia moved to the United States without speaking much English.
Both his language and basketball skills have developed rapidly in the past year, and Garcia is now one of the most highly sought-after big men in the country, ranked 33rd by Rivals.com.
Garcia, whose long-range shooting and dribbling skills wowed observers in the Finch Center, said Saturday he was in no rush to make a college decision but mentioned Indiana, Florida and Louisville as schools he was considering.
"I have one more year to think about it," he said. "I feel comfortable here, real comfortable. I like the guys. They're real nice guys. I'm having fun. I think I fit in."
Kadji, a more conventional post player at 6-10 and 250 pounds, grew up in Cameroon and France. Kadji's family, which runs a sports academy in Cameroon, realized his basketball potential and found the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., through the Internet.
Since moving there in the fall of 2005, Kadji has been a highly-touted prospect and has risen to 21st in Rivals.com's latest rankings.
Matt Ramker, who runs the Florida Rams AAU program with which Kadji participates, said he is only considering Memphis, Kansas State and Florida. Ramker said Kadji will announce his decision on July 26 at a news conference in Las Vegas, where the Florida Rams will be playing in a tournament.
"He can play with his back to the basket or facing in certain situations," Ramker said. "He's a very, very good shot blocker and rebounder, adequate shooter. He's got to develop his body a little bit."
Losing is Lost on Hard-Nosed Rose (and Other News)
Losing is lost on hard-nosed Rose
By Dan Wolken
June 17, 2007
In the months before point guard Derrick Rose arrived on the University of Memphis campus, there was a lot of conversation among Tiger fans about his athleticism, his quickness and his unselfishness, almost growing to mythic proportions.
But the one attribute Rose barely got credit for is his competitiveness.
Fast forward to Wednesday night, as the Tigers gathered at the Finch Center for a series of pickup games. In the final game of the night, the squad led by Rose fell behind, then made a mini-comeback but still needed a stop to get the ball back with a chance to tie.
They never got that chance because Chris Douglas-Roberts made a ridiculous 17-foot jumper with two people hanging on him to end the game. As players ran into the locker room, Rose took the basketball and slammed it off the glass, then stewed on the court for a couple minutes until he finally was able to cool his emotions.
If that's how Rose reacts to losing a pickup game, you can only imagine what he's like when something significant is on the line.
"I've seen him cry after losing an AAU game," coach John Calipari said. "It's amazing."
Though it's certainly natural for a player of Rose's ability to feel like he should win at everything he does, you almost wanted to pull him aside Wednesday and tell him, It's only a pickup game, kid.
Then again, his instincts -- even if they are a little overamped for a June pickup game -- will fit right in on a team that values competitiveness and toughness over just about any other attribute.
"He's a competitor," Antonio Anderson said. "You've got to learn that about the kid. He's young, he knows what he's coming into, and he's enjoying it with us. He loves playing. We all like that about him."
Welcome back
Forward Shawn Taggart didn't need a doctor to tell him he was ready to play basketball again.
"I cleared myself," said Taggart, a 6-11 Iowa State transfer who has finally recovered from ACL surgery last October.
Now, the next step for Taggart is regaining his stamina, which isn't easy given how limited his cardiovascular activity was for nearly eight months. Though Taggart said he is still shaking off rust, his play in early pickup games has been more than adequate given the circumstances of his injury.
"I came in last summer, and we all played together, so I already felt like I was part of the team," Taggart said. "But yeah, I'm out here to condition. Coach Cal says he doesn't care about (scoring) as long as I'm out here running as hard as I can. I'm trying to get my wind back."
Schedule talk
By adding a home game with Georgetown next season, Memphis can finally start to get some home-road balance into its non-conference schedule.
Last season, all of Memphis' marquee games -- Tennessee, Arizona and Gonzaga -- were on the road while the Cincinnati and Ole Miss games were at home. In 2007-08, Memphis will have Arizona, Tennessee, Gonzaga and Georgetown at home with only Cincinnati on the road.
But things will start to even out the year after that. In 2008-09, Memphis will play at Georgetown, at Gonzaga and presumably at Tennessee (if the schools agree to continue that series).
And though he declined to reveal specifics, Calipari said he's got two top-five programs lined up to start home-and-home series in 2008-09 -- both beginning at FedExForum -- in addition to home games with Cincinnati and Ole Miss.
Plus, Memphis will be in the Old Spice Classic in Orlando that season with teams like Maryland, Michigan State, Oklahoma State and Wichita State.
Sell, sell, sell
One of Calipari's biggest concerns is filling the upper deck at FedExForum, which had swaths of empty seats for most of last season. To that end, Memphis is going to announce in the coming weeks several initiatives to make upper-level seats more attractive.
"We're going to do some things upstairs to make that its own event," Calipari said. "There's going to be some high-dollar giveaways just in the upper deck. We're going to do some fun things to make this not only the game but an environment where families want to go. You can come to our games cheaper than going to a movie."
Contact Dan Wolken at 529-2365
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Tiger Season Gets Hotter With Hoyas
Tiger season gets hotter with Hoyas
By Dan Wolken
June 15, 2007
The University of Memphis added another marquee game to its 2007-08 basketball schedule Thursday by signing a four-year, home-and-home deal with Georgetown beginning Dec. 22 at FedExForum.
To accommodate the schedule shift, Memphis paid $50,000 to buy out of this year's previously scheduled road game at Ole Miss. Then, Memphis agreed to a new two-year series with the Rebels that will begin in Memphis in 2008-09, with the 2009-10 return game in Oxford.
Memphis will play Georgetown four times over the next five years, rekindling a series that was played every season from 1993-1998. And it comes at a time when both programs are at the peak of their powers.
Memphis is the preseason No. 1 or No. 2 team in nearly every national poll, while Georgetown returns most of its Final Four team from last season and could challenge for the No. 1 spot if Jeff Green pulls out of the NBA Draft and returns to school.
Adding Georgetown to a schedule with Tennessee, Gonzaga and Arizona means Memphis could play four of the top 20 teams in the country at home. Plus, Memphis will play USC (another preseason top-25 team) in the Jimmy V. Classic in New York and could face teams like Connecticut and Kentucky in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.
"This is that year where if you don't get season tickets, you're not getting in the building," coach John Calipari said.
Because Memphis had scheduled 31 regular-season games, there was no room when Calipari was presented with the opportunity to play Georgetown.
But in analyzing the benefits of a series with the Hoyas -- revenue from one more home game, a probable spike in season ticket sales, another national television game and the chance to showcase Memphis in the talent-rich Washington, D.C., area -- Calipari determined it was necessary to adjust the schedule.
"The opportunity to get a team like Georgetown in our building this year with the team I have and the fact they'd play us for four seasons when scheduling those kinds of teams, how difficult is that? It's impossible," Calipari said. "So for us to be able to do that, I couldn't pass on it. They wanted to open at our place first, and I know all four will be nationally televised. I told them, if you're willing to go four years, I'll figure out how."
For that part, Memphis turned to Ole Miss, which last fall asked the Tigers to postpone the schools' football series. And because of the dates Memphis had secured, it could switch out the Ole Miss game for Georgetown without moving other non-conference games.
Instead of buying out of the Ole Miss series completely, Memphis offered the opportunity to continue in 2008-09 at FedExForum for a $50,000 guarantee.
"R.C. and I have a great relationship," Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone said. "And he called me and asked me if there was a way to adjust, rearrange, do something with the game. ... R.C. has been very good to us in the sense of our football contract and trying to work with some of our needs. I told him we'd do everything we could, and then it was a matter of how to do it because finding a replacement game is not easy to do. And we were able to work out all those things."
Meanwhile, Memphis has agreed to a contract with Siena to replace the game Holy Cross dropped out of last month. Siena, which plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, finished 20-12 last season and was ranked No. 128 in the Ratings Percentage Index last season.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Reporter Scott Cacciola contributed to this story.
By Dan Wolken
June 15, 2007
The University of Memphis added another marquee game to its 2007-08 basketball schedule Thursday by signing a four-year, home-and-home deal with Georgetown beginning Dec. 22 at FedExForum.
To accommodate the schedule shift, Memphis paid $50,000 to buy out of this year's previously scheduled road game at Ole Miss. Then, Memphis agreed to a new two-year series with the Rebels that will begin in Memphis in 2008-09, with the 2009-10 return game in Oxford.
Memphis will play Georgetown four times over the next five years, rekindling a series that was played every season from 1993-1998. And it comes at a time when both programs are at the peak of their powers.
Memphis is the preseason No. 1 or No. 2 team in nearly every national poll, while Georgetown returns most of its Final Four team from last season and could challenge for the No. 1 spot if Jeff Green pulls out of the NBA Draft and returns to school.
Adding Georgetown to a schedule with Tennessee, Gonzaga and Arizona means Memphis could play four of the top 20 teams in the country at home. Plus, Memphis will play USC (another preseason top-25 team) in the Jimmy V. Classic in New York and could face teams like Connecticut and Kentucky in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.
"This is that year where if you don't get season tickets, you're not getting in the building," coach John Calipari said.
Because Memphis had scheduled 31 regular-season games, there was no room when Calipari was presented with the opportunity to play Georgetown.
But in analyzing the benefits of a series with the Hoyas -- revenue from one more home game, a probable spike in season ticket sales, another national television game and the chance to showcase Memphis in the talent-rich Washington, D.C., area -- Calipari determined it was necessary to adjust the schedule.
"The opportunity to get a team like Georgetown in our building this year with the team I have and the fact they'd play us for four seasons when scheduling those kinds of teams, how difficult is that? It's impossible," Calipari said. "So for us to be able to do that, I couldn't pass on it. They wanted to open at our place first, and I know all four will be nationally televised. I told them, if you're willing to go four years, I'll figure out how."
For that part, Memphis turned to Ole Miss, which last fall asked the Tigers to postpone the schools' football series. And because of the dates Memphis had secured, it could switch out the Ole Miss game for Georgetown without moving other non-conference games.
Instead of buying out of the Ole Miss series completely, Memphis offered the opportunity to continue in 2008-09 at FedExForum for a $50,000 guarantee.
"R.C. and I have a great relationship," Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone said. "And he called me and asked me if there was a way to adjust, rearrange, do something with the game. ... R.C. has been very good to us in the sense of our football contract and trying to work with some of our needs. I told him we'd do everything we could, and then it was a matter of how to do it because finding a replacement game is not easy to do. And we were able to work out all those things."
Meanwhile, Memphis has agreed to a contract with Siena to replace the game Holy Cross dropped out of last month. Siena, which plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, finished 20-12 last season and was ranked No. 128 in the Ratings Percentage Index last season.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Reporter Scott Cacciola contributed to this story.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
'Nation's Toughest Schedule'; Memphis Skeds Home & Home w/ Georgetown
'Nation's toughest schedule'
Memphis skeds home-and-home with Georgetown
Posted: Thursday June 14, 2007 7:26PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis coach John Calipari heard enough about how weak his Tigers' schedule became once they began Conference USA play. He is doing everything possible to counter that complaint.
Memphis announced Thursday a four-game, home-and-home series with Georgetown over the next five years with the first game being played at the Tigers' FedExForum.
The Tigers will postpone a game with Mississippi one season so the series can begin this year. Memphis won't play the Rebels again until 2008-09 in Memphis and 2009-10 in Oxford.
"This Georgetown game adds to what was already a great home schedule," Calipari said in a statement. "I, too, want to thank Mississippi head coach Andy Kennedy for working with us, and I appreciate his help."
Georgetown lost to Ohio State in the Final Four and finished 30-7 last season. Memphis went 33-4, losing in the regional semifinals for a second straight season.
Memphis will visit Georgetown in the 2008-09 season with the series taking a break in 2009-10 before the Hoyas visit Memphis in 2010-11 with the Tigers going back to Georgetown the next season.
"This Georgetown game is a big event, and I'm sure it will be on national television, which allows us to showcase our university, city and basketball program," Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said.
The Tigers already will be hosting Arizona, Tennessee and Gonzaga this season, which should seriously boost a strength of schedule that ranked 39th nationally at the end of last season. Calipari said it may be the best home schedule in Memphis history.
"With our home games along with playing in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and the Jimmy V Classic, we quite possibly have the nation's toughest schedule," Calipari said.
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memphis skeds home-and-home with Georgetown
Posted: Thursday June 14, 2007 7:26PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis coach John Calipari heard enough about how weak his Tigers' schedule became once they began Conference USA play. He is doing everything possible to counter that complaint.
Memphis announced Thursday a four-game, home-and-home series with Georgetown over the next five years with the first game being played at the Tigers' FedExForum.
The Tigers will postpone a game with Mississippi one season so the series can begin this year. Memphis won't play the Rebels again until 2008-09 in Memphis and 2009-10 in Oxford.
"This Georgetown game adds to what was already a great home schedule," Calipari said in a statement. "I, too, want to thank Mississippi head coach Andy Kennedy for working with us, and I appreciate his help."
Georgetown lost to Ohio State in the Final Four and finished 30-7 last season. Memphis went 33-4, losing in the regional semifinals for a second straight season.
Memphis will visit Georgetown in the 2008-09 season with the series taking a break in 2009-10 before the Hoyas visit Memphis in 2010-11 with the Tigers going back to Georgetown the next season.
"This Georgetown game is a big event, and I'm sure it will be on national television, which allows us to showcase our university, city and basketball program," Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said.
The Tigers already will be hosting Arizona, Tennessee and Gonzaga this season, which should seriously boost a strength of schedule that ranked 39th nationally at the end of last season. Calipari said it may be the best home schedule in Memphis history.
"With our home games along with playing in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and the Jimmy V Classic, we quite possibly have the nation's toughest schedule," Calipari said.
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memphis Adds 4 Yr Series vs. Georgetown, Drops Ole Miss for Next Season
Memphis adds four-year series vs. Hoyas, drops Rebels from upcoming season
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Updated: June 14, 2007, 4:55 PM ET
Memphis continued to create the toughest nonconference schedule for next season by adding Georgetown in a likely top five matchup.
The problem is the game pushed the Tigers one over the NCAA maximum number of games. If a team is in a tournament, which Memphis is next season, schools can only play in 31 games. The addition of the Hoyas came at the expense of Ole Miss, pushing off the Rebels for a year and removing their lone marquee home game next season.
Memphis, which will return six of its top seven scorers from an Elite Eight team and adds one of the top five players in the class of 2007 in guard Derrick Rose, agreed to a four-year home-and-home deal Thursday with Georgetown. The first game with the Hoyas will be Dec. 22 on ESPN.
Georgetown could return nine of its top 10 scorers from last season's Final Four team if junior forward Jeff Green decides to return to school. He has until Monday's deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft. Even without Green, the Hoyas are expected to be a top three Big East team and a likely top 10 team in December with the return of junior center Roy Hibbert.
Memphis now has a home slate of games against Georgetown, Arizona, Gonzaga and Tennessee. It also has a neutral site game against USC in New York in the Jimmy V Classic and likely two neutral games in New York in the Coaches vs. Cancer benefit tournament in November against Oklahoma. Memphis could also play either Kentucky or Connecticut, assuming all four win their two-game, four-team tournaments to make it to New York.
Both Memphis coach John Calipari and athletic director R.C. Johnson said it was going to be the best schedule in the country, and one "heckuva home schedule."
But it came at the expense of Ole Miss.
Memphis nearly enacted a buyout clause in the contract with Ole Miss and paid the Rebels $50,000 to get out of the final year of the contract. Kentucky did just that with UMass earlier this spring, opting to pay a buyout rather than play in Boston against Minutemen in the return of a home-and-home set up by former coach Tubby Smith.
Memphis and Ole Miss put off the game a year. But in theory, they are essentially canceling the last game of the series because Johnson and Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone agreed to a new home-and-home series that starts in Memphis in 2008-09. The Tigers would then play in Oxford, Miss., in 2009-10. The reason Ole Miss didn't press Memphis is the Rebels had asked Memphis last year to drop the final two years of a four-year football contract.
So, Memphis and Ole Miss will play the final year of a football deal in Memphis this season and then instead of a four-year deal, the contract has been reduced to two years with a home-and-home series starting in Oxford, Miss., in 2008.
Johnson said the Tigers wanted to start this new series with the Rebels at home because they would be going to Georgetown in 2008-09. That sounds great for Memphis but what about Ole Miss? The Memphis game was going to be the marquee event on the nonconference schedule for Andy Kennedy in his second season in Oxford.
"R.C. helped us out in football," Boone said. "But this was going to be a good RPI game for us."
Kennedy said Calipari asked him if he wanted to put the game off since the Tigers were likely a top-ranked team. But Kennedy said he told him no initially.
"It's a high-profile game in our building," Kennedy said.
The game was originally scheduled for Dec. 1 in Oxford. Ole Miss is playing a rebuilding Winthrop in Jackson, Miss., in the San Juan Shootout and has a few other non-descript games the Rebels are finalizing.
"We can't replace a team like Memphis on our schedule," Kennedy said.
Calipari isn't fretting the scheduling change since he claims that schools like Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas all want to play in Memphis for recruiting purposes. So, instead of always helping them out, he seeks out national games like Arizona, Gonzaga and now Georgetown. Although, next season, with Tennessee the SEC favorite and a likely top 10 team, the Tigers do have a national game against one of their local, regional rivals.
As for Ole Miss, the Rebels are now searching for a marquee game. Anyone interested? Call Kennedy.
Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Updated: June 14, 2007, 4:55 PM ET
Memphis continued to create the toughest nonconference schedule for next season by adding Georgetown in a likely top five matchup.
The problem is the game pushed the Tigers one over the NCAA maximum number of games. If a team is in a tournament, which Memphis is next season, schools can only play in 31 games. The addition of the Hoyas came at the expense of Ole Miss, pushing off the Rebels for a year and removing their lone marquee home game next season.
Memphis, which will return six of its top seven scorers from an Elite Eight team and adds one of the top five players in the class of 2007 in guard Derrick Rose, agreed to a four-year home-and-home deal Thursday with Georgetown. The first game with the Hoyas will be Dec. 22 on ESPN.
Georgetown could return nine of its top 10 scorers from last season's Final Four team if junior forward Jeff Green decides to return to school. He has until Monday's deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft. Even without Green, the Hoyas are expected to be a top three Big East team and a likely top 10 team in December with the return of junior center Roy Hibbert.
Memphis now has a home slate of games against Georgetown, Arizona, Gonzaga and Tennessee. It also has a neutral site game against USC in New York in the Jimmy V Classic and likely two neutral games in New York in the Coaches vs. Cancer benefit tournament in November against Oklahoma. Memphis could also play either Kentucky or Connecticut, assuming all four win their two-game, four-team tournaments to make it to New York.
Both Memphis coach John Calipari and athletic director R.C. Johnson said it was going to be the best schedule in the country, and one "heckuva home schedule."
But it came at the expense of Ole Miss.
Memphis nearly enacted a buyout clause in the contract with Ole Miss and paid the Rebels $50,000 to get out of the final year of the contract. Kentucky did just that with UMass earlier this spring, opting to pay a buyout rather than play in Boston against Minutemen in the return of a home-and-home set up by former coach Tubby Smith.
Memphis and Ole Miss put off the game a year. But in theory, they are essentially canceling the last game of the series because Johnson and Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone agreed to a new home-and-home series that starts in Memphis in 2008-09. The Tigers would then play in Oxford, Miss., in 2009-10. The reason Ole Miss didn't press Memphis is the Rebels had asked Memphis last year to drop the final two years of a four-year football contract.
So, Memphis and Ole Miss will play the final year of a football deal in Memphis this season and then instead of a four-year deal, the contract has been reduced to two years with a home-and-home series starting in Oxford, Miss., in 2008.
Johnson said the Tigers wanted to start this new series with the Rebels at home because they would be going to Georgetown in 2008-09. That sounds great for Memphis but what about Ole Miss? The Memphis game was going to be the marquee event on the nonconference schedule for Andy Kennedy in his second season in Oxford.
"R.C. helped us out in football," Boone said. "But this was going to be a good RPI game for us."
Kennedy said Calipari asked him if he wanted to put the game off since the Tigers were likely a top-ranked team. But Kennedy said he told him no initially.
"It's a high-profile game in our building," Kennedy said.
The game was originally scheduled for Dec. 1 in Oxford. Ole Miss is playing a rebuilding Winthrop in Jackson, Miss., in the San Juan Shootout and has a few other non-descript games the Rebels are finalizing.
"We can't replace a team like Memphis on our schedule," Kennedy said.
Calipari isn't fretting the scheduling change since he claims that schools like Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas all want to play in Memphis for recruiting purposes. So, instead of always helping them out, he seeks out national games like Arizona, Gonzaga and now Georgetown. Although, next season, with Tennessee the SEC favorite and a likely top 10 team, the Tigers do have a national game against one of their local, regional rivals.
As for Ole Miss, the Rebels are now searching for a marquee game. Anyone interested? Call Kennedy.
Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Derrick Rose Arrives on Campus
Touted Tiger PG arrives on campus
Classes, basketball duties keeping Rose on the go
By Dan Wolken, Memphis Commercial Appeal
June 12, 2007
Derrick Rose had been in Memphis for roughly 24 hours, and he still hadn't picked up a basketball. But he had unpacked his suitcase, decorated his new room and, most importantly, gone to his first class.
Indeed, Rose, the phenom point guard from Chicago, officially became a college student at the University of Memphis on Monday. He got his books. He received his ID. He took a physical. He went to two classes and even got homework assignments.
"It was really tight," Rose said. "Something new. Made me feel like I was a grownup."
Though Rose is already a grownup in the basketball world -- it's possible he'd be a top-five pick in this year's NBA Draft if not for the league's age minimum -- he's been through plenty of new experiences in the past two days alone.
One of them was a 7 a.m. weightlifting session at the Finch Center. Though Rose is a naturally stout 6-foot-4, spending time with director of performance enhancement Richard Hogans will be a big part of his summer preparation.
"He struggled a little bit," coach John Calipari said, laughing. "He's never lifted weights before. Can you believe that, with his body?"
After that, Rose went to classes in communications and gender in society. As much publicity as Rose has received over the past year, it's no surprise his classmates recognized him.
"I came in and people were looking at me. I guess they knew who I am," Rose said. "I'm kind of used to it."
Rose said he's also used to being away from home, especially with all the traveling he's done on the AAU circuit last summer and playing in high school all-star games this spring.
Then again, he hasn't had much time to get homesick. After arriving by plane on Sunday, Rose went straight to Wal-Mart to buy some necessities like bed linens before moving into the basketball team's on-campus house.
"I love it here," Rose said. "As soon as I get homesick, I'll probably call my mother or my girlfriend or somebody who can make me feel good."
As Rose's college education begins this week, so does his basketball education. With most of the Tiger players in town for the first session of summer school, Rose said he was looking forward to the pick-up games at Finch Center where he'll get a chance to mesh with teammates.
"I'm a quick learner," Rose said. "Hopefully it will only take a couple practices for me to be in the flow. I want to work on my all-around game -- mentally, my passing, dribbling, shooting, everything."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Classes, basketball duties keeping Rose on the go
By Dan Wolken, Memphis Commercial Appeal
June 12, 2007
Derrick Rose had been in Memphis for roughly 24 hours, and he still hadn't picked up a basketball. But he had unpacked his suitcase, decorated his new room and, most importantly, gone to his first class.
Indeed, Rose, the phenom point guard from Chicago, officially became a college student at the University of Memphis on Monday. He got his books. He received his ID. He took a physical. He went to two classes and even got homework assignments.
"It was really tight," Rose said. "Something new. Made me feel like I was a grownup."
Though Rose is already a grownup in the basketball world -- it's possible he'd be a top-five pick in this year's NBA Draft if not for the league's age minimum -- he's been through plenty of new experiences in the past two days alone.
One of them was a 7 a.m. weightlifting session at the Finch Center. Though Rose is a naturally stout 6-foot-4, spending time with director of performance enhancement Richard Hogans will be a big part of his summer preparation.
"He struggled a little bit," coach John Calipari said, laughing. "He's never lifted weights before. Can you believe that, with his body?"
After that, Rose went to classes in communications and gender in society. As much publicity as Rose has received over the past year, it's no surprise his classmates recognized him.
"I came in and people were looking at me. I guess they knew who I am," Rose said. "I'm kind of used to it."
Rose said he's also used to being away from home, especially with all the traveling he's done on the AAU circuit last summer and playing in high school all-star games this spring.
Then again, he hasn't had much time to get homesick. After arriving by plane on Sunday, Rose went straight to Wal-Mart to buy some necessities like bed linens before moving into the basketball team's on-campus house.
"I love it here," Rose said. "As soon as I get homesick, I'll probably call my mother or my girlfriend or somebody who can make me feel good."
As Rose's college education begins this week, so does his basketball education. With most of the Tiger players in town for the first session of summer school, Rose said he was looking forward to the pick-up games at Finch Center where he'll get a chance to mesh with teammates.
"I'm a quick learner," Rose said. "Hopefully it will only take a couple practices for me to be in the flow. I want to work on my all-around game -- mentally, my passing, dribbling, shooting, everything."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Memphis Noted as "Mid-Major" in Rivals.com Article on Recruiting, Ranked #1 in Class
Mid-Majors Attract Their Share of Talent
Justin Young
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Senior Writer
The mid-major programs are catching up with the high-majors on the recruiting trail.
A number of nationally ranked players in the class of 2007 found homes outside of the power conferences.
A number of players heading to the mid-majors will be bracket busters come March.
Mid-major rank (National rank)
1. Memphis (10)
2. Gonzaga (17)
3. New Mexico State
4. Pepperdine
5. Va. Commonwealth
6. Creighton
7. UNLV
8. Butler
9. Dayton
10. Jackson State
11. UTEP
12. New Mexico
13. MTSU
14. Xavier
15. UAB
16. Charlotte
17. SMU
18. UMass
19. Colorado State
20. Temple
Memphis, Gonzaga lead the charge
The Memphis Tigers claim the top spot in the mid-major team rankings. Already boasting the nation's No. 10 recruiting class overall, we realize John Calipari's club isn't necessarily a mid-major program. However, Conference USA – the league in which his team competes – is not a major power.
Derrick Rose, the nation's best point guard, is the headliner for Memphis' class and should shine from the outset. The Chicago-area star is the most dynamic guard to come out of the prep ranks in some time. Conference foes won't have the speed, athleticism or size to defend Rose. He should thrive in Conference USA.
Rose isn't the only big-time player coming to Memphis. New Jersey wing Jeff Robinson fits perfectly with the Tigers' style of play. He's big, strong, athletic and really improved as a perimeter threat.
Gonzaga checks in at No. 17 nationally and second overall in the mid-major recruiting rankings. Mark Few and his staff reeled in a trio of standout high school players. Five-star prospect Austin Daye is a sharp-shooting wing from California. He picked Gonzaga over offers from several Pac-10 schools.
In-state guard Steven Gray is one of the top sleepers in the West despite being ranked 61st overall in the class of 2007. Four-star center Robert Sacre is a force down low and compares well with Gonzaga big men of the past.
Jerry Meyer's take: Not only do Memphis and Gonzaga have talented classes, but their recruits fill needs as well. … Reggie Theus makes a first-year recruiting statement by landing a deep class that includes top-50 prospect Herb Pope. … P'Allen Stinnett should bring some excitement to the Creighton program. … Lon Kruger beat out Kentucky for five-star center Beas Hamga. … While everyone thought four-star prospect Jenirro Bush was reclassifying, Jackson State convinced him to stay close to home. … Although Middle Tennessee doesn't have a prospect in the Rivals150, the Blue Raiders landed three three-star players who were just on the outside of the Rivals150.
Best of the Mid-majors
Best perimeter scorer: Tyrone Shelley, Pepperdine
Best low post scorer: Herb Pope, New Mexico State
Best passer: Joey Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth
Best shooter: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Best rebounder: Beas Hamga, UNLV
Best shot-blocker: Beas Hamga, UNLV
Best defender: Lance Kearse, Virginia Commonwealth
Most versatile: Jenirro Bush, Jackson State
Best in the clutch: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best basketball IQ: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best pro prospect: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best interview: P'Allen Stinnett, Creighton
Best speed: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best hands: Kenton Walker, Creghton
Best motor: Matt Howard, Butler
Best strength: Robert Sacre, Gonzaga
Best leaper: Chris Wright, Dayton
Impact player: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Biggest sleeper: Zach Hahn, Butler
Five top incoming mid-major prospects
Despite signing with a mid-major conference school, Rose would have likely been the top prospect in whichever conference he picked. Rose oozes pro potential, and with the athletes around him at Memphis he should continue to shine.
Daye, the son of former NBA player Darren Daye, has the prototypical pro length at the wing. He'll need to improve his body, but in terms of raw skill Daye is one of the best players on the West Coast.
Five-star center Beas Hamga surprised many when he chose UNLV.
UNLV snagged a big-time recruit in Beas Hamga. The 7-footer picked the Running Rebels over the likes of Kentucky, Indiana and New Mexico. Hamga is a defensive specialist and will only improve over time.
New Mexico State landed a surprise commitment when Pittsburgh-area forward Herb Pope picked Reggie Theus's program over a number of high-major schools. The four-star wing forward was shot in the spring and is still recovering from his injuries.
Robinson, a four-star athlete from New Jersey, was lured away from Big East country. His quick springs, physical game, defensive ability and perimeter shot make him a major coup for Memphis.
Keep an eye on us
Gonzaga has long been the powerhouse in the West Coast Conference, but don't be surprised to see Pepperdine make a push in conference play. The Waves inked a class perfect for Vance Walburg.
San Diego native Tyrone Shelley is a scorer supreme. He could be one of the best scorers in the nation in the near future. He has that kind of potential, and the program will help him in that regard.
Virginia Commonwealth fans can breathe easy now because Anthony Grant is coming back to Richmond. The Rams inked a strong group, and most of the recruits hail from Florida. Point guard Joey Rodriguez, scoring guard Ed Nixon and Myk Brown form a tremendous backcourt trio.
Dayton inked one of the premiere athletes in the nation in high-flyer Chris Wright. He'll be on a number of highlight reels while in college. Butler has a great 1-2 punch in Matt Howard - a Rivals150 forward - and point guard Zach Hahn.
Inside the numbers
There are 20 players inside the Rivals150 headed to mid-major conference schools. Three five-star players (Rose, Daye and Hamga) opted for non-power conference schools. Ten four-star players are bound for mid-majors, while six Rivals150 three-star prospects inked with those programs.
The Atlantic 10 claims five teams in the top 20 mid-major rankings. Conference USA stakes claim to four. The Mountain West has three teams in the rankings, while the West Coast Conference comes in with a pair. The WAC, Colonial, Missouri Valley, Horizon, SWAC and Sun Belt all have one team in the rankings.
Justin Young
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Senior Writer
The mid-major programs are catching up with the high-majors on the recruiting trail.
A number of nationally ranked players in the class of 2007 found homes outside of the power conferences.
A number of players heading to the mid-majors will be bracket busters come March.
Mid-major rank (National rank)
1. Memphis (10)
2. Gonzaga (17)
3. New Mexico State
4. Pepperdine
5. Va. Commonwealth
6. Creighton
7. UNLV
8. Butler
9. Dayton
10. Jackson State
11. UTEP
12. New Mexico
13. MTSU
14. Xavier
15. UAB
16. Charlotte
17. SMU
18. UMass
19. Colorado State
20. Temple
Memphis, Gonzaga lead the charge
The Memphis Tigers claim the top spot in the mid-major team rankings. Already boasting the nation's No. 10 recruiting class overall, we realize John Calipari's club isn't necessarily a mid-major program. However, Conference USA – the league in which his team competes – is not a major power.
Derrick Rose, the nation's best point guard, is the headliner for Memphis' class and should shine from the outset. The Chicago-area star is the most dynamic guard to come out of the prep ranks in some time. Conference foes won't have the speed, athleticism or size to defend Rose. He should thrive in Conference USA.
Rose isn't the only big-time player coming to Memphis. New Jersey wing Jeff Robinson fits perfectly with the Tigers' style of play. He's big, strong, athletic and really improved as a perimeter threat.
Gonzaga checks in at No. 17 nationally and second overall in the mid-major recruiting rankings. Mark Few and his staff reeled in a trio of standout high school players. Five-star prospect Austin Daye is a sharp-shooting wing from California. He picked Gonzaga over offers from several Pac-10 schools.
In-state guard Steven Gray is one of the top sleepers in the West despite being ranked 61st overall in the class of 2007. Four-star center Robert Sacre is a force down low and compares well with Gonzaga big men of the past.
Jerry Meyer's take: Not only do Memphis and Gonzaga have talented classes, but their recruits fill needs as well. … Reggie Theus makes a first-year recruiting statement by landing a deep class that includes top-50 prospect Herb Pope. … P'Allen Stinnett should bring some excitement to the Creighton program. … Lon Kruger beat out Kentucky for five-star center Beas Hamga. … While everyone thought four-star prospect Jenirro Bush was reclassifying, Jackson State convinced him to stay close to home. … Although Middle Tennessee doesn't have a prospect in the Rivals150, the Blue Raiders landed three three-star players who were just on the outside of the Rivals150.
Best of the Mid-majors
Best perimeter scorer: Tyrone Shelley, Pepperdine
Best low post scorer: Herb Pope, New Mexico State
Best passer: Joey Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth
Best shooter: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Best rebounder: Beas Hamga, UNLV
Best shot-blocker: Beas Hamga, UNLV
Best defender: Lance Kearse, Virginia Commonwealth
Most versatile: Jenirro Bush, Jackson State
Best in the clutch: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best basketball IQ: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best pro prospect: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best interview: P'Allen Stinnett, Creighton
Best speed: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Best hands: Kenton Walker, Creghton
Best motor: Matt Howard, Butler
Best strength: Robert Sacre, Gonzaga
Best leaper: Chris Wright, Dayton
Impact player: Derrick Rose, Memphis
Biggest sleeper: Zach Hahn, Butler
Five top incoming mid-major prospects
Despite signing with a mid-major conference school, Rose would have likely been the top prospect in whichever conference he picked. Rose oozes pro potential, and with the athletes around him at Memphis he should continue to shine.
Daye, the son of former NBA player Darren Daye, has the prototypical pro length at the wing. He'll need to improve his body, but in terms of raw skill Daye is one of the best players on the West Coast.
Five-star center Beas Hamga surprised many when he chose UNLV.
UNLV snagged a big-time recruit in Beas Hamga. The 7-footer picked the Running Rebels over the likes of Kentucky, Indiana and New Mexico. Hamga is a defensive specialist and will only improve over time.
New Mexico State landed a surprise commitment when Pittsburgh-area forward Herb Pope picked Reggie Theus's program over a number of high-major schools. The four-star wing forward was shot in the spring and is still recovering from his injuries.
Robinson, a four-star athlete from New Jersey, was lured away from Big East country. His quick springs, physical game, defensive ability and perimeter shot make him a major coup for Memphis.
Keep an eye on us
Gonzaga has long been the powerhouse in the West Coast Conference, but don't be surprised to see Pepperdine make a push in conference play. The Waves inked a class perfect for Vance Walburg.
San Diego native Tyrone Shelley is a scorer supreme. He could be one of the best scorers in the nation in the near future. He has that kind of potential, and the program will help him in that regard.
Virginia Commonwealth fans can breathe easy now because Anthony Grant is coming back to Richmond. The Rams inked a strong group, and most of the recruits hail from Florida. Point guard Joey Rodriguez, scoring guard Ed Nixon and Myk Brown form a tremendous backcourt trio.
Dayton inked one of the premiere athletes in the nation in high-flyer Chris Wright. He'll be on a number of highlight reels while in college. Butler has a great 1-2 punch in Matt Howard - a Rivals150 forward - and point guard Zach Hahn.
Inside the numbers
There are 20 players inside the Rivals150 headed to mid-major conference schools. Three five-star players (Rose, Daye and Hamga) opted for non-power conference schools. Ten four-star players are bound for mid-majors, while six Rivals150 three-star prospects inked with those programs.
The Atlantic 10 claims five teams in the top 20 mid-major rankings. Conference USA stakes claim to four. The Mountain West has three teams in the rankings, while the West Coast Conference comes in with a pair. The WAC, Colonial, Missouri Valley, Horizon, SWAC and Sun Belt all have one team in the rankings.
From the Fresno Bee "Tre'Von Willis May Seek Move With Fresno Bulldogs"
Willis may seek move with 'Dogs
Ex-Washington High star weighs transfer options
By Daniel Lyght / The Fresno Bee
06/12/07 04:18:56
Tre'Von Willis spoke with Fresno State basketball coaches Monday for the first time since leaving Memphis, and said the school is among his top transfer choices.
Willis, the Central Section's career leading scoring while at Washington High, spoke with Bulldogs coaches Steve Cleveland and Senque Carey on Monday and said there is a possibility he would meet with Cleveland next week. He still is interested in other schools, and said he will visit UNLV this week.
As for the Bulldogs, Willis said: "I think I'd fit in good at Fresno State. ... They have a nice offense I'd like to be in."
Two other positives for the Bulldogs, Willis said, were that Fresno is his hometown and his half-brother, Dwight O'Neil, is on the team.
Willis is transferring from Memphis after one season and received his release from the school Thursday. He averaged 2.6 points and 6.1 minutes per game for the Tigers. In his final year at Washington he averaged 23.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists.
If he does join Fresno State, he'd take the final available scholarship. The Bulldogs lost three seniors this season -- Ja'Vance Coleman, Quinton Hosley and Renato Cesar -- and signed prep-school players Brandon Webster and Nedeljko Golubovic, and Arizona State transfer Sylvester Seay in May. USC transfer Kevin Galloway was dismissed from the team because of academics, leaving a scholarship open after junior Dominic McGuire signed with an agent in preparation for the NBA draft.
With Bulldogs point guard Kevin Bell's eligibility ending after this season, Willis could fill that slot.
Though Willis said he's unsure of his future destination, one thing was certain: He wouldn't rush the decision.
"It could be soon, it could be next month," he said of his decision. "I'm going to do what's best for me.
"I'm looking for a place to run, be a big part of the offense."
The reporter can be reached at (559) 441-6400 or dlyght@fresnobee.com.
Ex-Washington High star weighs transfer options
By Daniel Lyght / The Fresno Bee
06/12/07 04:18:56
Tre'Von Willis spoke with Fresno State basketball coaches Monday for the first time since leaving Memphis, and said the school is among his top transfer choices.
Willis, the Central Section's career leading scoring while at Washington High, spoke with Bulldogs coaches Steve Cleveland and Senque Carey on Monday and said there is a possibility he would meet with Cleveland next week. He still is interested in other schools, and said he will visit UNLV this week.
As for the Bulldogs, Willis said: "I think I'd fit in good at Fresno State. ... They have a nice offense I'd like to be in."
Two other positives for the Bulldogs, Willis said, were that Fresno is his hometown and his half-brother, Dwight O'Neil, is on the team.
Willis is transferring from Memphis after one season and received his release from the school Thursday. He averaged 2.6 points and 6.1 minutes per game for the Tigers. In his final year at Washington he averaged 23.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists.
If he does join Fresno State, he'd take the final available scholarship. The Bulldogs lost three seniors this season -- Ja'Vance Coleman, Quinton Hosley and Renato Cesar -- and signed prep-school players Brandon Webster and Nedeljko Golubovic, and Arizona State transfer Sylvester Seay in May. USC transfer Kevin Galloway was dismissed from the team because of academics, leaving a scholarship open after junior Dominic McGuire signed with an agent in preparation for the NBA draft.
With Bulldogs point guard Kevin Bell's eligibility ending after this season, Willis could fill that slot.
Though Willis said he's unsure of his future destination, one thing was certain: He wouldn't rush the decision.
"It could be soon, it could be next month," he said of his decision. "I'm going to do what's best for me.
"I'm looking for a place to run, be a big part of the offense."
The reporter can be reached at (559) 441-6400 or dlyght@fresnobee.com.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Siena (RPI #128 '06/'07) To Play at Memphis in Early January
Siena to play Memphis next season
June 11, 2007 at 1:33 pm by Pete Iorizzo, Staff writer
Albany (NY) Times Union
Siena reached an agreement Monday to play a men’s basketball game this coming season against Memphis, expected one of the top three teams in preseason polls.
The game will be played in early January in Memphis, where the Tigers have won 29 consecutive games.
Memphis, a member of Conference USA, posted a 33-4 record last season, when it reached the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year under coach John Calipari. The Tigers figure to receive strong consideration for the No. 1 slot in The Associated Press preseason poll.
This game adds to a Siena non-conference schedule upgraded considerably from last season. This year the Saints also face Stanford, of the Pacific-10 Conference, and Saint Joseph’s, of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Other non-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference games include matchups with the University at Albany, James Madison, Holy Cross and Dartmouth. Siena also plans to participate in ESPNU BracketBusters and the National Invitation Tournament Season Tip-Off.
Siena can schedule one more game. The Saints are believed to be seeking a series with a regional team to begin on the road during the 2007-08 season.
“This is something great for our program,” Siena coach Fran McCaffery said. “This gives us a chance to see just how far our team has come.”
The agreement, signed Monday morning by McCaffery, calls for just one game, so Memphis will not visit Albany to play at Times Union Center during the 2008-09 season.
June 11, 2007 at 1:33 pm by Pete Iorizzo, Staff writer
Albany (NY) Times Union
Siena reached an agreement Monday to play a men’s basketball game this coming season against Memphis, expected one of the top three teams in preseason polls.
The game will be played in early January in Memphis, where the Tigers have won 29 consecutive games.
Memphis, a member of Conference USA, posted a 33-4 record last season, when it reached the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year under coach John Calipari. The Tigers figure to receive strong consideration for the No. 1 slot in The Associated Press preseason poll.
This game adds to a Siena non-conference schedule upgraded considerably from last season. This year the Saints also face Stanford, of the Pacific-10 Conference, and Saint Joseph’s, of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Other non-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference games include matchups with the University at Albany, James Madison, Holy Cross and Dartmouth. Siena also plans to participate in ESPNU BracketBusters and the National Invitation Tournament Season Tip-Off.
Siena can schedule one more game. The Saints are believed to be seeking a series with a regional team to begin on the road during the 2007-08 season.
“This is something great for our program,” Siena coach Fran McCaffery said. “This gives us a chance to see just how far our team has come.”
The agreement, signed Monday morning by McCaffery, calls for just one game, so Memphis will not visit Albany to play at Times Union Center during the 2008-09 season.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Memphis and Kentucky Reportedly Offered Scholarships to Rotnei Clarke, Oklahoma's #1 H.S. Recruit
By BILL HAISTEN, Tulsa (OK) World, World Sports Writer
6/8/2007
Talent show: Rotnei Clarke, the state's No. 1 basketball recruit, and the Verdigris Cardinals are involved in this weekend's University of Tulsa team camp at the Reynolds Center.
Verdigris plays twice on Friday (against Rogers at 6 p.m. and Jenks at 8) and twice on Saturday (against Tahlequah at 10 a.m. and Bishop Kelley at noon). The games are free and open to the public.
Two more offers: Conley Clarke, Rotnei's father and the director of basketball operations at Oral Roberts, reports that Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie offered a scholarship to Rotnei Clarke this week. A few days earlier, Memphis' John Calipari called with a scholarship offer.
6/8/2007
Talent show: Rotnei Clarke, the state's No. 1 basketball recruit, and the Verdigris Cardinals are involved in this weekend's University of Tulsa team camp at the Reynolds Center.
Verdigris plays twice on Friday (against Rogers at 6 p.m. and Jenks at 8) and twice on Saturday (against Tahlequah at 10 a.m. and Bishop Kelley at noon). The games are free and open to the public.
Two more offers: Conley Clarke, Rotnei's father and the director of basketball operations at Oral Roberts, reports that Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie offered a scholarship to Rotnei Clarke this week. A few days earlier, Memphis' John Calipari called with a scholarship offer.
Fresno (CA) Bee Article on Tre'Von Willis' Transfer News
Memphis' Willis to come West
Ex-Washington star undecided as to which school he'll attend
By Bryant-Jon Anteola / The Fresno Bee
06/09/07 04:38:47
Tre'Von Willis, the all-time scoring leader in Central Section basketball history, is transferring out West.
To which school, the former Washington High star said he doesn't know yet.
But as of Thursday, Willis received his release from Memphis after one season and said he has been in contact with "a few" West coast schools.
"The main thing is I'm coming back West," said Willis, who is back in town for the summer and helping coach Washington's summer team. "It's going to be a Mountain West [Conference], Pac-10 or WAC [Western Athletic Conference] school.
"The process has just started. So I really don't know yet where I'm going. Don't have a timetable when I'll know. I just know I'm not going back to Memphis."
Willis, a former top-100 recruit who finished his freshman year, said he has enough credits and the grade-point average to be eligible to play immediately. NCAA rules, however, would require Willis to sit out a year if he transfers to another Division-I program.
Willis still has a redshirt season to burn, giving him three years of eligibility.
Willis said he has not spoken to anyone at Fresno State and wasn't sure if he would. He added there has been no family or peer pressure to play for the hometown program.
Fresno State has one scholarship available with the early departure of Dominic McGuire to the NBA. Willis' half-brother and former Washington teammate, Dwight O'Neil, also plays for the Bulldogs. O'Neil is a junior.
If Willis came to Fresno State, the brothers would have one season to play together.
"Not sure," Willis said when asked what the chances were of him playing at Fresno State.
Willis said he informed Memphis coach John Calipari in mid-May that he wanted his release, then citing family issues. Willis added Friday that he was unhappy with his playing time and living two time zones away.
Memphis (33-4) won the Conference USA title and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
But Willis contributed little, appearing in 17 of 37 games and averaging 6.1 minutes. He shot 13 of 33 from the field (39.4%) and 12 of 17 from the free-throw line (.706) for 2.6 points per game.
And with most of Memphis' rotation returning, it appeared unlikely Willis' role would change.
"There wasn't enough room for me in Memphis," Willis said. "And with the family situation, it was just best for me to head back West."
Willis described his year in Memphis as a "roller coaster" and said he didn't think he received a fair shot at playing time.
"I do well at practice then come gametime, I'm stuck on the bench. I played in less than half the games, and a lot of them were 2 to 3 minutes or last minute of the game. It was just embarrassing."
In his final season at Washington, Willis averaged 23.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists. He finished with a section-best 2,842 career points, which also was the fifth most in state history.
The reporter can be reached at banteola@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6362.
Ex-Washington star undecided as to which school he'll attend
By Bryant-Jon Anteola / The Fresno Bee
06/09/07 04:38:47
Tre'Von Willis, the all-time scoring leader in Central Section basketball history, is transferring out West.
To which school, the former Washington High star said he doesn't know yet.
But as of Thursday, Willis received his release from Memphis after one season and said he has been in contact with "a few" West coast schools.
"The main thing is I'm coming back West," said Willis, who is back in town for the summer and helping coach Washington's summer team. "It's going to be a Mountain West [Conference], Pac-10 or WAC [Western Athletic Conference] school.
"The process has just started. So I really don't know yet where I'm going. Don't have a timetable when I'll know. I just know I'm not going back to Memphis."
Willis, a former top-100 recruit who finished his freshman year, said he has enough credits and the grade-point average to be eligible to play immediately. NCAA rules, however, would require Willis to sit out a year if he transfers to another Division-I program.
Willis still has a redshirt season to burn, giving him three years of eligibility.
Willis said he has not spoken to anyone at Fresno State and wasn't sure if he would. He added there has been no family or peer pressure to play for the hometown program.
Fresno State has one scholarship available with the early departure of Dominic McGuire to the NBA. Willis' half-brother and former Washington teammate, Dwight O'Neil, also plays for the Bulldogs. O'Neil is a junior.
If Willis came to Fresno State, the brothers would have one season to play together.
"Not sure," Willis said when asked what the chances were of him playing at Fresno State.
Willis said he informed Memphis coach John Calipari in mid-May that he wanted his release, then citing family issues. Willis added Friday that he was unhappy with his playing time and living two time zones away.
Memphis (33-4) won the Conference USA title and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
But Willis contributed little, appearing in 17 of 37 games and averaging 6.1 minutes. He shot 13 of 33 from the field (39.4%) and 12 of 17 from the free-throw line (.706) for 2.6 points per game.
And with most of Memphis' rotation returning, it appeared unlikely Willis' role would change.
"There wasn't enough room for me in Memphis," Willis said. "And with the family situation, it was just best for me to head back West."
Willis described his year in Memphis as a "roller coaster" and said he didn't think he received a fair shot at playing time.
"I do well at practice then come gametime, I'm stuck on the bench. I played in less than half the games, and a lot of them were 2 to 3 minutes or last minute of the game. It was just embarrassing."
In his final season at Washington, Willis averaged 23.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists. He finished with a section-best 2,842 career points, which also was the fifth most in state history.
The reporter can be reached at banteola@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6362.
St. George's H.S. (Memphis) Guard Elliott Williams Courted by Memphis, Tennessee, UNC and Duke
Vols court Memphis prep star, but so do others
UNC, Duke join chase for Williams
By CHRIS LOW
Staff Writer, Nashville Tennessean
KNOXVILLE — Nobody needed to tell Bruce Pearl when he took the Tennessee men's basketball job how important the talent-rich area of Memphis would be to his recruiting.
It was equally apparent that the best players in Memphis weren't flocking to Tennessee to play their college basketball, at least not historically.
"Memphis is very important," Pearl said. "In the state of Tennessee, wherever they're playing the best high school basketball, that's where we need to be. Some years, it's Nashville, and Tennessee has lost some big recruits out of Nashville in the past.
"It just so happens that West Tennessee tends to put out the best players year after year."
And this year, that player is guard Elliot Williams, whose stock may be rising more than any other player in the country.
Duke in the running
A dazzling 6-foot-4 guard from St. George's Independent School, Williams put on a show at last month's Tournament of Champions in Chapel Hill, N.C. He averaged 26 points per game and was as comfortable burying 3-pointers as he was slicing to the basket.
But here's the catch for the Vols, who've clearly made Williams one of their top targets. They're not just battling John Calipari and hometown Memphis.
Duke and North Carolina also have entered the picture for Williams, who's rated by Rivals.com as the country's 20th-best prospect overall and fourth-best shooting guard prospect.
"That's when I stepped back and knew it was getting serious, when powerhouses like Duke and North Carolina jumped in there," Williams said. "Coach K (Duke's Mike Krzyzewski) said he'd never recruited a player from Memphis before. That's saying something when you think about all the great players who've come out of here.
"But just because Duke and North Carolina are recruiting me, that doesn't mean I'm going to pick the school with the most prestige. I've got to pick the school that's right for me."
Impressed with Pearl
Much like his own ascent among the country's top rising senior prospects, Williams said the Vols' resurgence under Pearl the last two years has placed them squarely in his sights.
"They've improved every year under Coach Pearl," Williams said.
"You look at what he's brought to that team and the intensity he brought. He's made the team what it is. They're growing and growing fast, and you want to be part of something like that."
Does that mean the Vols are right at the top of Williams' list? He's not ready to go that far, but admits he's close to trimming his list.
Right now, in addition to Duke, North Carolina, Tennessee and Memphis, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Texas are all courting Williams.
"The hardest part will be getting that down to four or five," he said.
"You build relationships with all these coaches, and you've got to tell all but one of them no."
Making inroads
Williams plans to sign in November. He visited Duke in conjunction with his trip to play in the Tournament of Champions at the end of last month. He's also been to Tennessee a couple of times on unofficial visits and said he's been everywhere else on his list but Georgia Tech and Texas.
Pulling a player the caliber of Williams out of Memphis would be huge for Pearl, who's already shown he can go outside the state and attract top players.
But getting one marquee player out of Memphis could easily lead to others.
The Vols, along with everybody else, are already eyeing Leslie McDonald, one of the top rising junior prospects in the country.
"If you can make it in Memphis, you can make it anywhere," Williams said. "Coaches know that, and that's why they keep coming back."
Little More Detail on Cooper & Willis From Gary Parrish, CBS Sportsline.com
Memphis sophomore Cooper, freshman Willis will transfer
June 7, 2007
By Gary Parrish
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Reserves Kareem Cooper and Tre'Von Willis, each caught in a numbers game, are in the process of transferring from Memphis, sources close to the situation have told CBS SportsLine.com.
According to the sources, Cooper (a sophomore from Washington D.C.) and Willis (a freshman from Fresno, Calif.) are on track to leave with their eligibility intact, and they intend to secure more playing time with a lesser program after being bit players under John Calipari. One source said neither student-athlete has picked a future college, adding Cooper is "wide open" while stating Willis will "likely transfer out west."
Cooper will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Willis will have three.
Though these developments should leave Memphis with just 11 scholarship players, this is pleasant news for the Tigers. Neither Cooper nor Willis were expected to be factors next season thanks to a deep rotation, and both -- if unhappy with their limited roles -- could've potentially developed into the type of problems that disrupt team chemistry, particularly Cooper.
Skilled for a man 6-foot-11, 290 pounds, Cooper has never seemed committed to tapping into his undeniable talent, and his off-court distractions have been more notable than anything achieved in the paint. He was arrested for marijuana as a freshman and suspended last season for a "violation of team rules."
So while Cooper's departure might eventually hurt if senior Joey Dorsey is injured, sophomore Pierre Niles refuses to get into shape or Iowa State transfer Shawn Taggart doesn’t have an impact, it's likely this is addition by subtraction for Memphis, which doesn't need anything hindering its very realistic quest for the program's first national title.
June 7, 2007
By Gary Parrish
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Reserves Kareem Cooper and Tre'Von Willis, each caught in a numbers game, are in the process of transferring from Memphis, sources close to the situation have told CBS SportsLine.com.
According to the sources, Cooper (a sophomore from Washington D.C.) and Willis (a freshman from Fresno, Calif.) are on track to leave with their eligibility intact, and they intend to secure more playing time with a lesser program after being bit players under John Calipari. One source said neither student-athlete has picked a future college, adding Cooper is "wide open" while stating Willis will "likely transfer out west."
Cooper will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Willis will have three.
Though these developments should leave Memphis with just 11 scholarship players, this is pleasant news for the Tigers. Neither Cooper nor Willis were expected to be factors next season thanks to a deep rotation, and both -- if unhappy with their limited roles -- could've potentially developed into the type of problems that disrupt team chemistry, particularly Cooper.
Skilled for a man 6-foot-11, 290 pounds, Cooper has never seemed committed to tapping into his undeniable talent, and his off-court distractions have been more notable than anything achieved in the paint. He was arrested for marijuana as a freshman and suspended last season for a "violation of team rules."
So while Cooper's departure might eventually hurt if senior Joey Dorsey is injured, sophomore Pierre Niles refuses to get into shape or Iowa State transfer Shawn Taggart doesn’t have an impact, it's likely this is addition by subtraction for Memphis, which doesn't need anything hindering its very realistic quest for the program's first national title.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Cooper, Willis Are On Way Out at Memphis
Cooper, Willis are on way out at U of M
By Dan Wolken
June 8, 2007
Kareem Cooper and Tre'Von Willis are in the process of separating from the University of Memphis basketball program, sources close to the situation told The Commercial Appeal Thursday.
Cooper is doing academic work at the UofM to facilitate his transfer but has not been an active part of the basketball program, according to one source. Willis, who went home to Fresno, Calif., following the academic year, has asked for and will be granted a transfer.
Coach John Calipari did not return a message seeking comment.
The school won't comment on roster changes until the paperwork becomes official.
Neither departure is considered a surprise, since both would likely have had trouble fitting into Memphis' rotation next season.
Cooper, a 6-11 center, has dealt with off-court issues throughout his two seasons at Memphis. As a freshman, he was arrested for marijuana possession during a traffic stop in Millington and suspended from the team for four games. Cooper was suspended again last fall for a violation of team rules and missed the first seven games of the season.
After being reinstated, Cooper initially provided a boost off the bench, averaging 10 points in his first three games. But his production leveled off shortly thereafter, and he barely contributed during the final two months of the season. He finished the year averaging 3.9 points and 10.8 minutes per game.
Willis, a former top-100 recruit, was projected to be a major factor when he signed with Memphis. But Willis couldn't beat out fellow freshman Doneal Mack for minutes at shooting guard.
Willis appeared in just 17 games for Memphis, averaging 2.6 points. Memphis likely will not use the open scholarships this year.
Rather, Memphis will have just 11 scholarship players next year or 12 if walk-on Andre Allen is awarded a scholarship, with any leftovers being saved for the class of 2008.
By Dan Wolken
June 8, 2007
Kareem Cooper and Tre'Von Willis are in the process of separating from the University of Memphis basketball program, sources close to the situation told The Commercial Appeal Thursday.
Cooper is doing academic work at the UofM to facilitate his transfer but has not been an active part of the basketball program, according to one source. Willis, who went home to Fresno, Calif., following the academic year, has asked for and will be granted a transfer.
Coach John Calipari did not return a message seeking comment.
The school won't comment on roster changes until the paperwork becomes official.
Neither departure is considered a surprise, since both would likely have had trouble fitting into Memphis' rotation next season.
Cooper, a 6-11 center, has dealt with off-court issues throughout his two seasons at Memphis. As a freshman, he was arrested for marijuana possession during a traffic stop in Millington and suspended from the team for four games. Cooper was suspended again last fall for a violation of team rules and missed the first seven games of the season.
After being reinstated, Cooper initially provided a boost off the bench, averaging 10 points in his first three games. But his production leveled off shortly thereafter, and he barely contributed during the final two months of the season. He finished the year averaging 3.9 points and 10.8 minutes per game.
Willis, a former top-100 recruit, was projected to be a major factor when he signed with Memphis. But Willis couldn't beat out fellow freshman Doneal Mack for minutes at shooting guard.
Willis appeared in just 17 games for Memphis, averaging 2.6 points. Memphis likely will not use the open scholarships this year.
Rather, Memphis will have just 11 scholarship players next year or 12 if walk-on Andre Allen is awarded a scholarship, with any leftovers being saved for the class of 2008.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Comments on Jeremy Hunt From Orlando Pre-Draft Camp
Jeremy Hunt 6-3 200 PG Memphis Sr. -- 2.3 ppg, 2-11 fg (18.2%), 4.3 rpg, 4.0 apg. He's a bit of a junk yard dog was one scout's description of him. Hunt lacks any real point guard skills and is too small for the 2-guard position. He really struggled to do much offensively but defends well and showed a decent ability to get others involved.
2007 NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE TEAM LEADERS
2007 NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE TEAM LEADERS
Rank School G Attendance Average
1. Kentucky 16 374,737 23,421
2. Syracuse 22 473,353 21,516
3. North Carolina 17 351,785 20,693
4. Tennessee 16 314,571 19,661
5. Louisville 20 369,763 18,488
6. Ohio St. 18 315,539 17,530
7. Wisconsin 19 326,610 17,190
8. Maryland 19 319,616 16,822
9. Arkansas 16 267,520 16,720
10. Illinois 17 282,506 16,618
11. Indiana 15 247,103 16,474
12. Kansas 18 293,400 16,300
13. Creighton 14 222,728 15,909
14. Marquette 20 306,893 15,345
15. Michigan St. 19 280,421 14,759
16. Memphis 19 276,014 14,527
17. Arizona 16 227,239 14,202
18. North Carolina St. 20 279,035 13,952
19. Virginia 17 229,858 13,521
20. Connecticut 20 260,231 13,012
Rank School G Attendance Average
1. Kentucky 16 374,737 23,421
2. Syracuse 22 473,353 21,516
3. North Carolina 17 351,785 20,693
4. Tennessee 16 314,571 19,661
5. Louisville 20 369,763 18,488
6. Ohio St. 18 315,539 17,530
7. Wisconsin 19 326,610 17,190
8. Maryland 19 319,616 16,822
9. Arkansas 16 267,520 16,720
10. Illinois 17 282,506 16,618
11. Indiana 15 247,103 16,474
12. Kansas 18 293,400 16,300
13. Creighton 14 222,728 15,909
14. Marquette 20 306,893 15,345
15. Michigan St. 19 280,421 14,759
16. Memphis 19 276,014 14,527
17. Arizona 16 227,239 14,202
18. North Carolina St. 20 279,035 13,952
19. Virginia 17 229,858 13,521
20. Connecticut 20 260,231 13,012
NYC Recruits On Tiger Radar
N.Y. standouts on Tigers' radar
By Dan Wolken
June 3, 2007
After spending most of his coaching career in the Northeast, John Calipari has brought a steady stream of players from the New York/New Jersey metro area to the University of Memphis, including incoming freshman Jeff Robinson.
Now, with Chuck Martin and Rod Strickland being added to the coaching staff within the past year, Memphis is as entrenched as ever in the New York recruiting scene.
That was evident last weekend at the AAU Nike Memorial Day Classic in Nashville, where the New York Gauchos finished runner-up in the 17-and-under division. Several highly-rated players on that team are being recruited by Memphis, and three of them said they would likely make visits to campus later this year.
"They're in my top three," said Jordan Theodore, a top-100 guard prospect.
"They play my style of game," said Kemba Walker, a hard-nosed guard who was one of the tournament's most impressive players.
"They're definitely on my list," said Durand Scott, a long 6-3 guard ranked 34th by Rivals.com in the class of 2009.
Though Memphis coaches can't talk about recruits per NCAA rules, it's easy to draw the connection between the current coaching staff and that trio.
Strickland, the Tigers' director of student-athlete development, played for the New York Gauchos in the mid-1980s before going to DePaul and ultimately a long NBA career.
And Martin is a native of the Bronx who coached at two of the city's top programs and most recently at St. John's. In fact, Walker said Martin began recruiting him when he was still coaching under Norm Roberts at St. John's.
It's unclear exactly where those players fit into Memphis' plans for the upcoming year. Calipari has said he wants to sign as many as three more players for 2008. The top targets for this class appears to be DeAndre Liggins, a guard out of Chicago and St. George's guard Elliot Williams.
If Memphis can't get either player, Theodore and Walker are exactly the kind of fearless, scrappy guards who would fit well in the Tigers' driving motion offense.
The real prize of the class, however, is Scott, who is eligible to play with the 16-and-under team but is playing "up" on the AAU circuit this summer. Scott showed the ability to attack, defend and rebound, which means he will be highly coveted by most of the major programs in the country.
Though Scott said he doesn't watch much college basketball, he was familiar with Memphis.
"From what I've been hearing, they're pretty cool," Scott said. "I like the coach that's recruiting me (Martin). They came to a couple of our practices, and they're cool people, so that's a good thing. I'll look at other schools like Duke, North Carolina, Arizona and stuff like that, but they're definitely at the top of my list."
Liggins update
Though it's unlikely to significantly alter his recruitment, Liggins suffered a stress fracture in his foot last weekend and will miss roughly six weeks.
Liggins, a 6-5 guard ranked 18th in the nation by Rivals.com, suffered the injury at the Bob Gibbons tournament in North Carolina.
Barring unforeseen events, Liggins will visit Memphis later this year and then decide between Memphis, Kansas and Illinois.
Under the radar
One name to keep an eye on during the summer recruiting season is Sampson Carter, who will be a senior at Hamilton this fall. Carter is the brother of former Tiger guard Shyrone Chatman, now the team's video coordinator.
Like Chatman, Carter grew up in Baton Rouge, La. But when Chatman got the job on Calipari's staff last summer, he convinced his brother to move to Memphis and live with him.
Since then, Carter has gone through a 4-inch growth spurt and now stands at roughly 6-7. Since Carter will still be 16 when school starts in the fall, prep school is an option. But even now, Carter is starting to get interest from mid-majors like New Mexico.
"We'll see how this summer goes," Chatman said. "He's got a chance."
By Dan Wolken
June 3, 2007
After spending most of his coaching career in the Northeast, John Calipari has brought a steady stream of players from the New York/New Jersey metro area to the University of Memphis, including incoming freshman Jeff Robinson.
Now, with Chuck Martin and Rod Strickland being added to the coaching staff within the past year, Memphis is as entrenched as ever in the New York recruiting scene.
That was evident last weekend at the AAU Nike Memorial Day Classic in Nashville, where the New York Gauchos finished runner-up in the 17-and-under division. Several highly-rated players on that team are being recruited by Memphis, and three of them said they would likely make visits to campus later this year.
"They're in my top three," said Jordan Theodore, a top-100 guard prospect.
"They play my style of game," said Kemba Walker, a hard-nosed guard who was one of the tournament's most impressive players.
"They're definitely on my list," said Durand Scott, a long 6-3 guard ranked 34th by Rivals.com in the class of 2009.
Though Memphis coaches can't talk about recruits per NCAA rules, it's easy to draw the connection between the current coaching staff and that trio.
Strickland, the Tigers' director of student-athlete development, played for the New York Gauchos in the mid-1980s before going to DePaul and ultimately a long NBA career.
And Martin is a native of the Bronx who coached at two of the city's top programs and most recently at St. John's. In fact, Walker said Martin began recruiting him when he was still coaching under Norm Roberts at St. John's.
It's unclear exactly where those players fit into Memphis' plans for the upcoming year. Calipari has said he wants to sign as many as three more players for 2008. The top targets for this class appears to be DeAndre Liggins, a guard out of Chicago and St. George's guard Elliot Williams.
If Memphis can't get either player, Theodore and Walker are exactly the kind of fearless, scrappy guards who would fit well in the Tigers' driving motion offense.
The real prize of the class, however, is Scott, who is eligible to play with the 16-and-under team but is playing "up" on the AAU circuit this summer. Scott showed the ability to attack, defend and rebound, which means he will be highly coveted by most of the major programs in the country.
Though Scott said he doesn't watch much college basketball, he was familiar with Memphis.
"From what I've been hearing, they're pretty cool," Scott said. "I like the coach that's recruiting me (Martin). They came to a couple of our practices, and they're cool people, so that's a good thing. I'll look at other schools like Duke, North Carolina, Arizona and stuff like that, but they're definitely at the top of my list."
Liggins update
Though it's unlikely to significantly alter his recruitment, Liggins suffered a stress fracture in his foot last weekend and will miss roughly six weeks.
Liggins, a 6-5 guard ranked 18th in the nation by Rivals.com, suffered the injury at the Bob Gibbons tournament in North Carolina.
Barring unforeseen events, Liggins will visit Memphis later this year and then decide between Memphis, Kansas and Illinois.
Under the radar
One name to keep an eye on during the summer recruiting season is Sampson Carter, who will be a senior at Hamilton this fall. Carter is the brother of former Tiger guard Shyrone Chatman, now the team's video coordinator.
Like Chatman, Carter grew up in Baton Rouge, La. But when Chatman got the job on Calipari's staff last summer, he convinced his brother to move to Memphis and live with him.
Since then, Carter has gone through a 4-inch growth spurt and now stands at roughly 6-7. Since Carter will still be 16 when school starts in the fall, prep school is an option. But even now, Carter is starting to get interest from mid-majors like New Mexico.
"We'll see how this summer goes," Chatman said. "He's got a chance."
Kareem Cooper and Tre'Von Willis To Transfer
Cooper, Willis to leave Tiger basketball program
By Dan Wolken
June 7, 2007
Kareem Cooper and Tre’Von Willis will both transfer from the University of Memphis basketball program, sources close to the situation confirmed Thursday.
Cooper has not been an active part of the basketball program for several weeks, according to one source, but is doing academic work at the UofM to facilitate his transfer. Willis, who went home to Fresno, Calif., following the academic year, has asked for and will be granted a transfer.
The school won’t comment on roster changes until the paperwork becomes official.
By Dan Wolken
June 7, 2007
Kareem Cooper and Tre’Von Willis will both transfer from the University of Memphis basketball program, sources close to the situation confirmed Thursday.
Cooper has not been an active part of the basketball program for several weeks, according to one source, but is doing academic work at the UofM to facilitate his transfer. Willis, who went home to Fresno, Calif., following the academic year, has asked for and will be granted a transfer.
The school won’t comment on roster changes until the paperwork becomes official.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Jeremy Hunt Aiming to Impess NBA Personnel
Hunt aiming to impress NBA personnel
By Marlon W. Morgan
June 2, 2007
ORLANDO -- It wasn't that long ago that Jeremy Hunt was suspended for the Memphis Tigers' 2005-06 season. Hunt's collegiate basketball career was in serious jeopardy, not to mention the idea of earning a shot at playing in the NBA.
Two years later, after a detour by Hunt back to the path of the straight and narrow, the former Craigmont High and Tigers star finds himself participating in the NBA pre-draft workouts in Orlando this week, trying to convince NBA executives that his name is worthy of calling June 28 when the NBA Draft takes place in New York.
''It's just been a blessing,'' Hunt said. ''It's through God. He works in mysterious ways. He brings you down, and then He brings you back up. I'm just glad to be here and having fun. I'm just looking to keep up the work, keep working hard like I've been doing.''
Hunt, listed at 6-5, 210 pounds, spent most of his U of M career playing shooting guard. This week he has been trying to convince NBA scouts he's capable of playing point guard, a position he hasn't played since his freshman year at Memphis.
While struggling with his jumper during scrimmage games, Hunt has adapted well to dishing passes. He's also performed well at crashing the boards and playing solid defense.
''I feel like I'm doing a great job of playing point guard out there and running my ball club,'' Hunt said. ''I haven't shot the ball as well as I've needed to, but I've run the club like a point guard and I've guarded real well. I've done a good job so far.
''It's just something I've got to get back used to. I feel comfortable out there. Surrounded by so many players that are good makes it a lot easier. It's definitely hard because they want you to run the certain sets that they want you to run. You've got people watching you and if you make a mistake, you've got to keep your head up.''
Tigers head coach John Calipari and assistant Derek Kellogg made the trip to Orlando to support Hunt. Calipari credits Hunt's determination in turning his life around after a pair of off-campus incidents led to his suspension.
''You just hope that all of the good things that he's tried to do to get himself right pay off,'' Calipari said. ''But it's not a given. But he would have had no chance if he had stayed on the other road. Now it's just: does he play well? He doesn't have to have 30 teams say he's great. One team has to say he's great, and that's all we're hoping for.''
A successful run through the NCAA Tournament by Hunt is what started getting the attention of NBA scouts. After not participating in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which is also for college players looking to make it to the NBA, Hunt was considered a longshot to be invited to Orlando.
But he quickly accepted an invitation last month and is making the most of his opportunity.
''Even though Jeremy played on a big stage in college, they want to see what he can do against guys that aspire to do the same thing,'' Kellogg said. ''If he can come out here and prove that he can shoot the ball, define his position a little bit more, I think he'll be given a good opportunity. I think there's a lot of NBA general managers that want to see him against the top-level talent.''
There's still some question as to what that position should be. While he has spent the majority of the pre-draft playing the point, Grizzlies director of player personnel Tony Barone, Sr. said Hunt is much more suited to playing shooting guard.
''Jeremy Hunt needs to do what he's capable of doing,'' Barone said. ''I think guys sometimes come to camp and someone's told them, 'You've got be a point guard in this camp. If you're not a point guard, you're not going to make it.' Jeremy Hunt's a great shooter. He should come to this camp and shoot the ball every time he's open and not worry about the other things.
''When guys try to play to something that might not be their strength, they overexpose their weaknesses. He's guarded here, he's done a very good job of guarding. He just hasn't shot the ball yet, and that's what he needs to do.''
In the end, it could be his versatility as a combo guard that, at the least, gets him a free-agent offer should he go undrafted.
Teams are allowed to begin holding their own workouts Tuesday. Hunt said he hasn't had any invitations, but expects to be working out for someone next week.
-- Marlon W. Morgan: 529-2792
By Marlon W. Morgan
June 2, 2007
ORLANDO -- It wasn't that long ago that Jeremy Hunt was suspended for the Memphis Tigers' 2005-06 season. Hunt's collegiate basketball career was in serious jeopardy, not to mention the idea of earning a shot at playing in the NBA.
Two years later, after a detour by Hunt back to the path of the straight and narrow, the former Craigmont High and Tigers star finds himself participating in the NBA pre-draft workouts in Orlando this week, trying to convince NBA executives that his name is worthy of calling June 28 when the NBA Draft takes place in New York.
''It's just been a blessing,'' Hunt said. ''It's through God. He works in mysterious ways. He brings you down, and then He brings you back up. I'm just glad to be here and having fun. I'm just looking to keep up the work, keep working hard like I've been doing.''
Hunt, listed at 6-5, 210 pounds, spent most of his U of M career playing shooting guard. This week he has been trying to convince NBA scouts he's capable of playing point guard, a position he hasn't played since his freshman year at Memphis.
While struggling with his jumper during scrimmage games, Hunt has adapted well to dishing passes. He's also performed well at crashing the boards and playing solid defense.
''I feel like I'm doing a great job of playing point guard out there and running my ball club,'' Hunt said. ''I haven't shot the ball as well as I've needed to, but I've run the club like a point guard and I've guarded real well. I've done a good job so far.
''It's just something I've got to get back used to. I feel comfortable out there. Surrounded by so many players that are good makes it a lot easier. It's definitely hard because they want you to run the certain sets that they want you to run. You've got people watching you and if you make a mistake, you've got to keep your head up.''
Tigers head coach John Calipari and assistant Derek Kellogg made the trip to Orlando to support Hunt. Calipari credits Hunt's determination in turning his life around after a pair of off-campus incidents led to his suspension.
''You just hope that all of the good things that he's tried to do to get himself right pay off,'' Calipari said. ''But it's not a given. But he would have had no chance if he had stayed on the other road. Now it's just: does he play well? He doesn't have to have 30 teams say he's great. One team has to say he's great, and that's all we're hoping for.''
A successful run through the NCAA Tournament by Hunt is what started getting the attention of NBA scouts. After not participating in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which is also for college players looking to make it to the NBA, Hunt was considered a longshot to be invited to Orlando.
But he quickly accepted an invitation last month and is making the most of his opportunity.
''Even though Jeremy played on a big stage in college, they want to see what he can do against guys that aspire to do the same thing,'' Kellogg said. ''If he can come out here and prove that he can shoot the ball, define his position a little bit more, I think he'll be given a good opportunity. I think there's a lot of NBA general managers that want to see him against the top-level talent.''
There's still some question as to what that position should be. While he has spent the majority of the pre-draft playing the point, Grizzlies director of player personnel Tony Barone, Sr. said Hunt is much more suited to playing shooting guard.
''Jeremy Hunt needs to do what he's capable of doing,'' Barone said. ''I think guys sometimes come to camp and someone's told them, 'You've got be a point guard in this camp. If you're not a point guard, you're not going to make it.' Jeremy Hunt's a great shooter. He should come to this camp and shoot the ball every time he's open and not worry about the other things.
''When guys try to play to something that might not be their strength, they overexpose their weaknesses. He's guarded here, he's done a very good job of guarding. He just hasn't shot the ball yet, and that's what he needs to do.''
In the end, it could be his versatility as a combo guard that, at the least, gets him a free-agent offer should he go undrafted.
Teams are allowed to begin holding their own workouts Tuesday. Hunt said he hasn't had any invitations, but expects to be working out for someone next week.
-- Marlon W. Morgan: 529-2792
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