Memphis 65, Texas A&M 64
By Stephen Hawkins, ASSOCIATED PRESS
March 23, 2007
SAN ANTONIO – Captain Clutch couldn't come through when Texas A&M needed him the most.
Thanks to Acie Law's bad night with a blown breakaway layup in the final minute and their own unlikely star, the Memphis Tigers are in another NCAA regional final. And this one will be without a partisan crowd after a 65-64 victory over the Aggies.
“I thought I made it. I left it a little short,” Law said of the miss with 47 seconds left after he took a long inbound pass. “Little plays like that just cost you.”
That was the last good shot for the Aggies, whose season was ended by a player who had missed two open layups and three straight free throws until it counted most Thursday night.
Antonio Anderson made two free throws with 3.1 seconds left, going to the line after being fouled at the end of a wild sequence in which the Tigers (33-3) missed three quick shots before he grabbed the final rebound and was fouled.
“We were small out there, but we were quick,” said Anderson, who finished with only five points. “I ran to the basket and the ball just fell in my hands. Nobody boxed me out, and I put it up and got fouled.”
Anderson's only other offensive rebound in the game set up that final sequence.
After the crucial miss by Law, who earned his nickname with a series of last-game heroics this season, Jeremy Hunt missed a 3-pointer. But Anderson came down with the ball and Memphis called timeout.
Memphis, which has won 25 games in a row, plays top-seeded Ohio State in the South Regional final Saturday. The Buckeyes beat Tennessee 85-84 on Thursday night for their 20th straight victory, the second-longest winning streak in the country.
For Texas A&M (27-7), three seasons with coach Billy Gillispie removed from an 0-16 Big 12 record when Law was a freshman, it was the end of the winningest season in school history.
And there were immediately questions about the future for Gillispie, already being mentioned as a possible replacement at Kentucky after Tubby Smith left the Wildcats on Thursday to become Minnesota's coach.
“I don't worry about that,” Gillispie said before a long pause. “I'm honest with my players.”
When asked if he talked to them about the situation, he responded, “Would you? Goodness gracious.”
By beating Texas A&M, the Tigers have already eliminated the team whose fans had the most tickets for the South Regional. The stands in the Alamodome were filled mostly with maroon-clad fans providing a football-like atmosphere and waiting to celebrate another big victory.
Instead, that small contingency of fans in blue behind the Memphis bench – including former Tigers star Penny Hardaway – were cheering at the end, and waiting for another game.
“This is what we wanted, to come to Texas in front of 30,000 and prove ourselves,” coach John Calipari said.
In a similar situation in a regional final last season, when the Tigers also had the better seed, they lost 50-45 to UCLA in Oakland before a crowd full of Bruins fans. Memphis hasn't been to the Final Four since 1985.
Instead of Law, Dominique Kirk took the last shot for the Aggies. His desperation heave from just inside half-court was woefully short.
“I was disappointed in the way that I performed. It's just a tough loss out there,” said Law, who had 13 points on 6-of-17 shooting. “But I really believe that we came a long way. We had a great season.”
Hunt, the Tigers' sixth man, had 19 points. Chris Douglas-Roberts, wearing a brace to support his sprained left ankle sustained last weekend, scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
While the Douglas-Roberts' status had been in question all week, Memphis' leading scorer never doubted he'd be on the court.
“Honestly, it really didn't matter how I was going to feel coming into this game, because I was playing,” Douglas-Roberts said. “I worked around the clock to get it healthy as it is. ... It's felling real good right now.”
Antanas Kavaliauskas had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Aggies, who played in their first regional semifinal since 1980. Joseph Jones scored 14 points.
The Aggies blew a 42-37 lead by hitting only three of their first 13 shots after halftime.
Willie Kemp, scoreless in the first two games of the NCAA tournament, and Hunt hit consecutive 3-pointers to start a 10-0 run. Memphis led 53-48 by the time Douglas-Roberts hit two free throws after being fouled on a drive to the basket.
“We all play like we have a chip on our shoulder, and we've been playing like that since early in the year,” Douglas-Roberts said. “Now we're winning in the NCAA tournament and we're playing all the elite people and we're still winning.”
Friday, March 23, 2007
Memphis Advances to Elite 8, Will Meet Ohio State
Memphis Edges Texas A&M, 65-64, Headed To Elite Eight
Clutch free throw shooting lifts Tigers over Aggies, streak is pushed to 25 straight wins
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Antonio Anderson isn't the player Memphis would have picked to go the line with a chance to advance to another NCAA regional final.
But there Anderson was, shooting free throws with 3.1 seconds left in a game in which he had already blown two open layups and missed three straight free throws.
"I wanted to choke him at halftime," Memphis coach John Calipari said.
Calipari and the rest of the Tigers felt drastically different after Anderson made both free throws to beat Texas A&M 65-64 on Thursday night and put Memphis in a regional final for the second year in a row.
Anderson went to line after being fouled at the end of a wild sequence in which the Tigers (33-3) missed three quick shots. And he knew what was about to happen.
"When I got to the line I could see we were tired and deep down so was the other team. I just wanted to get the game over with," said Anderson, who finished with five points. "I missed free throws earlier, but I had the confidence I could knock them down."
Those visualization drills must really work.
The Tigers have been one of the nation's worst free throw-shooting teams all season. They were so bad that Calipari quit having them shoot in postseason practice and told his players to visualize making them instead.
And now the Tigers, who have won 25 straight games, see a chance to get to the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1985. They will play Memphis or Ohio State on Saturday in the South Regional final.
Texas A&M (27-7), three seasons with coach Billy Gillispie removed from an 0-16 record in the Big 12, had one final chance after Anderson's free throws, but Dominique Kirk's shot from just inside half-court was woefully short.
Kirk took the final shot instead of "Captain Clutch," senior Acie Law, who had 13 points. He was only 6-of-17 from the field in his final game for the Aggies - and blew a layup with just under a minute left after he took a long inbound pass.
That was the last good shot the Aggies got.
"I was disappointed in the way that I performed. It's just a tough loss out there," Law said.
Texas A&M was unable to take advantage of a partisan crowd, the stands in the Alamodome filled mostly with maroon-clad fans providing a football-like atmosphere and waiting to celebrate another big victory.
Instead, it was the small contingency of fans in blue behind the Memphis bench - including former Tigers star Penny Hardaway - who were cheering at the end.
"We just hung around, and that's all we were trying to do," Calipari said. "This is what we wanted, to come to Texas in front of 30,000 and prove ourselves."
In a similar situation in a regional final last season, when the Tigers also had the better seed, they lost 50-45 to UCLA in Oakland before a crowd full of Bruins fans.
After Law's blown layup, Jeremy Hunt missed a 3-pointer for the Tigers. But Anderson got the rebound and they called timeout with 26 seconds left.
Andre Allen missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Hunt and Robert Dozier missed follow-up attempts before Anderson grabbed another rebound - and was fouled by Donald Sloan while trying his own putback.
Texas A&M outrebounded the Tigers 36-31, but didn't get the ones at the end that mattered the most.
"We were small out there, but we were quick," Anderson said. "I ran to the basket and the ball just fell in my hands. Nobody boxed me out, and I put it up and got fouled."
Hunt, the Tigers' sixth man, had 19 points. Chris Douglas-Roberts, wearing a brace to support his sprained left ankle sustained last weekend, scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Antanas Kavaliauskas had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Aggies, who played in their first regional semifinal since 1980. Joseph Jones scored 14 points.
Now there will be questions about if Gillispie remains at Texas A&M. The coach is already being mentioned as a possible replacement at Kentucky after Tubby Smith left the Wildcats to become Minnesota's coach.
"I don't worry about that," Gillispie said before a long pause. "I'm honest with my players."
When asked if he talked to them about the situation, he responded, "Would you? Goodness gracious."
The Aggies blew a 42-37 lead by hitting only three of their first 13 shots after halftime.
Willie Kemp, scoreless in the first two games of the NCAA tournament, and Hunt hit consecutive 3-pointers to start a 10-0 run while Texas A&M missed six straight shots. Memphis led 53-48 by time Douglas-Roberts hit two free throws after being fouled on a drive to the basket.
Texas A&M's drought finally ended when Kirk made an acrobatic shot with 11:06 left.
Kirk, coming off a career-high 21 points against Louisville last weekend, had only four points. But he had seven assists, including a nifty pass to Sloan cutting across the baseline for a basket that put the Aggies up 59-58 with 6:20 left.
Allen then missed the rim on a 3-pointer that went out of bounds and the Aggies got a long inbound pass to Jones. But Jones missed the breakaway layup and Allen was able to quickly make up for his mistake - driving for a layup and then making a free throw.
It was only the fourth game in the Memphis winning streak decided by less than 10 points.
"We all play like we have a chip on our shoulder, and we've been playing like that since early in the year," Douglas-Roberts said. "Now we're winning in the NCAA tournament and we're playing all the elite people and we're still winning."
Clutch free throw shooting lifts Tigers over Aggies, streak is pushed to 25 straight wins
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Antonio Anderson isn't the player Memphis would have picked to go the line with a chance to advance to another NCAA regional final.
But there Anderson was, shooting free throws with 3.1 seconds left in a game in which he had already blown two open layups and missed three straight free throws.
"I wanted to choke him at halftime," Memphis coach John Calipari said.
Calipari and the rest of the Tigers felt drastically different after Anderson made both free throws to beat Texas A&M 65-64 on Thursday night and put Memphis in a regional final for the second year in a row.
Anderson went to line after being fouled at the end of a wild sequence in which the Tigers (33-3) missed three quick shots. And he knew what was about to happen.
"When I got to the line I could see we were tired and deep down so was the other team. I just wanted to get the game over with," said Anderson, who finished with five points. "I missed free throws earlier, but I had the confidence I could knock them down."
Those visualization drills must really work.
The Tigers have been one of the nation's worst free throw-shooting teams all season. They were so bad that Calipari quit having them shoot in postseason practice and told his players to visualize making them instead.
And now the Tigers, who have won 25 straight games, see a chance to get to the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1985. They will play Memphis or Ohio State on Saturday in the South Regional final.
Texas A&M (27-7), three seasons with coach Billy Gillispie removed from an 0-16 record in the Big 12, had one final chance after Anderson's free throws, but Dominique Kirk's shot from just inside half-court was woefully short.
Kirk took the final shot instead of "Captain Clutch," senior Acie Law, who had 13 points. He was only 6-of-17 from the field in his final game for the Aggies - and blew a layup with just under a minute left after he took a long inbound pass.
That was the last good shot the Aggies got.
"I was disappointed in the way that I performed. It's just a tough loss out there," Law said.
Texas A&M was unable to take advantage of a partisan crowd, the stands in the Alamodome filled mostly with maroon-clad fans providing a football-like atmosphere and waiting to celebrate another big victory.
Instead, it was the small contingency of fans in blue behind the Memphis bench - including former Tigers star Penny Hardaway - who were cheering at the end.
"We just hung around, and that's all we were trying to do," Calipari said. "This is what we wanted, to come to Texas in front of 30,000 and prove ourselves."
In a similar situation in a regional final last season, when the Tigers also had the better seed, they lost 50-45 to UCLA in Oakland before a crowd full of Bruins fans.
After Law's blown layup, Jeremy Hunt missed a 3-pointer for the Tigers. But Anderson got the rebound and they called timeout with 26 seconds left.
Andre Allen missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Hunt and Robert Dozier missed follow-up attempts before Anderson grabbed another rebound - and was fouled by Donald Sloan while trying his own putback.
Texas A&M outrebounded the Tigers 36-31, but didn't get the ones at the end that mattered the most.
"We were small out there, but we were quick," Anderson said. "I ran to the basket and the ball just fell in my hands. Nobody boxed me out, and I put it up and got fouled."
Hunt, the Tigers' sixth man, had 19 points. Chris Douglas-Roberts, wearing a brace to support his sprained left ankle sustained last weekend, scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Antanas Kavaliauskas had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Aggies, who played in their first regional semifinal since 1980. Joseph Jones scored 14 points.
Now there will be questions about if Gillispie remains at Texas A&M. The coach is already being mentioned as a possible replacement at Kentucky after Tubby Smith left the Wildcats to become Minnesota's coach.
"I don't worry about that," Gillispie said before a long pause. "I'm honest with my players."
When asked if he talked to them about the situation, he responded, "Would you? Goodness gracious."
The Aggies blew a 42-37 lead by hitting only three of their first 13 shots after halftime.
Willie Kemp, scoreless in the first two games of the NCAA tournament, and Hunt hit consecutive 3-pointers to start a 10-0 run while Texas A&M missed six straight shots. Memphis led 53-48 by time Douglas-Roberts hit two free throws after being fouled on a drive to the basket.
Texas A&M's drought finally ended when Kirk made an acrobatic shot with 11:06 left.
Kirk, coming off a career-high 21 points against Louisville last weekend, had only four points. But he had seven assists, including a nifty pass to Sloan cutting across the baseline for a basket that put the Aggies up 59-58 with 6:20 left.
Allen then missed the rim on a 3-pointer that went out of bounds and the Aggies got a long inbound pass to Jones. But Jones missed the breakaway layup and Allen was able to quickly make up for his mistake - driving for a layup and then making a free throw.
It was only the fourth game in the Memphis winning streak decided by less than 10 points.
"We all play like we have a chip on our shoulder, and we've been playing like that since early in the year," Douglas-Roberts said. "Now we're winning in the NCAA tournament and we're playing all the elite people and we're still winning."
CDR's Ankle Improves, May Play Against A&M
Douglas-Roberts' ankle improves; may play tonight
By Dan Wolken
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- He has spent hours on tables and in swimming pools, taken X-rays and MRIs, received massages and medicines.
He has been the subject of Internet prayer chains, gotten more than 300 e-mails from people he doesn't even know and experienced a gamut of emotions from denial to guilt.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, owner of the most famous left ankle in Memphis, has done all he can to play in tonight's South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
But will it be enough to truly make this a Sweet 16?
"The way he's been treating his ankle, getting ready for it, hopefully it all pays off for him," sophomore teammate Antonio Anderson said. "He deserves it. He's battled all year. Hopefully the man upstairs looks out for us and him and gives us what we want and what he wants, which is for him to play."
After practically round-the-clock treatment to get Douglas-Roberts healthy enough to suit up tonight, the University of Memphis is down to hope. But in a city famous for last stands, Douglas-Roberts on Wednesday said he would not give up on playing again this season.
Indeed, the Tigers' leading scorer participated in a private practice Wednesday morning and later sounded hopeful that he would be ready to face Texas A&M.
"I'm not 100 (percent); not 80," Douglas-Roberts said. "But by (today), I'll be great. It's a game-time decision. I don't want anybody to go out on a limb and say, he's in or he's out. I just want to leave it as a game-time decision."
If Douglas-Roberts can play effectively, it would be a minor miracle given how dire his injury appeared when he fell to the floor with 8:11 remaining in Sunday's 78-62 victory over Nevada.
Douglas-Roberts, who had to be carried into the locker room by two teammates, immediately began a comprehensive treatment plan that brought him far enough along to practice Wednesday.
Though the team purposely didn't release details of his workout, team officials privately expressed encouragement about his progress.
"I went light today," Douglas-Roberts said. "My lateral (movement) felt good. I was able to jump up and down, but coach didn't want me doing stuff that I was trying to do.
"There's not really too much more I can do, but I'm going to keep working on it, trying to strengthen it and loosen it up. By (today), we'll know what we're going to do with it."
Douglas-Roberts did offer that this left ankle sprain is not as bad as the right high ankle sprain that forced him to miss three games in January.
"I've been playing with pain throughout the year," Douglas-Roberts said. "I'm not fearful of it. This is the last of the last."
In a perfect world, the Tigers would sit Douglas-Roberts out tonight, then have him return that much stronger for the Elite Eight on Saturday. One problem: They may not get there without him.
Despite Memphis' pulling through the final minutes of the Nevada game, Douglas-Roberts is probably the only Tiger capable of matching Texas A&M star Acie Law point for point.
And his 15.4 points per game and 54-percent field-goal shooting could determine whether Memphis makes it to the Elite Eight.
On the other hand, the Tigers have gotten this far without big games from either senior Jeremy Hunt or freshman Doneal Mack, who would absorb Douglas-Roberts' minutes. If either one gets hot from 3-point range, it could soften the blow.
"That's what we've been doing all year long, covering for each other," Hunt said. "We're going to make a couple of adjustments if he doesn't play, but hopefully he can. If he doesn't, we'll have to step up and prove we can win without him."
Mack, who struggled to find his shooting touch early in the season, began to emerge as a factor when Douglas-Roberts was injured in January. He could very well be called upon to do the same tonight.
"I don't care if I start," Mack said. "I just want to do what it takes for our team to win. If Chris doesn't play, we're going to have other people step up. My confidence has been at an all-time high right now since I've been shooting the ball well and defending well, and Cal wants me to go play my role, and that's what I'll do."
Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie said, "We haven't spent one second talking about (Douglas-Roberts)." He also said he hoped Memphis would be at full strength.
"We're not going to let it become a distraction for us, and I know they won't let it become a distraction for them," Gillispie said. "If he plays, it adds everything for them and it definitely hurts us, but it's not like they don't have other great players."
The Tigers hope it won't be their last opportunity to show the country how many great players they have.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
By Dan Wolken
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- He has spent hours on tables and in swimming pools, taken X-rays and MRIs, received massages and medicines.
He has been the subject of Internet prayer chains, gotten more than 300 e-mails from people he doesn't even know and experienced a gamut of emotions from denial to guilt.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, owner of the most famous left ankle in Memphis, has done all he can to play in tonight's South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
But will it be enough to truly make this a Sweet 16?
"The way he's been treating his ankle, getting ready for it, hopefully it all pays off for him," sophomore teammate Antonio Anderson said. "He deserves it. He's battled all year. Hopefully the man upstairs looks out for us and him and gives us what we want and what he wants, which is for him to play."
After practically round-the-clock treatment to get Douglas-Roberts healthy enough to suit up tonight, the University of Memphis is down to hope. But in a city famous for last stands, Douglas-Roberts on Wednesday said he would not give up on playing again this season.
Indeed, the Tigers' leading scorer participated in a private practice Wednesday morning and later sounded hopeful that he would be ready to face Texas A&M.
"I'm not 100 (percent); not 80," Douglas-Roberts said. "But by (today), I'll be great. It's a game-time decision. I don't want anybody to go out on a limb and say, he's in or he's out. I just want to leave it as a game-time decision."
If Douglas-Roberts can play effectively, it would be a minor miracle given how dire his injury appeared when he fell to the floor with 8:11 remaining in Sunday's 78-62 victory over Nevada.
Douglas-Roberts, who had to be carried into the locker room by two teammates, immediately began a comprehensive treatment plan that brought him far enough along to practice Wednesday.
Though the team purposely didn't release details of his workout, team officials privately expressed encouragement about his progress.
"I went light today," Douglas-Roberts said. "My lateral (movement) felt good. I was able to jump up and down, but coach didn't want me doing stuff that I was trying to do.
"There's not really too much more I can do, but I'm going to keep working on it, trying to strengthen it and loosen it up. By (today), we'll know what we're going to do with it."
Douglas-Roberts did offer that this left ankle sprain is not as bad as the right high ankle sprain that forced him to miss three games in January.
"I've been playing with pain throughout the year," Douglas-Roberts said. "I'm not fearful of it. This is the last of the last."
In a perfect world, the Tigers would sit Douglas-Roberts out tonight, then have him return that much stronger for the Elite Eight on Saturday. One problem: They may not get there without him.
Despite Memphis' pulling through the final minutes of the Nevada game, Douglas-Roberts is probably the only Tiger capable of matching Texas A&M star Acie Law point for point.
And his 15.4 points per game and 54-percent field-goal shooting could determine whether Memphis makes it to the Elite Eight.
On the other hand, the Tigers have gotten this far without big games from either senior Jeremy Hunt or freshman Doneal Mack, who would absorb Douglas-Roberts' minutes. If either one gets hot from 3-point range, it could soften the blow.
"That's what we've been doing all year long, covering for each other," Hunt said. "We're going to make a couple of adjustments if he doesn't play, but hopefully he can. If he doesn't, we'll have to step up and prove we can win without him."
Mack, who struggled to find his shooting touch early in the season, began to emerge as a factor when Douglas-Roberts was injured in January. He could very well be called upon to do the same tonight.
"I don't care if I start," Mack said. "I just want to do what it takes for our team to win. If Chris doesn't play, we're going to have other people step up. My confidence has been at an all-time high right now since I've been shooting the ball well and defending well, and Cal wants me to go play my role, and that's what I'll do."
Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie said, "We haven't spent one second talking about (Douglas-Roberts)." He also said he hoped Memphis would be at full strength.
"We're not going to let it become a distraction for us, and I know they won't let it become a distraction for them," Gillispie said. "If he plays, it adds everything for them and it definitely hurts us, but it's not like they don't have other great players."
The Tigers hope it won't be their last opportunity to show the country how many great players they have.
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Jeremy Hunt Poised for Breakout Game (and other Misc notes from San Antonio)
Hunt poised for breakout game
By Jim Masilak and Scott Cacciola
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- Jeremy Hunt scored a total of 25 points in the University of Memphis' first two NCAA Tournament games, including 16 Sunday against Nevada. But the Tigers' senior guard remains mired in a perimeter shooting funk that started late in the regular season and has continued through the postseason.
Hunt is 6 for 36 (16.7 percent) from 3-point range in the last six games, dating to the Tigers' regular-season finale at SMU, where he went 1 for 9. He went 2 for 15 during the Conference USA tournament, missing all six of his attempts in the semifinals against Tulane, and is 3 for 12 so far in the NCAA tournament.
Hunt, who has blamed poor mechanics for his recent lack of form, shot 41.9 percent from beyond the arc through the Tigers' first 29 games.
As the No. 2-seeded Tigers prepared for tonight's South Regional semifinal against third-seeded Texas A&M at the Alamodome, coach John Calipari expressed hope that Hunt would find his range against the Aggies.
"Jeremy has not had a breakout (game) yet. Jeremy has just played OK to this point in the tournament," Calipari said. "As a matter of fact, it's below OK how he's played, and I would expect him to have a breakout."
What would constitute a breakout?
Something along the lines of his 25-point first-half performance Feb. 8 at UAB would suffice, his coach said.
"He has been an unbelievable leader for this team," Calipari added. "Now, let's just hope he does a UAB and goes nuts."
Catching up with Shawne
A few Memphis players spent part of Tuesday night catching up with Indiana Pacers forward Shawne Williams. The former Tigers and Hamilton High star was in San Antonio for Wednesday night's game against the Spurs at the AT&T Center.
"He said we need to go out and win," junior point guard Andre Allen said.
Williams, who helped Memphis to last year's Elite Eight, entered Wednesday night's game averaging 2.6 points and about nine minutes per game in 31 games.
Dome daze
Few players on either team have experience playing in an arena the size of the Alamodome.
Even with capacity restricted for today's South Regional games to about 30,050 -- the building can accommodate 65,000 for football -- the larger-than-normal dimensions could take some getting used to.
"It's a little different, but you can adjust quick enough," said Texas A&M sophomore Josh Carter, a 50.3-percent 3-point shooter this season. "You just have to focus on the rim, and you'll be all right."
The consensus among players from both sides was that the arena's vastness, even when partitioned by a big, blue curtain -- wouldn't be a factor.
"It's a basket up there," Aggies junior forward Joseph Jones said. "You just shoot at the goal like you would any goal."
Hunt shared that sentiment.
"If you're a shooter, you should be able to shoot in any environment," he said before the Tigers' first practice at the Alamodome on Wednesday. "I haven't seen what the background looks like yet, but I'm not worried about it."
Where's Willie?
Freshman point guard Willie Kemp could find himself on a short leash today if he doesn't get off to a good start against the Aggies.
While Calipari said the former Bolivar High star has had a "wonderful" year, he also said that, "If I see him rattled at all, we'll take him out."
Kemp has started all 35 games for the Tigers this season, but he has been limited to a total of 20 minutes and gone scoreless during the Tigers' first two NCAA games. The nine minutes he played against North Texas were a season low.
"What happened with Texas (in the second round against Southern Cal) was, when their point guard (D.J. Augustin) struggled, they lost. When our point guard struggles, I put in Andre. If I have to play him 36 minutes, I do," Calipari said. "So, 'Willie, just go play, make shots, shoot the ball. If you don't play well, it's not that big a deal. I'll play the other guy. You're not going to be put in the position to lose the game for us.'"
As for Allen, Calipari said, "His swagger is tremendous. His feel for the game, his calmness when the bullets are flying over his head, is incredible."
Homecourt advantage
About 3,000 fans turned out to watch Texas A&M's open practice at the Alamodome on Wednesday morning, strengthening the suspicion that the Aggies will enjoy a big homecourt advantage in tonight's game.
They certainly hope that's the case.
"I thought it was great," Texas A&M guard Acie Law IV said of the turnout. "I can just feel what it's going to be like now. It gets me excited thinking about how it's gonna be here (today). There's gonna be a great atmosphere."
Said Carter, "It was cool to be out there and see all that. ... It's great to be at home. Hopefully they'll help us (today)."
A good sign
Memphis junior forward Joey Dorsey said he knew he was going to have a good game against Nevada after hitting his one and only free-throw attempt during warmups.
Calipari, however, said he knew as early as 7 a.m. -- some nine hours before game time -- that Dorsey (eight points, nine rebounds) was eager to play.
"I'm walking down, it's 7 in the morning, and I saw him walking out of the hotel at 6:45," Calipari said. "I looked at him. 'What are you doing?' He said, 'I just went for a walk.' I knew he'd be ready."
Oden on the Admiral
Wherever he roams, Ohio State freshman center Greg Oden draws comparisons to the all-time greats. On Wednesday, he was asked about David Robinson, who dominated the paint for the San Antonio Spurs.
Oden said he has tried to model his game -- and his approach to his responsibilities as a high-profile player -- after Robinson's.
"That's how I want to conduct myself off the court and on the court," Oden said, "just being a good teammate and being a guy who wants to win."
Ice Man redux
Tony Jones, Tennessee's associate head coach, wore knee-high socks during the Vols' practice session.
"This is George Gervin," Jones explained, referring to the former San Antonio Spurs standout. "I'm here in San Antonio at his house, paying tribute to him."
Informed that Gervin owned a residence on the Riverwalk, Jones had trouble containing his excitement.
"The hay is in the barn!" Jones said. "This stuff is ready to go!"
Good role models
Tennessee is trying to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in the program's history, and coach Bruce Pearl made some comparisons to the famed Kentucky teams of the late 1980s -- a group of unheralded players that overcame NCAA sanctions to restore luster to the program. He mentioned players such as John Pelphrey and Richie Farmer.
"The fact that I can still remember those guys and what they did, I hope that someday ... I want people to remember Dane Bradshaw," Pearl said. "I want them to remember a time when that 6-3 starting power forward in the SEC -- the smallest power forward in America -- was the personality, the face and the glue of that Tennessee resurrection."
Southwest living
Ohio State coach Thad Matta said his team was enjoying San Antonio.
"I've never been to San Antonio, so (Tuesday night) was awesome, walking down the River Walk, or whatever it was. I actually gave our guys an hour and 23 minutes, which I've never given them, to go out and enjoy the city."
Matta said he gave them 1 hour 23 minutes because they had a film session scheduled for 10 p.m., and it was 8:27 p.m. when he told them they could leave the restaurant and do whatever they wanted to do.
"A couple of guys went to the Alamo and took a picture," Matta said. "I'm not exactly sure what they did, but they were all on time for the film session."
By Jim Masilak and Scott Cacciola
March 22, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- Jeremy Hunt scored a total of 25 points in the University of Memphis' first two NCAA Tournament games, including 16 Sunday against Nevada. But the Tigers' senior guard remains mired in a perimeter shooting funk that started late in the regular season and has continued through the postseason.
Hunt is 6 for 36 (16.7 percent) from 3-point range in the last six games, dating to the Tigers' regular-season finale at SMU, where he went 1 for 9. He went 2 for 15 during the Conference USA tournament, missing all six of his attempts in the semifinals against Tulane, and is 3 for 12 so far in the NCAA tournament.
Hunt, who has blamed poor mechanics for his recent lack of form, shot 41.9 percent from beyond the arc through the Tigers' first 29 games.
As the No. 2-seeded Tigers prepared for tonight's South Regional semifinal against third-seeded Texas A&M at the Alamodome, coach John Calipari expressed hope that Hunt would find his range against the Aggies.
"Jeremy has not had a breakout (game) yet. Jeremy has just played OK to this point in the tournament," Calipari said. "As a matter of fact, it's below OK how he's played, and I would expect him to have a breakout."
What would constitute a breakout?
Something along the lines of his 25-point first-half performance Feb. 8 at UAB would suffice, his coach said.
"He has been an unbelievable leader for this team," Calipari added. "Now, let's just hope he does a UAB and goes nuts."
Catching up with Shawne
A few Memphis players spent part of Tuesday night catching up with Indiana Pacers forward Shawne Williams. The former Tigers and Hamilton High star was in San Antonio for Wednesday night's game against the Spurs at the AT&T Center.
"He said we need to go out and win," junior point guard Andre Allen said.
Williams, who helped Memphis to last year's Elite Eight, entered Wednesday night's game averaging 2.6 points and about nine minutes per game in 31 games.
Dome daze
Few players on either team have experience playing in an arena the size of the Alamodome.
Even with capacity restricted for today's South Regional games to about 30,050 -- the building can accommodate 65,000 for football -- the larger-than-normal dimensions could take some getting used to.
"It's a little different, but you can adjust quick enough," said Texas A&M sophomore Josh Carter, a 50.3-percent 3-point shooter this season. "You just have to focus on the rim, and you'll be all right."
The consensus among players from both sides was that the arena's vastness, even when partitioned by a big, blue curtain -- wouldn't be a factor.
"It's a basket up there," Aggies junior forward Joseph Jones said. "You just shoot at the goal like you would any goal."
Hunt shared that sentiment.
"If you're a shooter, you should be able to shoot in any environment," he said before the Tigers' first practice at the Alamodome on Wednesday. "I haven't seen what the background looks like yet, but I'm not worried about it."
Where's Willie?
Freshman point guard Willie Kemp could find himself on a short leash today if he doesn't get off to a good start against the Aggies.
While Calipari said the former Bolivar High star has had a "wonderful" year, he also said that, "If I see him rattled at all, we'll take him out."
Kemp has started all 35 games for the Tigers this season, but he has been limited to a total of 20 minutes and gone scoreless during the Tigers' first two NCAA games. The nine minutes he played against North Texas were a season low.
"What happened with Texas (in the second round against Southern Cal) was, when their point guard (D.J. Augustin) struggled, they lost. When our point guard struggles, I put in Andre. If I have to play him 36 minutes, I do," Calipari said. "So, 'Willie, just go play, make shots, shoot the ball. If you don't play well, it's not that big a deal. I'll play the other guy. You're not going to be put in the position to lose the game for us.'"
As for Allen, Calipari said, "His swagger is tremendous. His feel for the game, his calmness when the bullets are flying over his head, is incredible."
Homecourt advantage
About 3,000 fans turned out to watch Texas A&M's open practice at the Alamodome on Wednesday morning, strengthening the suspicion that the Aggies will enjoy a big homecourt advantage in tonight's game.
They certainly hope that's the case.
"I thought it was great," Texas A&M guard Acie Law IV said of the turnout. "I can just feel what it's going to be like now. It gets me excited thinking about how it's gonna be here (today). There's gonna be a great atmosphere."
Said Carter, "It was cool to be out there and see all that. ... It's great to be at home. Hopefully they'll help us (today)."
A good sign
Memphis junior forward Joey Dorsey said he knew he was going to have a good game against Nevada after hitting his one and only free-throw attempt during warmups.
Calipari, however, said he knew as early as 7 a.m. -- some nine hours before game time -- that Dorsey (eight points, nine rebounds) was eager to play.
"I'm walking down, it's 7 in the morning, and I saw him walking out of the hotel at 6:45," Calipari said. "I looked at him. 'What are you doing?' He said, 'I just went for a walk.' I knew he'd be ready."
Oden on the Admiral
Wherever he roams, Ohio State freshman center Greg Oden draws comparisons to the all-time greats. On Wednesday, he was asked about David Robinson, who dominated the paint for the San Antonio Spurs.
Oden said he has tried to model his game -- and his approach to his responsibilities as a high-profile player -- after Robinson's.
"That's how I want to conduct myself off the court and on the court," Oden said, "just being a good teammate and being a guy who wants to win."
Ice Man redux
Tony Jones, Tennessee's associate head coach, wore knee-high socks during the Vols' practice session.
"This is George Gervin," Jones explained, referring to the former San Antonio Spurs standout. "I'm here in San Antonio at his house, paying tribute to him."
Informed that Gervin owned a residence on the Riverwalk, Jones had trouble containing his excitement.
"The hay is in the barn!" Jones said. "This stuff is ready to go!"
Good role models
Tennessee is trying to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in the program's history, and coach Bruce Pearl made some comparisons to the famed Kentucky teams of the late 1980s -- a group of unheralded players that overcame NCAA sanctions to restore luster to the program. He mentioned players such as John Pelphrey and Richie Farmer.
"The fact that I can still remember those guys and what they did, I hope that someday ... I want people to remember Dane Bradshaw," Pearl said. "I want them to remember a time when that 6-3 starting power forward in the SEC -- the smallest power forward in America -- was the personality, the face and the glue of that Tennessee resurrection."
Southwest living
Ohio State coach Thad Matta said his team was enjoying San Antonio.
"I've never been to San Antonio, so (Tuesday night) was awesome, walking down the River Walk, or whatever it was. I actually gave our guys an hour and 23 minutes, which I've never given them, to go out and enjoy the city."
Matta said he gave them 1 hour 23 minutes because they had a film session scheduled for 10 p.m., and it was 8:27 p.m. when he told them they could leave the restaurant and do whatever they wanted to do.
"A couple of guys went to the Alamo and took a picture," Matta said. "I'm not exactly sure what they did, but they were all on time for the film session."
Memphis Coach Hopes to Win Hearts of Rivals Against A&M
Memphis coach hopes to win hearts of rivals against A&M
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:05 PM CDT
Tim Griffin
San Antonio Express-News
Memphis coach John Calipari said he's willing to wear an orange T-shirt to attract a few extra fans for his team's NCAA South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
Some might question whether Tennessee fans would willingly put aside their traditional rivalry with the Tigers for a little moral support. But Calipari is looking for any advantage, considering his team will be battling a rowdy Alamodome crowd tonight that should be packed with mostly Aggies fans.
"I would hope for the first time in their lives I see orange jerseys cheering for us," Calipari said. "And the first time they see the University of Memphis fans cheering for Tennessee, maybe even singing that song ... what's the name of it?"
While Calipari might be stumped about the title of Tennessee's traditional fight song "Rocky Top," he is certain of the challenge his Tigers will be facing against the Aggies.
"The biggest thing I keep saying is that it's time to man up, or we've had a heck of a year," Calipari said. "This one is not for the faint of heart, let's put it that way."
The winner of the A&M-Memphis game will advance to Saturday's regional final against the winner of the other South semifinal between Tennessee and Ohio State.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl and Calipari have been involved in a couple of media dustups in the two seasons since Pearl took over as the Volunteers' head coach. Pearl chuckled when he heard of Calipari's open invitation.
"If Calipari would wear an orange T-shirt, I would wear a Memphis jacket, absolutely," Pearl said. "Hey, we're sister schools. We're in the same (Tennessee state school) system."
But Memphis guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said he wouldn't expect many cheers from Volunteers fans, even with the prospect of an All-Tennessee regional final looming if both schools win tonight.
"It's a heated rivalry," Douglas-Roberts said. "When we went up there to play them, they were saying stuff to us outside of basketball. They really do not like us."
A&M (27-6) hopes to continue the winningest season in school history in its first Sweet 16 appearance in 27 seasons.
"We'll probably have more fans than anybody else," A&M coach Billy Gillispie said. "It may be able to help you get over a couple of tough spots in the game, but it won't be the ultimate determining factor."
Memphis players are using the quasi-road game as another obstacle to overcome. They stumbled in the West Regional final last season in Sacramento, Calif., against UCLA, but say they are better equipped to playing on the road this time.
They also said they are battling a lack of respect, despite a nation-best 24-game winning streak that was fueled mostly by victories over Conference USA teams.
Memphis also will have to overcome the iffy condition of leading scorer Douglas-Roberts, who is hobbled with a severely sprained ankle.
"I'm not at 100 percent and not at 80," Douglas-Roberts said. "But by (today), I should be alright and ready to play."
Pearl has his own concerns as he prepares for the Buckeyes, who started their current 19-game winning streak with a 68-66 victory over the Volunteers on Jan. 13 in Columbus, Ohio.
Tennessee's pressing defense forced 20 turnovers in that game — a factor Pearl said would be difficult to duplicate.
"It was the first time they'd seen that kind of pressure, and they'll handle it better this time," Pearl said. "We played our cards and showed our hand. So I don't think that first game in Columbus is necessarily going to help us much here."
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:05 PM CDT
Tim Griffin
San Antonio Express-News
Memphis coach John Calipari said he's willing to wear an orange T-shirt to attract a few extra fans for his team's NCAA South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
Some might question whether Tennessee fans would willingly put aside their traditional rivalry with the Tigers for a little moral support. But Calipari is looking for any advantage, considering his team will be battling a rowdy Alamodome crowd tonight that should be packed with mostly Aggies fans.
"I would hope for the first time in their lives I see orange jerseys cheering for us," Calipari said. "And the first time they see the University of Memphis fans cheering for Tennessee, maybe even singing that song ... what's the name of it?"
While Calipari might be stumped about the title of Tennessee's traditional fight song "Rocky Top," he is certain of the challenge his Tigers will be facing against the Aggies.
"The biggest thing I keep saying is that it's time to man up, or we've had a heck of a year," Calipari said. "This one is not for the faint of heart, let's put it that way."
The winner of the A&M-Memphis game will advance to Saturday's regional final against the winner of the other South semifinal between Tennessee and Ohio State.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl and Calipari have been involved in a couple of media dustups in the two seasons since Pearl took over as the Volunteers' head coach. Pearl chuckled when he heard of Calipari's open invitation.
"If Calipari would wear an orange T-shirt, I would wear a Memphis jacket, absolutely," Pearl said. "Hey, we're sister schools. We're in the same (Tennessee state school) system."
But Memphis guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said he wouldn't expect many cheers from Volunteers fans, even with the prospect of an All-Tennessee regional final looming if both schools win tonight.
"It's a heated rivalry," Douglas-Roberts said. "When we went up there to play them, they were saying stuff to us outside of basketball. They really do not like us."
A&M (27-6) hopes to continue the winningest season in school history in its first Sweet 16 appearance in 27 seasons.
"We'll probably have more fans than anybody else," A&M coach Billy Gillispie said. "It may be able to help you get over a couple of tough spots in the game, but it won't be the ultimate determining factor."
Memphis players are using the quasi-road game as another obstacle to overcome. They stumbled in the West Regional final last season in Sacramento, Calif., against UCLA, but say they are better equipped to playing on the road this time.
They also said they are battling a lack of respect, despite a nation-best 24-game winning streak that was fueled mostly by victories over Conference USA teams.
Memphis also will have to overcome the iffy condition of leading scorer Douglas-Roberts, who is hobbled with a severely sprained ankle.
"I'm not at 100 percent and not at 80," Douglas-Roberts said. "But by (today), I should be alright and ready to play."
Pearl has his own concerns as he prepares for the Buckeyes, who started their current 19-game winning streak with a 68-66 victory over the Volunteers on Jan. 13 in Columbus, Ohio.
Tennessee's pressing defense forced 20 turnovers in that game — a factor Pearl said would be difficult to duplicate.
"It was the first time they'd seen that kind of pressure, and they'll handle it better this time," Pearl said. "We played our cards and showed our hand. So I don't think that first game in Columbus is necessarily going to help us much here."
Former Tiger and San Antonio Spur Larry Kenon Honors Ties to Memphis
Larry Kenon honors ties to Memphis
By David Flores
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:01 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
While Memphis prepares to face Texas A&M in the NCAA South Regional semifinals tonight, some of the players on the Tigers' first Final Four team will gather for a funeral in a small Kentucky town.
Thirty-four years after UCLA's 87-66 victory over Memphis in college basketball's title game, the surviving members of the 1972-73 Tigers squad share a bond that reflects their memorable season.
"We were a great team, but we also had guys who genuinely liked each other," former Spurs forward Larry Kenon said Wednesday. "It was amazing."
The relationship between Kenon and Billy Buford, both junior forwards and roommates that season, embodies that spirit to this day.
"Our friendship has lasted a lifetime," said Kenon, 54.
Kenon, who lives in the Boerne area, gave up his tickets to the Memphis-A&M game after he learned the funeral of Buford's mother was today.
Kenon never has forgotten the generosity of Eunice Collins, who died this week in Glasco, Ky.
"It was a no-brainer to come," Kenon said Wednesday night, shortly after arriving at the funeral home. "When Billy's mom would come visit us in college, she would bring him new pants and shirts. And she would bring me the same thing."
Kenon flew from San Antonio to Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, then drove about 90 miles to Glasco.
"I'm not sure what other players from the '72-73 team are going to be here, but I'm sure at least a couple more will be here," Kenon said.
Two starters on the team, Ronnie Robinson and Wes Westfall, have passed away.
Kenon, who is scheduled to fly back to San Antonio late Friday, said he would be at Saturday's South Regional final.
He spoke with Memphis coach John Calipari before departing for Nashville.
"I told him they can beat A&M," Kenon said. "A&M is a great team, but Memphis has a formidable group of kids. They won't wither during the storm. They're quick and don't rattle easily."
It speaks well of Kenon that he would travel such a long distance to attend the funeral of his college roommate's mother.
In these cynical times, it's easy to dwell on the negative. But the human spirit can soar high when, as Abraham Lincoln said, we respond to the better angels of our nature.
"Billy was the kind of fellow who brought out the best in his teammates because he was unselfish," Kenon said.
Memphis finished the '72-73 season 24-6 under coach Gene Bartow, who succeeded John Wooden at UCLA two years later.
The Tigers beat South Carolina (90-76), Kansas State (92-72) and Providence (98-85) in the NCAA tournament before running into the Bruins on March 26, 1973, in St. Louis.
"Nobody expected us to do what we did, but we stayed focused and stayed together," Kenon said.
Memphis State, as it was called then, dropped to 2-3 after an 80-79 loss to Texas at home. But that last-second defeat, Kenon said, proved to be a turning point for the Tigers.
"I had never witnessed people my age in college cry before," Kenon said. "When we lost that game, Billy, who was a great defensive player and was guarding the Texas guy who hit the winning basket, cried. After that game, we came together as a team."
The Tigers reeled off 14 consecutive victories before losing to Louisville. But the loss was only another bump on the road during their historic run.
"When you're making history, you really don't know you're making history because you're too young," said Kenon, who played at Amarillo Junior College before going to Memphis State.
UCLA All-America center Bill Walton ended Memphis State's hopes for a national championship by turning in one of the greatest performances in tournament history. With Kenon guarding him most of the night, Walton hit 21 of 22 field-goal attempts and finished with 44 points.
Kenon never has seen highlights of the game.
He chuckled when he recalled an episode in Hong Kong about 12 years ago, when he was on a tour of the Far East with a group of former NBA players.
"We had just landed when this guy, who can hardly speak English, says, 'I know who you are. Bill Walton scored 42 points on you.'" Kenon said. "I thought it was pretty funny and amazing."
Although he played at Memphis State for only one season before turning pro, Kenon said he thinks of his former teammates often.
Such are the ties that bind.
dflores@express-news.net
By David Flores
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:01 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
While Memphis prepares to face Texas A&M in the NCAA South Regional semifinals tonight, some of the players on the Tigers' first Final Four team will gather for a funeral in a small Kentucky town.
Thirty-four years after UCLA's 87-66 victory over Memphis in college basketball's title game, the surviving members of the 1972-73 Tigers squad share a bond that reflects their memorable season.
"We were a great team, but we also had guys who genuinely liked each other," former Spurs forward Larry Kenon said Wednesday. "It was amazing."
The relationship between Kenon and Billy Buford, both junior forwards and roommates that season, embodies that spirit to this day.
"Our friendship has lasted a lifetime," said Kenon, 54.
Kenon, who lives in the Boerne area, gave up his tickets to the Memphis-A&M game after he learned the funeral of Buford's mother was today.
Kenon never has forgotten the generosity of Eunice Collins, who died this week in Glasco, Ky.
"It was a no-brainer to come," Kenon said Wednesday night, shortly after arriving at the funeral home. "When Billy's mom would come visit us in college, she would bring him new pants and shirts. And she would bring me the same thing."
Kenon flew from San Antonio to Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, then drove about 90 miles to Glasco.
"I'm not sure what other players from the '72-73 team are going to be here, but I'm sure at least a couple more will be here," Kenon said.
Two starters on the team, Ronnie Robinson and Wes Westfall, have passed away.
Kenon, who is scheduled to fly back to San Antonio late Friday, said he would be at Saturday's South Regional final.
He spoke with Memphis coach John Calipari before departing for Nashville.
"I told him they can beat A&M," Kenon said. "A&M is a great team, but Memphis has a formidable group of kids. They won't wither during the storm. They're quick and don't rattle easily."
It speaks well of Kenon that he would travel such a long distance to attend the funeral of his college roommate's mother.
In these cynical times, it's easy to dwell on the negative. But the human spirit can soar high when, as Abraham Lincoln said, we respond to the better angels of our nature.
"Billy was the kind of fellow who brought out the best in his teammates because he was unselfish," Kenon said.
Memphis finished the '72-73 season 24-6 under coach Gene Bartow, who succeeded John Wooden at UCLA two years later.
The Tigers beat South Carolina (90-76), Kansas State (92-72) and Providence (98-85) in the NCAA tournament before running into the Bruins on March 26, 1973, in St. Louis.
"Nobody expected us to do what we did, but we stayed focused and stayed together," Kenon said.
Memphis State, as it was called then, dropped to 2-3 after an 80-79 loss to Texas at home. But that last-second defeat, Kenon said, proved to be a turning point for the Tigers.
"I had never witnessed people my age in college cry before," Kenon said. "When we lost that game, Billy, who was a great defensive player and was guarding the Texas guy who hit the winning basket, cried. After that game, we came together as a team."
The Tigers reeled off 14 consecutive victories before losing to Louisville. But the loss was only another bump on the road during their historic run.
"When you're making history, you really don't know you're making history because you're too young," said Kenon, who played at Amarillo Junior College before going to Memphis State.
UCLA All-America center Bill Walton ended Memphis State's hopes for a national championship by turning in one of the greatest performances in tournament history. With Kenon guarding him most of the night, Walton hit 21 of 22 field-goal attempts and finished with 44 points.
Kenon never has seen highlights of the game.
He chuckled when he recalled an episode in Hong Kong about 12 years ago, when he was on a tour of the Far East with a group of former NBA players.
"We had just landed when this guy, who can hardly speak English, says, 'I know who you are. Bill Walton scored 42 points on you.'" Kenon said. "I thought it was pretty funny and amazing."
Although he played at Memphis State for only one season before turning pro, Kenon said he thinks of his former teammates often.
Such are the ties that bind.
dflores@express-news.net
From the San Antonio Express-News "Memphis Players' Off-Court Problems Have Raised Eyebrows"
Memphis players' off-court problems have raised eyebrows
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:18 PM CDT
Richard Oliver
San Antonio Express-News
Jeremy Hunt was finished.
Fresh from his second legal entanglement for a violent altercation, Memphis announced in October 2005 that the guard had been permanently dismissed from the team, a casualty even in a program numbed to off-court malfeasance.
Except, as Texas A&M knows full well today, he wasn't.
Hunt, in a debated move, was reinstated last fall, becoming a key cog in the Tigers' NCAA tournament run even as he became the prominent example of coach John Calipari's seemingly boundless forgiveness.
"By giving him another chance, I think these players know we're about them," Calipari said recently. "We're going to be firm with them, fair with them. We're going to have some compassion."
When it comes to Memphis basketball, it's a requirement every bit as necessary as towels and shoelaces. Six current Tigers players have made headlines for various incidents off the court, with four arrested at least once.
The rap sheets include busts for drugs, solicitation and domestic violence.
While detractors view Calipari's remarkable absolution as furthering the perception of the untouchable star athlete, with winning as the hidden motivation, those impacted see a grander purpose.
"Everybody makes mistakes; that's just part of being young," said Hunt, who likely will play bigger role against the Aggies in today's Sweet 16 matchup as standout guard Chris Douglas-Roberts battles back from an ankle injury.
Calipari, he added, "is never going to leave his players in the dirt."
Eli Morris, minister of Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis and a close friend of the coach, sees Hunt's case as the model for Calipari's stated mission.
"John is a caring guy with a tender heart, basically," Morris said this week. "He looks like he's going to have a stroke, all up in their faces, but he's only demanding excellence and will go to the wall for his kids."
As Hunt struggled with his personal problems, Morris added, "John was the constant with him."
The 6-foot-5 guard, who hails from Memphis, had first encountered trouble in early 2005 when he was charged with misdemeanor assault for cuffing around his girlfriend. Though Calipari raised eyebrows then by suspending the player only two games, the coach's patience snapped when Hunt broke his hand nine months later in a fistfight on Memphis' legendary Beale Street.
Hunt declined to transfer, staying in school and receiving his degree in sports management. He stuck close to the team as well, attending practice in street clothes and rooting from the bleachers during games.
After conferring with the squad and school officials, Calipari erased the suspension. The player has rewarded the coach by averaging 13.6 points as a sixth man, second only to Douglas-Roberts, and reigning as the team's top 3-point threat.
"In college," Calipari said, "you're teaching life skills. You have cynical people who don't understand that, but these life skills will carry over into whatever (players) do."
Come Thursday, thanks to Calipari's amazing grace, those skills will carry over to the Alamodome court.
Web Posted: 03/21/2007 11:18 PM CDT
Richard Oliver
San Antonio Express-News
Jeremy Hunt was finished.
Fresh from his second legal entanglement for a violent altercation, Memphis announced in October 2005 that the guard had been permanently dismissed from the team, a casualty even in a program numbed to off-court malfeasance.
Except, as Texas A&M knows full well today, he wasn't.
Hunt, in a debated move, was reinstated last fall, becoming a key cog in the Tigers' NCAA tournament run even as he became the prominent example of coach John Calipari's seemingly boundless forgiveness.
"By giving him another chance, I think these players know we're about them," Calipari said recently. "We're going to be firm with them, fair with them. We're going to have some compassion."
When it comes to Memphis basketball, it's a requirement every bit as necessary as towels and shoelaces. Six current Tigers players have made headlines for various incidents off the court, with four arrested at least once.
The rap sheets include busts for drugs, solicitation and domestic violence.
While detractors view Calipari's remarkable absolution as furthering the perception of the untouchable star athlete, with winning as the hidden motivation, those impacted see a grander purpose.
"Everybody makes mistakes; that's just part of being young," said Hunt, who likely will play bigger role against the Aggies in today's Sweet 16 matchup as standout guard Chris Douglas-Roberts battles back from an ankle injury.
Calipari, he added, "is never going to leave his players in the dirt."
Eli Morris, minister of Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis and a close friend of the coach, sees Hunt's case as the model for Calipari's stated mission.
"John is a caring guy with a tender heart, basically," Morris said this week. "He looks like he's going to have a stroke, all up in their faces, but he's only demanding excellence and will go to the wall for his kids."
As Hunt struggled with his personal problems, Morris added, "John was the constant with him."
The 6-foot-5 guard, who hails from Memphis, had first encountered trouble in early 2005 when he was charged with misdemeanor assault for cuffing around his girlfriend. Though Calipari raised eyebrows then by suspending the player only two games, the coach's patience snapped when Hunt broke his hand nine months later in a fistfight on Memphis' legendary Beale Street.
Hunt declined to transfer, staying in school and receiving his degree in sports management. He stuck close to the team as well, attending practice in street clothes and rooting from the bleachers during games.
After conferring with the squad and school officials, Calipari erased the suspension. The player has rewarded the coach by averaging 13.6 points as a sixth man, second only to Douglas-Roberts, and reigning as the team's top 3-point threat.
"In college," Calipari said, "you're teaching life skills. You have cynical people who don't understand that, but these life skills will carry over into whatever (players) do."
Come Thursday, thanks to Calipari's amazing grace, those skills will carry over to the Alamodome court.
Tenacious Tigers
Tenacious Tigers
Aggressive defense key to Memphis' success
Posted: Wednesday March 21, 2007 2:10PM
By George Dohrmann, SI.com
There is a drill Memphis runs in practice that coach John Calipari calls "The Perfect Stop." Four players line up on defense against four offensive players. The clock is set for 35 seconds, and the defenders must keep the offense from attempting a shot in the lane.
The drill is both dreaded and loved by Tigers players. Memories of long practices when "The Perfect Stop" wasn't achieved haunt them. With the extra space created by removing two players from the floor, the offense has a distinct advantage. And if the offense gets off a shot, another 35 seconds are put on the clock and the same group of defenders must go again until they get a stop.
"We do it almost every practice and it's rough," said Memphis freshman guard Doneal Mack. "But if you get a stop in that drill, you can get a stop against anyone."
Much of Memphis' success this season is rooted in that drill. Cynics will say that Memphis sports the nation's longest winning streak (24 games) because it plays in Conference USA. But in defeating North Texas followed by Nevada to advance to the Sweet 16, the Tigers showed that their intense team defense also deserves credit for their rise.
"When I shake hands with opposing coaches we have played the last two months, all they have said, 'This team plays together better than last year,'" Calipari said. "Last year's squad was definitely more talented and that was seen when we had two players (Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams) taken in the first round of the NBA draft. But I can see that this year's team plays together better on the defensive end."
Seven of Calipari's players average 20 minutes per game and it seems like he has an unlimited supply of long and quick defenders to throw at the opposition. Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jeremy Hunt, Antonio Anderson and Mack are all at least 6-foot-4 and each, at times, can guard three positions. Calipari also has the short but stout Andre Allen to bring in off the bench to match up with smaller guards.
"They are just extremely long and athletic, extremely athletic," said Nevada coach Mark Fox. The night before facing the Tigers, the thought of facing Calipari's fleet of athletes even killed Fox's appetite. "I couldn't keep any pizza down looking at (film) of what were about to face."
The following day, Fox's team shot 36.8 percent, including 5-of-21 on three-pointers, and had 14 turnovers in a 78-62 loss. Nevada did not score over the final 6:17, a stretch so dominated by Memphis' defense that Fox's appetite might not return for weeks.
"I thought what happened to our defense was, we thought, 'Uh-oh, we could lose this thing,'" Calipari said. "So, we turned it up a notch."
Adds Mack: "We have a lot of those games were our defense just helps us get out to one of those runs and we take over the game."
When Memphis takes on No. 3 seed Texas A&M in San Antonio on Thursday, the game might hinge on the health of Douglas-Roberts, the team's leading scorer. He sprained his left ankle against Nevada but is expected to play. Even if he is not 100 percent, the Tigers' defense is capable of making up for any offense that is lost.
"Off the court, we are like family. And, that carries out onto the floor," Douglas-Roberts said. "Defense is about working together and every game we go out there wanting to work for each other."
Aggressive defense key to Memphis' success
Posted: Wednesday March 21, 2007 2:10PM
By George Dohrmann, SI.com
There is a drill Memphis runs in practice that coach John Calipari calls "The Perfect Stop." Four players line up on defense against four offensive players. The clock is set for 35 seconds, and the defenders must keep the offense from attempting a shot in the lane.
The drill is both dreaded and loved by Tigers players. Memories of long practices when "The Perfect Stop" wasn't achieved haunt them. With the extra space created by removing two players from the floor, the offense has a distinct advantage. And if the offense gets off a shot, another 35 seconds are put on the clock and the same group of defenders must go again until they get a stop.
"We do it almost every practice and it's rough," said Memphis freshman guard Doneal Mack. "But if you get a stop in that drill, you can get a stop against anyone."
Much of Memphis' success this season is rooted in that drill. Cynics will say that Memphis sports the nation's longest winning streak (24 games) because it plays in Conference USA. But in defeating North Texas followed by Nevada to advance to the Sweet 16, the Tigers showed that their intense team defense also deserves credit for their rise.
"When I shake hands with opposing coaches we have played the last two months, all they have said, 'This team plays together better than last year,'" Calipari said. "Last year's squad was definitely more talented and that was seen when we had two players (Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams) taken in the first round of the NBA draft. But I can see that this year's team plays together better on the defensive end."
Seven of Calipari's players average 20 minutes per game and it seems like he has an unlimited supply of long and quick defenders to throw at the opposition. Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jeremy Hunt, Antonio Anderson and Mack are all at least 6-foot-4 and each, at times, can guard three positions. Calipari also has the short but stout Andre Allen to bring in off the bench to match up with smaller guards.
"They are just extremely long and athletic, extremely athletic," said Nevada coach Mark Fox. The night before facing the Tigers, the thought of facing Calipari's fleet of athletes even killed Fox's appetite. "I couldn't keep any pizza down looking at (film) of what were about to face."
The following day, Fox's team shot 36.8 percent, including 5-of-21 on three-pointers, and had 14 turnovers in a 78-62 loss. Nevada did not score over the final 6:17, a stretch so dominated by Memphis' defense that Fox's appetite might not return for weeks.
"I thought what happened to our defense was, we thought, 'Uh-oh, we could lose this thing,'" Calipari said. "So, we turned it up a notch."
Adds Mack: "We have a lot of those games were our defense just helps us get out to one of those runs and we take over the game."
When Memphis takes on No. 3 seed Texas A&M in San Antonio on Thursday, the game might hinge on the health of Douglas-Roberts, the team's leading scorer. He sprained his left ankle against Nevada but is expected to play. Even if he is not 100 percent, the Tigers' defense is capable of making up for any offense that is lost.
"Off the court, we are like family. And, that carries out onto the floor," Douglas-Roberts said. "Defense is about working together and every game we go out there wanting to work for each other."
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
From the San Antonio Express-News "Cal Seen as Compassionate, Vindictive at the Same Time"
Memphis' Calipari seen as compassionate, vindictive at the same time
Richard Oliver
San Antonio Express-News
Time and again, when Memphis minister Eli Morris visits hospitals with his friend John Calipari, the layman will quickly take the hand of some afflicted soul and seek intercession.
"Eli, pray for us," the Tigers coach will ask. "We need it."
For those who love or hate Calipari, a polarizing figure even among the faithful who follow him, it is a supplication that carries particular resonance this week as Memphis challenges Texas A&M in a Sweet16 showdown at the Alamodome.
The coach arrives at once as saint and sinner, defined as much by his notorious past as his nascent present.
When it comes to Calipari, the perception persists that getting to basketball heaven means putting up with plenty of hell.
"Unfortunately, with some things, perception becomes reality," Southern Mississippi coach Larry Eustachy said Tuesday. "But what John is perceived to be is certainly nothing close to the reality of what John is."
It has been nearly four years since alcoholism and poor judgment cost Eustachy his position at Iowa State. But he clearly recalls the pain and isolation he felt after embarrassing photographs surfaced showing him partying with college students in Missouri.
"The phone wasn't ringing," said Eustachy, the former national coach of the year. "It was a bad time for me."
Then one day, the phone rang. Calipari, a distant acquaintance, was on the line.
"He reached out to me for no reason whatsoever," Eustachy said. "I didn't even know him well, but he is as caring a person as I've ever met, in or out of basketball."
It's part of the enigma of a man whose tale is maddeningly layered and complicated. Seen on game days in tailored suits and silk ties, Calipari has been known to roll up his sleeves on off days and work without fanfare to serve the needy.
Often profane and combative on the court, friends describe him as fiercely private and compassionate off it.
Defined publicly for brushes with scandal and controversy, from stints with the University of Massachusetts to the NBA's New Jersey Nets to his seven-year tenure at Memphis, he is identified away from the spotlight as unfailingly loyal and decent.
Many of his practices are populated with more than players and staff. FedEx officials, former athletes, other coaches, boosters big and small — all have wandered across Calipari's landscape at his invitation.
It's a collection, as a Memphis columnist described it, "of priests and rogues."
Following the Conference USA tournament title game, the coach draped an arm around Ken Bennett, the executive director of Streets Ministries in Memphis, and asked him to find David Stewart, a 77-year-old fan. He wanted the longtime supporter, suffering from terminal cancer, in the team picture.
"When it rises from where it was to where it is now," said Derek Kellogg, a Tigers assistant and former Calipari player, "you want to bring some of the people with you who were a part of it."
Others were summoned from the stands, tucked among grinning players, posing with the trophy as if each had made a key jumper.
"Let me tell you," Eustachy said, "he treats the guy that sweeps his floor the way he treats the president of Memphis. There's no pecking order with John."
There are others, of course, who see a different side. The coach, 48, is viewed by detractors as a vindictive manipulator, prone to divide his world into those who are for or against him.
He has carried on well-publicized feuds with reporters and fellow coaches.
"Look, I don't think I have all the answers," Calipari said last weekend in New Orleans. "I don't even know when the bus leaves; they come and get me.
"I just try to go out there and coach my team when the game starts."
And, when that occurs, Eustachy stresses there's something else often overshadowed.
"John is a very underrated coach," he said.
"I'm going to beat his ass one day, but I really don't know when it's going to happen, because he's as good as there is out there."
roliver@express-news.net
Richard Oliver
San Antonio Express-News
Time and again, when Memphis minister Eli Morris visits hospitals with his friend John Calipari, the layman will quickly take the hand of some afflicted soul and seek intercession.
"Eli, pray for us," the Tigers coach will ask. "We need it."
For those who love or hate Calipari, a polarizing figure even among the faithful who follow him, it is a supplication that carries particular resonance this week as Memphis challenges Texas A&M in a Sweet16 showdown at the Alamodome.
The coach arrives at once as saint and sinner, defined as much by his notorious past as his nascent present.
When it comes to Calipari, the perception persists that getting to basketball heaven means putting up with plenty of hell.
"Unfortunately, with some things, perception becomes reality," Southern Mississippi coach Larry Eustachy said Tuesday. "But what John is perceived to be is certainly nothing close to the reality of what John is."
It has been nearly four years since alcoholism and poor judgment cost Eustachy his position at Iowa State. But he clearly recalls the pain and isolation he felt after embarrassing photographs surfaced showing him partying with college students in Missouri.
"The phone wasn't ringing," said Eustachy, the former national coach of the year. "It was a bad time for me."
Then one day, the phone rang. Calipari, a distant acquaintance, was on the line.
"He reached out to me for no reason whatsoever," Eustachy said. "I didn't even know him well, but he is as caring a person as I've ever met, in or out of basketball."
It's part of the enigma of a man whose tale is maddeningly layered and complicated. Seen on game days in tailored suits and silk ties, Calipari has been known to roll up his sleeves on off days and work without fanfare to serve the needy.
Often profane and combative on the court, friends describe him as fiercely private and compassionate off it.
Defined publicly for brushes with scandal and controversy, from stints with the University of Massachusetts to the NBA's New Jersey Nets to his seven-year tenure at Memphis, he is identified away from the spotlight as unfailingly loyal and decent.
Many of his practices are populated with more than players and staff. FedEx officials, former athletes, other coaches, boosters big and small — all have wandered across Calipari's landscape at his invitation.
It's a collection, as a Memphis columnist described it, "of priests and rogues."
Following the Conference USA tournament title game, the coach draped an arm around Ken Bennett, the executive director of Streets Ministries in Memphis, and asked him to find David Stewart, a 77-year-old fan. He wanted the longtime supporter, suffering from terminal cancer, in the team picture.
"When it rises from where it was to where it is now," said Derek Kellogg, a Tigers assistant and former Calipari player, "you want to bring some of the people with you who were a part of it."
Others were summoned from the stands, tucked among grinning players, posing with the trophy as if each had made a key jumper.
"Let me tell you," Eustachy said, "he treats the guy that sweeps his floor the way he treats the president of Memphis. There's no pecking order with John."
There are others, of course, who see a different side. The coach, 48, is viewed by detractors as a vindictive manipulator, prone to divide his world into those who are for or against him.
He has carried on well-publicized feuds with reporters and fellow coaches.
"Look, I don't think I have all the answers," Calipari said last weekend in New Orleans. "I don't even know when the bus leaves; they come and get me.
"I just try to go out there and coach my team when the game starts."
And, when that occurs, Eustachy stresses there's something else often overshadowed.
"John is a very underrated coach," he said.
"I'm going to beat his ass one day, but I really don't know when it's going to happen, because he's as good as there is out there."
roliver@express-news.net
From the Houston Chronicle "Cal Can Take Pride in Restoration Project"
Calipari can take pride in restoration project
Like Gillispie, Memphis coach brought team back
By FRAN BLINEBURY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
The world of sports is filled with reconstruction projects. Some take years of slow, steady and careful progress, like walking up a long, narrow flight of stairs. Some never get off the ground before they're abandoned.
Then there are the kind that happened at Texas A&M, where it seems the world went to bed one night staring at an empty landscape and woke up the next morning to find a towering edifice. From 0-16 to the Sweet 16 in three seasons under Billy Gillispie.
"It's one of the great turnarounds that I have seen in the last 20 years," said Memphis coach John Calipari. "He had a plan going in, and he went with that plan. He recruited the type of players that he feels comfortable coaching. He made a couple of guys change once they were there. He changed the culture, and I am so impressed watching what he is doing. They play offense now, too. They run good stuff. I'll be honest. I have only seen them a couple of times this year, but how can anybody not be impressed with what's happened so fast?"
Of course, Calipari could have been talking about his situation at Memphis, where in seven years he's picked the once-proud Tigers off the floor, removed the tarnish and restored the luster to a program that hasn't shined so brightly in the spotlight for more than two decades.
When Memphis meets the Aggies on Thursday night in San Antonio, it will be the first time the Tigers have made consecutive Sweet 16 appearances since 1984 and 1985.
When the Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight last year, Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington were the stars, and two were first-round NBA draft picks. Now Calipari has the Tigers back in the hunt with one consistent, big-time scorer in Chris Douglas-Roberts and a deep, hustling, aggressive roster.
Crouching Tigers
Memphis has not lost since Dec. 20 at Arizona, and has a win streak that has grown to 24 and an attitude that says the only thing that matters is what happens tomorrow.
"Streak? What streak?" Calipari said with his best deadpan expression. "We're at two in this Tournament."
Just the way Gillispie hit the ground running in College Station and quickly got the Aggies taking flight with defense, Calipari brought his résumé from the University of Massachusetts and the New Jersey Nets to Memphis and put the bite quickly back into the Tigers.
His first five Memphis teams went to the NIT semifinals three times and won the championship in 2003. Now they've put together back-to-back 30-win campaigns, and as a No. 2 seed, have to be considered a threat to go all the way.
It would certainly help to have Douglas-Roberts back in the lineup after he suffered a sprained left ankle with eight minutes to play in Sunday's win over Nevada. But the Tigers remained strong down the stretch without Douglas-Roberts, breaking open a two-point game to win 78-62.
"I told him to 'rub some dirt on it, because you're playing Thursday in San Antonio,' " Calipari said Sunday.
After his weekly radio show Monday night in Memphis, Calipari indicated Douglas-Roberts would play.
"I think he will," Calipari said. "Let's hope that Chris is healthy. If he's not, we'll figure it out and we'll play without him. Let's go in with one thing in mind: We're going after people."
It doesn't go unnoticed to Calipari that the Aggies will be playing in their backyard.
"Billy will probably say there is no home-court advantage," Calipari said Sunday. "I am fine with that, just the fact that we're still playing. You're talking about two pretty good teams. I wish it was in our state, but it's not. But I predict that we'll bring a lot of fans, maybe 4(000) to 5,000."
But an injured star
What they'll hope to bring is a healthy Douglas-Roberts. But if he can't go, the Tigers will just run in a replacement and expect the same results.
"We're ready for anything," forward Robert Dozier said.
"It's an attitude that anything's possible," guard Antonio Anderson said.
When it comes to turnarounds, the Aggies have nothing on the Tigers.
fran.blinebury@chron.com
Like Gillispie, Memphis coach brought team back
By FRAN BLINEBURY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
The world of sports is filled with reconstruction projects. Some take years of slow, steady and careful progress, like walking up a long, narrow flight of stairs. Some never get off the ground before they're abandoned.
Then there are the kind that happened at Texas A&M, where it seems the world went to bed one night staring at an empty landscape and woke up the next morning to find a towering edifice. From 0-16 to the Sweet 16 in three seasons under Billy Gillispie.
"It's one of the great turnarounds that I have seen in the last 20 years," said Memphis coach John Calipari. "He had a plan going in, and he went with that plan. He recruited the type of players that he feels comfortable coaching. He made a couple of guys change once they were there. He changed the culture, and I am so impressed watching what he is doing. They play offense now, too. They run good stuff. I'll be honest. I have only seen them a couple of times this year, but how can anybody not be impressed with what's happened so fast?"
Of course, Calipari could have been talking about his situation at Memphis, where in seven years he's picked the once-proud Tigers off the floor, removed the tarnish and restored the luster to a program that hasn't shined so brightly in the spotlight for more than two decades.
When Memphis meets the Aggies on Thursday night in San Antonio, it will be the first time the Tigers have made consecutive Sweet 16 appearances since 1984 and 1985.
When the Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight last year, Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington were the stars, and two were first-round NBA draft picks. Now Calipari has the Tigers back in the hunt with one consistent, big-time scorer in Chris Douglas-Roberts and a deep, hustling, aggressive roster.
Crouching Tigers
Memphis has not lost since Dec. 20 at Arizona, and has a win streak that has grown to 24 and an attitude that says the only thing that matters is what happens tomorrow.
"Streak? What streak?" Calipari said with his best deadpan expression. "We're at two in this Tournament."
Just the way Gillispie hit the ground running in College Station and quickly got the Aggies taking flight with defense, Calipari brought his résumé from the University of Massachusetts and the New Jersey Nets to Memphis and put the bite quickly back into the Tigers.
His first five Memphis teams went to the NIT semifinals three times and won the championship in 2003. Now they've put together back-to-back 30-win campaigns, and as a No. 2 seed, have to be considered a threat to go all the way.
It would certainly help to have Douglas-Roberts back in the lineup after he suffered a sprained left ankle with eight minutes to play in Sunday's win over Nevada. But the Tigers remained strong down the stretch without Douglas-Roberts, breaking open a two-point game to win 78-62.
"I told him to 'rub some dirt on it, because you're playing Thursday in San Antonio,' " Calipari said Sunday.
After his weekly radio show Monday night in Memphis, Calipari indicated Douglas-Roberts would play.
"I think he will," Calipari said. "Let's hope that Chris is healthy. If he's not, we'll figure it out and we'll play without him. Let's go in with one thing in mind: We're going after people."
It doesn't go unnoticed to Calipari that the Aggies will be playing in their backyard.
"Billy will probably say there is no home-court advantage," Calipari said Sunday. "I am fine with that, just the fact that we're still playing. You're talking about two pretty good teams. I wish it was in our state, but it's not. But I predict that we'll bring a lot of fans, maybe 4(000) to 5,000."
But an injured star
What they'll hope to bring is a healthy Douglas-Roberts. But if he can't go, the Tigers will just run in a replacement and expect the same results.
"We're ready for anything," forward Robert Dozier said.
"It's an attitude that anything's possible," guard Antonio Anderson said.
When it comes to turnarounds, the Aggies have nothing on the Tigers.
fran.blinebury@chron.com
Tigers Hope Feeling of Deja Vu Fades Against Aggies
Tigers hope feeling of deja vu fades against Aggies
By Jim Masilak
March 21, 2007
A year ago, the University of Memphis played an Elite Eight game against a lower-seeded opponent in that team's home state.
In the game, the top-seeded Tigers were defeated as much by No. 2 UCLA's stifling defense and their own inept shooting as by the pro-Bruin atmosphere inside The Arena in Oakland.
The stakes may not be quite as high Thursday when Memphis faces Texas A&M in a South Regional semifinal inside San Antonio's vast Alamodome. But the scenario facing the No. 2-seeded UofM looks familiar:
Having to play a de facto road game against a lower seed?
Check.
Third-seeded Texas A&M's College Station campus lies roughly 200 miles northeast of San Antonio, a mere three hours away.
Having to play against one of the country's stingiest defenses?
Check.
Texas A&M is ranked No. 15 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 59.3 points per game.
Having to play on less rest than its opponent?
Check.
Like UCLA last season, the Aggies will enjoy an additional off day ahead of the regional-semifinal round. Memphis, on the other hand, must again make a quick turnaround after playing its second-round game on a Sunday.
"I'm mad about it," junior point guard Andre Allen said of being sent so close to an opponent's home for the second year running, "but we've just got to go play. It's out of our hands."
Making matters more difficult for the Tigers (32-3) is the injury concern surrounding sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts. The left ankle sprain Memphis' leading scorer (15.4 points per game) suffered against Nevada on Sunday has left his availability against the Aggies in some doubt.
Senior guard Jeremy Hunt and freshman Doneal Mack both figure to play more prominent roles if Douglas-Roberts is limited or unable to go.
Hunt, however, doesn't think the tournament's selection committee intended to put Memphis at a disadvantage against the Aggies.
"When they did the brackets, they didn't know Texas A&M was gonna make it to San Antonio," Hunt said. "It's cool. We've been underdogs all year long. There's nothing wrong with being the underdog one more time."
Tigers coach John Calipari said the Aggies "deserve" to play what will essentially be a home game after beating Louisville last week in Lexington, Ky.
"We had 7,000 fans in New Orleans against 400 from Nevada," he said. "Now we've got to go on the road."
San Antonio has been good to Texas teams in the past. In 2003, Texas won Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games at the Alamodome en route to the Final Four.
The Longhorns were a No. 1 seed that year, playing even closer to their Austin home than the Aggies will be Thursday. Texas A&M is hoping for a similar boost against the Tigers and, should the Aggies advance, against either No. 1 Ohio State or No. 5 Tennessee on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.
"If there is an advantage, I would think your fans are gonna try to make it an advantage for you," Aggies coach Billy Gillispie said. "But it doesn't ensure success."
Texas A&M learned that firsthand last week at Rupp Arena, where Louisville's "home" support couldn't quite manage to help the Cardinals past the Aggies in the second round.
"We were not gonna let that be a factor," Gillispie said.
The Tigers head to San Antonio with a 10-1 record in NCAA Tournament games played in Texas, including 10 straight wins. Two of those victories came last year, against Oral Roberts and Bucknell, at the Dallas sub-regional.
Memphis, however, is also just 1-3 in NCAA games when playing in an opponent's home state. The Tigers beat Wake Forest in Charlotte, N.C., in 1982, but lost to LSU in Baton Rouge in '86 and to Purdue in South Bend, Ind., two years later. Then came UCLA in Oakland or, as Calipari says sarcastically, "Pauley Pavilion North."
The Tigers, however, are more concerned with finding a way to get the better of the Aggies' big, physical defenders than with where the game is being played.
Asked if Thursday's game might be stylistically similar to last year's Elite Eight game against the Bruins, Calipari said it "could be."
"They bump you on drives when they step up to meet you. They're a really physical bunch, maybe more so than UCLA," Calipari said. "Their (post) duck-ins, they're like football blocks. It's like two guys smashing into each other. ... They're gonna bump and grind and stop you on drives. We've got some things to figure out in the next couple days."
Calipari said the way in which the game is refereed could have a major impact on the outcome. If the officials call a loose game, he suggested, it would likely be to the Aggies' benefit.
"You look at the crew and hope like heck they're saying, 'You can't play this way,' " Calipari said. "I'm not saying they're dirty, they just play really hard in a league (the Big 12 Conference) that plays really, really hard."
Faced with resistance more aggressive and physical than anything they'd seen before, the Tigers fell to UCLA last year amid a hail of fouls and missed shots.
Memphis shot just 2 for 17 from 3-point range, and a mere 31.5 percent from the field in all, while at the same time sending the Bruins to the free-throw line 39 times. The Tigers were held 36 points below their season average in a 50-45 defeat.
"If we do that again," Calipari said, "we lose."
The Tigers could well be in for a similarly frustrating day against the defense-minded Aggies.
Texas A&M has limited opponents to 60 or fewer points 18 times in 33 games, and the Aggies have allowed just three teams to surpass the 80-point mark this season. Texas, behind all-world freshman Kevin Durant, did it twice.
Tigers assistant coach Derek Kellogg points out, however, that "there's also been a couple games where (the Aggies) have scored 100."
"They've been a top-10 team the majority of the year," Kellogg added. "They can make it ugly but, at the same time, they can play up and down and score points. Good teams will be able to play all different styles."
The Tigers' players don't see any connection between the team that ousted them last year and the one standing in their way Thursday.
"UCLA and Texas A&M are two different teams," Allen said. "We've got a whole different team this year. We ain't worried about last year at all."
-- Jim Masilak: 529-2311
San ANtonio Tickets
Tickets for this week's South Regional can be purchased by calling (800) 884-3663. More information at Alamodome.com.
By Jim Masilak
March 21, 2007
A year ago, the University of Memphis played an Elite Eight game against a lower-seeded opponent in that team's home state.
In the game, the top-seeded Tigers were defeated as much by No. 2 UCLA's stifling defense and their own inept shooting as by the pro-Bruin atmosphere inside The Arena in Oakland.
The stakes may not be quite as high Thursday when Memphis faces Texas A&M in a South Regional semifinal inside San Antonio's vast Alamodome. But the scenario facing the No. 2-seeded UofM looks familiar:
Having to play a de facto road game against a lower seed?
Check.
Third-seeded Texas A&M's College Station campus lies roughly 200 miles northeast of San Antonio, a mere three hours away.
Having to play against one of the country's stingiest defenses?
Check.
Texas A&M is ranked No. 15 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 59.3 points per game.
Having to play on less rest than its opponent?
Check.
Like UCLA last season, the Aggies will enjoy an additional off day ahead of the regional-semifinal round. Memphis, on the other hand, must again make a quick turnaround after playing its second-round game on a Sunday.
"I'm mad about it," junior point guard Andre Allen said of being sent so close to an opponent's home for the second year running, "but we've just got to go play. It's out of our hands."
Making matters more difficult for the Tigers (32-3) is the injury concern surrounding sophomore guard Chris Douglas-Roberts. The left ankle sprain Memphis' leading scorer (15.4 points per game) suffered against Nevada on Sunday has left his availability against the Aggies in some doubt.
Senior guard Jeremy Hunt and freshman Doneal Mack both figure to play more prominent roles if Douglas-Roberts is limited or unable to go.
Hunt, however, doesn't think the tournament's selection committee intended to put Memphis at a disadvantage against the Aggies.
"When they did the brackets, they didn't know Texas A&M was gonna make it to San Antonio," Hunt said. "It's cool. We've been underdogs all year long. There's nothing wrong with being the underdog one more time."
Tigers coach John Calipari said the Aggies "deserve" to play what will essentially be a home game after beating Louisville last week in Lexington, Ky.
"We had 7,000 fans in New Orleans against 400 from Nevada," he said. "Now we've got to go on the road."
San Antonio has been good to Texas teams in the past. In 2003, Texas won Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games at the Alamodome en route to the Final Four.
The Longhorns were a No. 1 seed that year, playing even closer to their Austin home than the Aggies will be Thursday. Texas A&M is hoping for a similar boost against the Tigers and, should the Aggies advance, against either No. 1 Ohio State or No. 5 Tennessee on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.
"If there is an advantage, I would think your fans are gonna try to make it an advantage for you," Aggies coach Billy Gillispie said. "But it doesn't ensure success."
Texas A&M learned that firsthand last week at Rupp Arena, where Louisville's "home" support couldn't quite manage to help the Cardinals past the Aggies in the second round.
"We were not gonna let that be a factor," Gillispie said.
The Tigers head to San Antonio with a 10-1 record in NCAA Tournament games played in Texas, including 10 straight wins. Two of those victories came last year, against Oral Roberts and Bucknell, at the Dallas sub-regional.
Memphis, however, is also just 1-3 in NCAA games when playing in an opponent's home state. The Tigers beat Wake Forest in Charlotte, N.C., in 1982, but lost to LSU in Baton Rouge in '86 and to Purdue in South Bend, Ind., two years later. Then came UCLA in Oakland or, as Calipari says sarcastically, "Pauley Pavilion North."
The Tigers, however, are more concerned with finding a way to get the better of the Aggies' big, physical defenders than with where the game is being played.
Asked if Thursday's game might be stylistically similar to last year's Elite Eight game against the Bruins, Calipari said it "could be."
"They bump you on drives when they step up to meet you. They're a really physical bunch, maybe more so than UCLA," Calipari said. "Their (post) duck-ins, they're like football blocks. It's like two guys smashing into each other. ... They're gonna bump and grind and stop you on drives. We've got some things to figure out in the next couple days."
Calipari said the way in which the game is refereed could have a major impact on the outcome. If the officials call a loose game, he suggested, it would likely be to the Aggies' benefit.
"You look at the crew and hope like heck they're saying, 'You can't play this way,' " Calipari said. "I'm not saying they're dirty, they just play really hard in a league (the Big 12 Conference) that plays really, really hard."
Faced with resistance more aggressive and physical than anything they'd seen before, the Tigers fell to UCLA last year amid a hail of fouls and missed shots.
Memphis shot just 2 for 17 from 3-point range, and a mere 31.5 percent from the field in all, while at the same time sending the Bruins to the free-throw line 39 times. The Tigers were held 36 points below their season average in a 50-45 defeat.
"If we do that again," Calipari said, "we lose."
The Tigers could well be in for a similarly frustrating day against the defense-minded Aggies.
Texas A&M has limited opponents to 60 or fewer points 18 times in 33 games, and the Aggies have allowed just three teams to surpass the 80-point mark this season. Texas, behind all-world freshman Kevin Durant, did it twice.
Tigers assistant coach Derek Kellogg points out, however, that "there's also been a couple games where (the Aggies) have scored 100."
"They've been a top-10 team the majority of the year," Kellogg added. "They can make it ugly but, at the same time, they can play up and down and score points. Good teams will be able to play all different styles."
The Tigers' players don't see any connection between the team that ousted them last year and the one standing in their way Thursday.
"UCLA and Texas A&M are two different teams," Allen said. "We've got a whole different team this year. We ain't worried about last year at all."
-- Jim Masilak: 529-2311
San ANtonio Tickets
Tickets for this week's South Regional can be purchased by calling (800) 884-3663. More information at Alamodome.com.
From the Boston Globe "Cal Refuses to Change His Approach"
Calipari refuses to change his approach
By Mark Blaudschun, Boston Globe Staff
SAN ANTONIO -- John Calipari was multitasking.
As usual.
As he looked at tapes of Texas A&M, he had the cellphone in his ear, talking to a reporter about his itinerary for the next few days.
"Two-hour plane ride, we'll probably leave around 4, which should get us there at 6. Look at the size. I've got to figure out what happens if we get into foul trouble with these guys. This is going to be a different challenge."
And that was the key word for Coach Cal, who is once again on a roll with a University of Memphis basketball team that has ambitions of a national championship, a goal that wasn't realistic when Calipari arrived in 2000.
But that is what Calipari does. He fixes things. Some people might not like how he does it, but things get fixed. He did it when he arrived at the University of Massachusetts 19 years ago and he has done it in a different way at Memphis, which will be here for tomorrow night's NCAA South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
The other acts in the four-team production are No. 1 seed Ohio State and No. 5 seed Tennessee. But those are problems for another day, even if that day may be as soon as Friday.
For now, Calipari is focused on the moment. The energy flows out of him, much the way it did when he was the hotshot assistant at Kansas and Pittsburgh who wanted to make a name for himself when he got his first head coaching job at UMass in 1988, a boy wonder at 29 who took over what may have been the worst program in Division 1.
Cal worked out of an office at Curry Hicks Cage, the cozy home of the Minutemen before the more spacious Mullins Center opened Feb. 4, 1993, the middle of Calipari's eight-year tenure in Amherst. "Any team, any time, any place" was the motto he used as he rebuilt a program at a university so financially strapped that, as a state employee, he took a two-week unpaid furlough.
But he knew then, just as he knows now. He had a plan. He structured his contract so that some of it was based on gate receipts for games that Calipari would schedule against elite teams.
At first, it seemed foolhardy. But then the wins started to come, and so did the people. At Amherst, using lunch-bucket guys such as Lou Roe and Derek Kellogg (who has been on Calipari's staff at Memphis for seven seasons), the Minutemen got better and better. They also got better players such as Marcus Camby, and in 1996 they approached the pinnacle with a 35-2 record and a Final Four appearance.
But there was a cost. There always is with Cal's teams, say the critics. And this time it was an NCAA investigation. Violations were discovered, and the sanctions included the vacating of UMass's Final Four appearance .
Calipari heard the talk then and he hears it now, and he shrugs. He defends his team and his players. They graduate, he says (12 of 15 seniors that have played for him at Memphis got degrees), they do their job.
"My job is to coach them," says Calipari. "I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I know what has to be done. I get people to help me out, academics, compliance. I put them in charge of those areas. What I do is coach."
By any standards, he coaches well. After a four-year stint in the NBA -- including two-plus seasons coaching the New Jersey Nets -- in which he made a lot of money and learned a lot about himself, Calipari came to Memphis in 2000 and took over a program that had been tainted by scandal and a zero graduation rate.
It was in the "also-ran" heap of college programs. It was a program of noninterest.
"Memphis is interesting because it's more like a pro town than a college town," Calipari says. "It's not like Lexington or Storrs or Tucson or 20 other places, where if you play a game people will come because there is simply a game. We've got to give them something."
Calipari has given them something on a steady basis for seven seasons, during which the team's average record has been 28-6. This year's edition is a sizzling 32-3 and has won 24 straight games, the longest streak in Division 1.
Calipari is well-paid for what he does; according to a survey of coaches' salaries in USA Today, he makes close to $1.3 million a year.
He also has flirted with the idea of taking his show to where he has never been -- a major conference.
Such a dream was a goal nearly 20 years ago when he began the trip, and it may still ultimately be a goal, although as he gets older, quality of life factors in as much as anything.
Calipari turned 48 last month and has an artificial hip. He has three children: Erin, 19, who is in college (UMass), Megan, 17, who is heading for college, and 10-year-old Bradley. He has slowed a little bit, but not much.
He is comfortable in Memphis, but that may not stop him from flirting with a higher-profile program. Last year, it was North Carolina State, which would have created an interesting trio of coaching stars on Tobacco Road with Mike Krzyzewski at Duke and Roy Williams at North Carolina.
This year, the rumor du jour was that Tubby Smith was leaving Kentucky.
"I read an Internet report which said that Tubby was out and that John was in," said Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson. "It's crazy what's out there. But it's something you just have to deal with."
Calipari is now focused again. He must find a way to beat the Aggies. He must find a miracle cure for his leading scorer, guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, who went down with a severely sprained ankle in Sunday's second-round win over Nevada.
"If he can play, he's going to play," said Calipari. "There ain't no question about that."
But Calipari knows that treatment can only do so much. Time is the best cure, and he doesn't have any right now.
With that, Calipari is back doing what he says he does best -- coaching, with what he has and where he's at.
And, at least right now, that's good enough.
Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.
By Mark Blaudschun, Boston Globe Staff
SAN ANTONIO -- John Calipari was multitasking.
As usual.
As he looked at tapes of Texas A&M, he had the cellphone in his ear, talking to a reporter about his itinerary for the next few days.
"Two-hour plane ride, we'll probably leave around 4, which should get us there at 6. Look at the size. I've got to figure out what happens if we get into foul trouble with these guys. This is going to be a different challenge."
And that was the key word for Coach Cal, who is once again on a roll with a University of Memphis basketball team that has ambitions of a national championship, a goal that wasn't realistic when Calipari arrived in 2000.
But that is what Calipari does. He fixes things. Some people might not like how he does it, but things get fixed. He did it when he arrived at the University of Massachusetts 19 years ago and he has done it in a different way at Memphis, which will be here for tomorrow night's NCAA South Regional semifinal against Texas A&M.
The other acts in the four-team production are No. 1 seed Ohio State and No. 5 seed Tennessee. But those are problems for another day, even if that day may be as soon as Friday.
For now, Calipari is focused on the moment. The energy flows out of him, much the way it did when he was the hotshot assistant at Kansas and Pittsburgh who wanted to make a name for himself when he got his first head coaching job at UMass in 1988, a boy wonder at 29 who took over what may have been the worst program in Division 1.
Cal worked out of an office at Curry Hicks Cage, the cozy home of the Minutemen before the more spacious Mullins Center opened Feb. 4, 1993, the middle of Calipari's eight-year tenure in Amherst. "Any team, any time, any place" was the motto he used as he rebuilt a program at a university so financially strapped that, as a state employee, he took a two-week unpaid furlough.
But he knew then, just as he knows now. He had a plan. He structured his contract so that some of it was based on gate receipts for games that Calipari would schedule against elite teams.
At first, it seemed foolhardy. But then the wins started to come, and so did the people. At Amherst, using lunch-bucket guys such as Lou Roe and Derek Kellogg (who has been on Calipari's staff at Memphis for seven seasons), the Minutemen got better and better. They also got better players such as Marcus Camby, and in 1996 they approached the pinnacle with a 35-2 record and a Final Four appearance.
But there was a cost. There always is with Cal's teams, say the critics. And this time it was an NCAA investigation. Violations were discovered, and the sanctions included the vacating of UMass's Final Four appearance .
Calipari heard the talk then and he hears it now, and he shrugs. He defends his team and his players. They graduate, he says (12 of 15 seniors that have played for him at Memphis got degrees), they do their job.
"My job is to coach them," says Calipari. "I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I know what has to be done. I get people to help me out, academics, compliance. I put them in charge of those areas. What I do is coach."
By any standards, he coaches well. After a four-year stint in the NBA -- including two-plus seasons coaching the New Jersey Nets -- in which he made a lot of money and learned a lot about himself, Calipari came to Memphis in 2000 and took over a program that had been tainted by scandal and a zero graduation rate.
It was in the "also-ran" heap of college programs. It was a program of noninterest.
"Memphis is interesting because it's more like a pro town than a college town," Calipari says. "It's not like Lexington or Storrs or Tucson or 20 other places, where if you play a game people will come because there is simply a game. We've got to give them something."
Calipari has given them something on a steady basis for seven seasons, during which the team's average record has been 28-6. This year's edition is a sizzling 32-3 and has won 24 straight games, the longest streak in Division 1.
Calipari is well-paid for what he does; according to a survey of coaches' salaries in USA Today, he makes close to $1.3 million a year.
He also has flirted with the idea of taking his show to where he has never been -- a major conference.
Such a dream was a goal nearly 20 years ago when he began the trip, and it may still ultimately be a goal, although as he gets older, quality of life factors in as much as anything.
Calipari turned 48 last month and has an artificial hip. He has three children: Erin, 19, who is in college (UMass), Megan, 17, who is heading for college, and 10-year-old Bradley. He has slowed a little bit, but not much.
He is comfortable in Memphis, but that may not stop him from flirting with a higher-profile program. Last year, it was North Carolina State, which would have created an interesting trio of coaching stars on Tobacco Road with Mike Krzyzewski at Duke and Roy Williams at North Carolina.
This year, the rumor du jour was that Tubby Smith was leaving Kentucky.
"I read an Internet report which said that Tubby was out and that John was in," said Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson. "It's crazy what's out there. But it's something you just have to deal with."
Calipari is now focused again. He must find a way to beat the Aggies. He must find a miracle cure for his leading scorer, guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, who went down with a severely sprained ankle in Sunday's second-round win over Nevada.
"If he can play, he's going to play," said Calipari. "There ain't no question about that."
But Calipari knows that treatment can only do so much. Time is the best cure, and he doesn't have any right now.
With that, Calipari is back doing what he says he does best -- coaching, with what he has and where he's at.
And, at least right now, that's good enough.
Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.
AP - "Memphis Wants to Silence Critics"
Memphis wants to silence critics
By WOODY BAIRD
Associated Press
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A 24-game winning streak hasn't convinced everyone that Memphis is a legitimate national championship contender.
After all, the second-seeded Tigers didn't get much of challenge from their Conference USA rivals, none of which made the NCAA tournament. Counting North Texas and Nevada, the two teams Memphis beat to get to the South Regional semifinals, the Tigers have defeated five teams that made the NCAA's field of 65.
It's safe to say that Thursday's game in San Antonio against Texas A&M will be the Tigers' toughest test in months.
And Memphis could be without leading scorer Chris Douglas-Roberts, who is nursing a sprained left ankle. Coach John Calipari said he wasn't positive Douglas-Roberts would play.
"But I think he will," Calipari said after his weekly radio show Monday before a packed house of Tiger fans at a Memphis restaurant.
Decked out in Tiger blue T-shirts and caps, the fans treated Calipari to a standing ovation as he arrived for the show held in a strip of taverns and restaurants just off the university campus.
Douglas-Roberts missed the last eight minutes of Sunday's game, but the Tigers dominated down the stretch without him, shutting out Nevada for more than six minutes.
"Let's hope that Chris is healthy. If he's not, we'll figure it out and we'll play without him," Calipari said. "Let's go in with one thing in mind. We're going after people."
Memphis (32-3) is powered by its pressure defense and transition offense. Depth is also a strength. The Tigers have nine players who average at least 10 minutes per game and seven who are over 20. Douglas-Roberts averages 15.4 points per game, but Jeremy Hunt (13.6), Robert Dozier (9.8), Joey Dorsey (8.7) and Antonio Anderson (8.0) can all contribute offensively.
The Tigers ran roughshod over C-USA teams such as East Carolina, Marshall and Rice, on their way to regular season and conference tournament championships.
"They did what they were supposed to do, as far as playing against mediocre talent," said Memphis fan David Harp, one of the faithful out to salute Calipari. "They won big."
This is the second season since Conference USA bid farewell to Louisville, Cincinnati and Marquette, all of which were scooped up by the Big East.
But Calipari said the league is getting better.
"Our league is stronger. Maybe we're just better. Anybody think of that?" he said. "Maybe we're better than we were a year ago. I don't know."
The Tigers' other big wins were against Kentucky and Gonzaga, neither of which survived the first weekend of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Aggies (27-6) went 13-3 in the much tougher Big 12 conference, with signature wins over Kansas and Texas. They're the No. 3 seed, but the odds makers have made them a three-point favorite.
Calipari said such talk doesn't interest him, either.
"Any game we lose from here on out will be because of our league. That's what everybody will say, so it doesn't matter," Calipari said.
A year ago, Memphis had a No. 1 seed but lost to UCLA 50-45 in the regional finals. The Tigers haven't been to the Final Four since 1985, back when the school was still known as Memphis State.
But Memphis fans are ready for a return, hoping the Tigers can stretch their winning streak out four more games.
"We're in the Sweet 16. That ought to tell you something. We're ready," fan Carolyn Bridges said.
By WOODY BAIRD
Associated Press
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A 24-game winning streak hasn't convinced everyone that Memphis is a legitimate national championship contender.
After all, the second-seeded Tigers didn't get much of challenge from their Conference USA rivals, none of which made the NCAA tournament. Counting North Texas and Nevada, the two teams Memphis beat to get to the South Regional semifinals, the Tigers have defeated five teams that made the NCAA's field of 65.
It's safe to say that Thursday's game in San Antonio against Texas A&M will be the Tigers' toughest test in months.
And Memphis could be without leading scorer Chris Douglas-Roberts, who is nursing a sprained left ankle. Coach John Calipari said he wasn't positive Douglas-Roberts would play.
"But I think he will," Calipari said after his weekly radio show Monday before a packed house of Tiger fans at a Memphis restaurant.
Decked out in Tiger blue T-shirts and caps, the fans treated Calipari to a standing ovation as he arrived for the show held in a strip of taverns and restaurants just off the university campus.
Douglas-Roberts missed the last eight minutes of Sunday's game, but the Tigers dominated down the stretch without him, shutting out Nevada for more than six minutes.
"Let's hope that Chris is healthy. If he's not, we'll figure it out and we'll play without him," Calipari said. "Let's go in with one thing in mind. We're going after people."
Memphis (32-3) is powered by its pressure defense and transition offense. Depth is also a strength. The Tigers have nine players who average at least 10 minutes per game and seven who are over 20. Douglas-Roberts averages 15.4 points per game, but Jeremy Hunt (13.6), Robert Dozier (9.8), Joey Dorsey (8.7) and Antonio Anderson (8.0) can all contribute offensively.
The Tigers ran roughshod over C-USA teams such as East Carolina, Marshall and Rice, on their way to regular season and conference tournament championships.
"They did what they were supposed to do, as far as playing against mediocre talent," said Memphis fan David Harp, one of the faithful out to salute Calipari. "They won big."
This is the second season since Conference USA bid farewell to Louisville, Cincinnati and Marquette, all of which were scooped up by the Big East.
But Calipari said the league is getting better.
"Our league is stronger. Maybe we're just better. Anybody think of that?" he said. "Maybe we're better than we were a year ago. I don't know."
The Tigers' other big wins were against Kentucky and Gonzaga, neither of which survived the first weekend of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Aggies (27-6) went 13-3 in the much tougher Big 12 conference, with signature wins over Kansas and Texas. They're the No. 3 seed, but the odds makers have made them a three-point favorite.
Calipari said such talk doesn't interest him, either.
"Any game we lose from here on out will be because of our league. That's what everybody will say, so it doesn't matter," Calipari said.
A year ago, Memphis had a No. 1 seed but lost to UCLA 50-45 in the regional finals. The Tigers haven't been to the Final Four since 1985, back when the school was still known as Memphis State.
But Memphis fans are ready for a return, hoping the Tigers can stretch their winning streak out four more games.
"We're in the Sweet 16. That ought to tell you something. We're ready," fan Carolyn Bridges said.
From Dickie V
Thursday's Match-Up's
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM
TEXAS A&M VS. MEMPHIS
I was impressed with the Tigers after seeing them beat Nevada. They were more talented last year with Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington Jr, but this year's squad plays better together as a unit. Memphis likes to force the tempo of the game and inside, the Killer D's Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier can hurt you. Dorsey has been terrific on the glass so far in the NCAA tournament.
Memphis also came through under pressure hitting free throws against Nevada. A key in this game is the status of Chris Douglas-Roberts, who injured his ankle against Nevada. John Calipari's team has quality depth, but if Douglas-Roberts can't go, that is a major setback. You don't win 24 games in a row unless you are very good, and the Tigers have not lost in three months because they have talent.
The Aggies have a true star in Acie Law, a member of my All-Solid Gold squad. He makes big plays and big shots in winning time. Joseph Jones will battle Dorsey and Dozier up front. Dominique Kirk has been a solid surprise in the NCAA tournament, hitting shot after shot. Billy Gillispie would like to see Josh Carter get back on his game.
This will be a battle, and I give the slight edge to the Aggies.
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM
TEXAS A&M VS. MEMPHIS
I was impressed with the Tigers after seeing them beat Nevada. They were more talented last year with Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington Jr, but this year's squad plays better together as a unit. Memphis likes to force the tempo of the game and inside, the Killer D's Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier can hurt you. Dorsey has been terrific on the glass so far in the NCAA tournament.
Memphis also came through under pressure hitting free throws against Nevada. A key in this game is the status of Chris Douglas-Roberts, who injured his ankle against Nevada. John Calipari's team has quality depth, but if Douglas-Roberts can't go, that is a major setback. You don't win 24 games in a row unless you are very good, and the Tigers have not lost in three months because they have talent.
The Aggies have a true star in Acie Law, a member of my All-Solid Gold squad. He makes big plays and big shots in winning time. Joseph Jones will battle Dorsey and Dozier up front. Dominique Kirk has been a solid surprise in the NCAA tournament, hitting shot after shot. Billy Gillispie would like to see Josh Carter get back on his game.
This will be a battle, and I give the slight edge to the Aggies.
FoxSports.com's Jeff Goodman - He's Going to Get Hate Mail From Memphis
Tigers in Sweet 16, but are they any good?
Jeff Goodman / FOXSports.com
NEW ORLEANS - Memphis remains Team Mystery.
John Calipari's club is headed to the Sweet 16, still as a big question mark after playing in the pedestrian one-bid Conference USA and drawing a pair of mid-majors, North Texas and Nevada, in the first two rounds of the Big Dance.
Not a whole lot has changed.
The Tigers aren't the only team that has claimed two mid-major victims in its road. Ohio State, Oregon and Pittsburgh have each done it, but all three of those schools have faced formidable conference slates in the Big Ten, Pac-10 and Big East.
Memphis hasn't really played anyone of note all year. They have reeled off 24 straight wins, but they've largely come against the likes of East Carolina, SMU and Marshall.
"Everyone's been saying that we don't play anyone since I got here," Memphis sophomore forward Robert Dozier said. "We're not worried about that. It's not an issue. Our second team is probably as good as other teams in our league or in the tournament."
Calipari's first team has gone up against just one team still alive in the Sweet 16 - Tennessee.
The Vols beat up on Memphis, 76-58, back on Dec. 6.
The Tigers' most notable victory of the entire season came against a weak Kentucky team that was bounced easily by Kansas in the second round. They also got past a Gonzaga club that had not only just lost Josh Heytvelt for the season, but was also coming off a loss to Santa Clara.
Calipari spoke about how Nevada should have been higher than a No. 7 seed, but how would he really know nowadays? He's stuck in a conference that just plain stinks right now. He doesn't know how good the elite teams are because the only time he sees them is from afar — on TV.
The Tigers are athletic. We know that much. They are also unselfish and have impressive team chemistry.
Unlike the team a year ago, this one can really pass the ball. But can they shoot it?
Calipari's newest technique to try and get his players on target from the foul line has worked — at least temporarily. They knocked down 26-of-34 free throws in the 78-62 win over Nevada. That's 76.5 percent, compared to the horrendous 61 percent the Tigers shot in the first 33 games of the year.
Cal has told the team to visualize making free throws instead of actually practicing them. Maybe they should also visualize having played someone real in the last three months and the players can gain a false sense of optimism when they face Texas A&M in the Sweet 16.
Memphis beat a quality Nevada team, but Mark Fox's Wolf Pack squad isn't an elite team. He's got three talented players, but let's not start comparing Nevada to the Aggies just yet.
The Tigers will have to head to San Antonio and play Texas A&M. The game against Nevada was virtually a home game with the Memphis contingent driving the handful or so hours to New Orleans to support their guys.
Now it's going to be the opposite. Billy Gillispie's team will have the fans on their side.
The news gets even worse. Chris Douglas-Roberts, the team's top scorer, won't be at full strength after spraining his left ankle midway through the second half and walking out of the arena with a boot on his foot.
"If he can't go, he can't go," Calipari said. "We don't know yet."
Calipari has some depth, but has been going only eight deep lately. Douglas-Roberts plays the most minutes and score the most points. Calipari points to the fact that they've won without CDR before this season.
But that was against East Carolina and Tulsa.
Not Texas A&M.
"Everyone has doubted us," Memphis sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said.
For good reason.
Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can be reached at GoodmanonFOX@aol.com.
Jeff Goodman / FOXSports.com
NEW ORLEANS - Memphis remains Team Mystery.
John Calipari's club is headed to the Sweet 16, still as a big question mark after playing in the pedestrian one-bid Conference USA and drawing a pair of mid-majors, North Texas and Nevada, in the first two rounds of the Big Dance.
Not a whole lot has changed.
The Tigers aren't the only team that has claimed two mid-major victims in its road. Ohio State, Oregon and Pittsburgh have each done it, but all three of those schools have faced formidable conference slates in the Big Ten, Pac-10 and Big East.
Memphis hasn't really played anyone of note all year. They have reeled off 24 straight wins, but they've largely come against the likes of East Carolina, SMU and Marshall.
"Everyone's been saying that we don't play anyone since I got here," Memphis sophomore forward Robert Dozier said. "We're not worried about that. It's not an issue. Our second team is probably as good as other teams in our league or in the tournament."
Calipari's first team has gone up against just one team still alive in the Sweet 16 - Tennessee.
The Vols beat up on Memphis, 76-58, back on Dec. 6.
The Tigers' most notable victory of the entire season came against a weak Kentucky team that was bounced easily by Kansas in the second round. They also got past a Gonzaga club that had not only just lost Josh Heytvelt for the season, but was also coming off a loss to Santa Clara.
Calipari spoke about how Nevada should have been higher than a No. 7 seed, but how would he really know nowadays? He's stuck in a conference that just plain stinks right now. He doesn't know how good the elite teams are because the only time he sees them is from afar — on TV.
The Tigers are athletic. We know that much. They are also unselfish and have impressive team chemistry.
Unlike the team a year ago, this one can really pass the ball. But can they shoot it?
Calipari's newest technique to try and get his players on target from the foul line has worked — at least temporarily. They knocked down 26-of-34 free throws in the 78-62 win over Nevada. That's 76.5 percent, compared to the horrendous 61 percent the Tigers shot in the first 33 games of the year.
Cal has told the team to visualize making free throws instead of actually practicing them. Maybe they should also visualize having played someone real in the last three months and the players can gain a false sense of optimism when they face Texas A&M in the Sweet 16.
Memphis beat a quality Nevada team, but Mark Fox's Wolf Pack squad isn't an elite team. He's got three talented players, but let's not start comparing Nevada to the Aggies just yet.
The Tigers will have to head to San Antonio and play Texas A&M. The game against Nevada was virtually a home game with the Memphis contingent driving the handful or so hours to New Orleans to support their guys.
Now it's going to be the opposite. Billy Gillispie's team will have the fans on their side.
The news gets even worse. Chris Douglas-Roberts, the team's top scorer, won't be at full strength after spraining his left ankle midway through the second half and walking out of the arena with a boot on his foot.
"If he can't go, he can't go," Calipari said. "We don't know yet."
Calipari has some depth, but has been going only eight deep lately. Douglas-Roberts plays the most minutes and score the most points. Calipari points to the fact that they've won without CDR before this season.
But that was against East Carolina and Tulsa.
Not Texas A&M.
"Everyone has doubted us," Memphis sophomore guard Antonio Anderson said.
For good reason.
Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can be reached at GoodmanonFOX@aol.com.
Blog From David Rubio On Tigers In the National Spotlight
Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis' run through the NCAA Tournament
From David Rubio, Franklin, Tenn.:
I am a sports talk guy. Whether it's radio, TV, or water cooler scuttlebutt - I LOVE hearing pundits, talking heads, & average fans talking sports: from nonsensical absurdities to logical arguments - it's all fun to hear.
That's why I love the days leading up to the sweet 16.
Remember last year? After dismantling ORU & Bucknell, ALL the talk was that we STILL hadn't played anybody, couldn't stop Bradley's big man & would be the first 1-seed to lose, etc. It was maddening: HOW can these idiots be picking Bradley? Have they even watched our team play? Aren't they aware that we have more Basketball talent on our bench than there is in the entire city of Peoria, Illinois?
And yet, it was AWESOME! Day after day, America was talking about the Memphis Tigers. I LOVED it.
And here we are again...in the Sweet 16
Four more glorious days of: "Who has MEMPHIS played?"..."Nevada wasn't that good to begin with!"..."MEMPHIS got a lucky draw!"...and..."A&M is gonna destroy MEMPHIS!"
Four more days of talk radio hosts trying to explain away our depth...our athleticism...our smarts...our teamwork...our season long, single-mindedness...and our 24 game winning streak.
Four days of A&M players hearing the wrong messages: It's a home game...Memphis' top scorer is hurt...the CUSA is weaker than ever...no one is more dangerous in college basketball than Acie Law IV...
Four days of Memphis players hearing the right messages: You're overrated...the streak ends at 24...Let's see how they handle a team from a REAL conference...You can't do it...
Four more amazing days filled with college basketball fans & experts across the nation talking about our magical Memphis Tigers.
And, in case the guys are reading - four more days to visualize those free throws!
Posted in Tiger Bloggers by Gary Robinson
From David Rubio, Franklin, Tenn.:
I am a sports talk guy. Whether it's radio, TV, or water cooler scuttlebutt - I LOVE hearing pundits, talking heads, & average fans talking sports: from nonsensical absurdities to logical arguments - it's all fun to hear.
That's why I love the days leading up to the sweet 16.
Remember last year? After dismantling ORU & Bucknell, ALL the talk was that we STILL hadn't played anybody, couldn't stop Bradley's big man & would be the first 1-seed to lose, etc. It was maddening: HOW can these idiots be picking Bradley? Have they even watched our team play? Aren't they aware that we have more Basketball talent on our bench than there is in the entire city of Peoria, Illinois?
And yet, it was AWESOME! Day after day, America was talking about the Memphis Tigers. I LOVED it.
And here we are again...in the Sweet 16
Four more glorious days of: "Who has MEMPHIS played?"..."Nevada wasn't that good to begin with!"..."MEMPHIS got a lucky draw!"...and..."A&M is gonna destroy MEMPHIS!"
Four more days of talk radio hosts trying to explain away our depth...our athleticism...our smarts...our teamwork...our season long, single-mindedness...and our 24 game winning streak.
Four days of A&M players hearing the wrong messages: It's a home game...Memphis' top scorer is hurt...the CUSA is weaker than ever...no one is more dangerous in college basketball than Acie Law IV...
Four days of Memphis players hearing the right messages: You're overrated...the streak ends at 24...Let's see how they handle a team from a REAL conference...You can't do it...
Four more amazing days filled with college basketball fans & experts across the nation talking about our magical Memphis Tigers.
And, in case the guys are reading - four more days to visualize those free throws!
Posted in Tiger Bloggers by Gary Robinson
Blog From Erik Henninger "Is America Starting to Get the Picture?"
http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/theedge/2007/03/post_8.html
Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis' run through the NCAA Tournament
From Erik Henninger, Birmingham:
Is America starting to get the picture?
Memphis just blasted a team with an RPI in the low 20s by 16 points. And they did it with a complete game: points in the paint, point from the arc, and the free throw line. They spread the ball around, they pushed when it needed to be pushed and slowed it down time was on their side. They stayed out of foul trouble, but they still managed to force turnovers. It’s was complete, with the exception of one minor detail.
Most amazing fact: Memphis has shot 39.7% from the field for the tournament and won by a combined 31 points.
Will the media get behind this team? Is playing like an NBA team really what we want? Can CDR really recover that fast? Could San Antonio be worse than Oakland?
These are the thoughts wandering through my head as I countdown to Thursday night…
I’ll be visualizing a win.
Posted in Tiger Bloggers by Gary Robinson
Our Tiger Bloggers will give us their thoughts throughout the University of Memphis' run through the NCAA Tournament
From Erik Henninger, Birmingham:
Is America starting to get the picture?
Memphis just blasted a team with an RPI in the low 20s by 16 points. And they did it with a complete game: points in the paint, point from the arc, and the free throw line. They spread the ball around, they pushed when it needed to be pushed and slowed it down time was on their side. They stayed out of foul trouble, but they still managed to force turnovers. It’s was complete, with the exception of one minor detail.
Most amazing fact: Memphis has shot 39.7% from the field for the tournament and won by a combined 31 points.
Will the media get behind this team? Is playing like an NBA team really what we want? Can CDR really recover that fast? Could San Antonio be worse than Oakland?
These are the thoughts wandering through my head as I countdown to Thursday night…
I’ll be visualizing a win.
Posted in Tiger Bloggers by Gary Robinson
Cal Likely Wishes He Could Read Knight's Mind
Calipari likely wishes he could read Knight's mind
By Jim Masilak
March 20, 2007
When University of Memphis coach John Calipari and his staff visited Texas Tech coach Bob Knight in Lubbock in November, getting pointers on how to beat Texas A&M would have been the last thing on their minds.
What Calipari and the Tigers wouldn't give for the opportunity to pick Knight's brain now.
No team has given the Tigers' opponent in Thursday night's NCAA Tournament South Regional semifinal in San Antonio more fits this season than Knight's Red Raiders.
The legendary former Indiana coach helped inflict two of the Aggies' six losses this season.
Texas Tech beat Texas A&M, 70-68, in Lubbock on Jan. 24 and completed the season sweep three weeks later with a 77-75 triumph in College Station.
While Texas Tech was eliminated in the first round of the NCAAs by Boston College, thus ending its season, Calipari won't be able to call on Knight for lessons on this occasion.
"It's hard for guys within their league to do any favors for us," Calipari said Monday when asked whether he'd been in contact with Knight. "One thing you do is get the tapes of those games and study them."
On Monday afternoon, Calipari showed his players film of Oklahoma State's 57-56 Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal victory over the Aggies (27-6).
When No. 2-seeded Memphis (32-3) meets Texas A&M in San Antonio's Alamodome on Thursday at 6:27 p.m. for a spot in the Elite Eight, there's a good chance the Tigers will put bits and pieces of such previously successful game plans to use.
"The league teams know them the best. Whatever they do best, you play that way," Calipari said. "You try to mimic it, but it's tough in such a short period."
Tigers-Aggies history
The Tigers and Aggies have a bit of history between them on the hardwood, though none of it is recent.
Texas A&M holds a 4-3 series edge over Memphis, with the teams' last meeting coming 40 years ago during the 1966-67 season, with the Tigers claiming a 66-56 victory in Memphis.
Two seasons earlier, Texas A&M had provided the opposition for the Tigers in the first collegiate game ever played at the Mid-South Coliseum.
Memphis scored an 82-73 victory over the Aggies in the Dec. 1, 1964, christening.
Nine days later, however, Texas A&M turned the tables on the Tigers with an 81-71 triumph in College Station, Texas.
Memphis is 3-1 at home against the Aggies and 0-3 in College Station.
Thursday's game in San Antonio will be their first against each other at a neutral site.
Light day
The Tigers didn't practice Monday, engaging instead in an optional shootaround after film study.
They also tried to catch up on some sleep.
Sophomore guard Antonio Anderson, fresh off his first career double-double Sunday against Nevada, said he caught a few extra winks after class Monday.
"We're tired," junior point guard Andre Allen said. "I took (a nap) too, but I'll be ready (for Thursday)."
The Tigers are scheduled to practice this afternoon at the Finch Center before departing later in the day for San Antonio.
-- Jim Masilak: 529-2311
By Jim Masilak
March 20, 2007
When University of Memphis coach John Calipari and his staff visited Texas Tech coach Bob Knight in Lubbock in November, getting pointers on how to beat Texas A&M would have been the last thing on their minds.
What Calipari and the Tigers wouldn't give for the opportunity to pick Knight's brain now.
No team has given the Tigers' opponent in Thursday night's NCAA Tournament South Regional semifinal in San Antonio more fits this season than Knight's Red Raiders.
The legendary former Indiana coach helped inflict two of the Aggies' six losses this season.
Texas Tech beat Texas A&M, 70-68, in Lubbock on Jan. 24 and completed the season sweep three weeks later with a 77-75 triumph in College Station.
While Texas Tech was eliminated in the first round of the NCAAs by Boston College, thus ending its season, Calipari won't be able to call on Knight for lessons on this occasion.
"It's hard for guys within their league to do any favors for us," Calipari said Monday when asked whether he'd been in contact with Knight. "One thing you do is get the tapes of those games and study them."
On Monday afternoon, Calipari showed his players film of Oklahoma State's 57-56 Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal victory over the Aggies (27-6).
When No. 2-seeded Memphis (32-3) meets Texas A&M in San Antonio's Alamodome on Thursday at 6:27 p.m. for a spot in the Elite Eight, there's a good chance the Tigers will put bits and pieces of such previously successful game plans to use.
"The league teams know them the best. Whatever they do best, you play that way," Calipari said. "You try to mimic it, but it's tough in such a short period."
Tigers-Aggies history
The Tigers and Aggies have a bit of history between them on the hardwood, though none of it is recent.
Texas A&M holds a 4-3 series edge over Memphis, with the teams' last meeting coming 40 years ago during the 1966-67 season, with the Tigers claiming a 66-56 victory in Memphis.
Two seasons earlier, Texas A&M had provided the opposition for the Tigers in the first collegiate game ever played at the Mid-South Coliseum.
Memphis scored an 82-73 victory over the Aggies in the Dec. 1, 1964, christening.
Nine days later, however, Texas A&M turned the tables on the Tigers with an 81-71 triumph in College Station, Texas.
Memphis is 3-1 at home against the Aggies and 0-3 in College Station.
Thursday's game in San Antonio will be their first against each other at a neutral site.
Light day
The Tigers didn't practice Monday, engaging instead in an optional shootaround after film study.
They also tried to catch up on some sleep.
Sophomore guard Antonio Anderson, fresh off his first career double-double Sunday against Nevada, said he caught a few extra winks after class Monday.
"We're tired," junior point guard Andre Allen said. "I took (a nap) too, but I'll be ready (for Thursday)."
The Tigers are scheduled to practice this afternoon at the Finch Center before departing later in the day for San Antonio.
-- Jim Masilak: 529-2311
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