Is a hardwood three-peat in Florida's future?
09/19/2007 10:39 AM
By: Chance Harper | sbrforum.com
With college gridiron campaigns less than a month old, it's difficult to start focusing on hoops action across campuses. But college basketball aficionados are already getting the itch with the season less than two months away, and preseason prognosticators are already asking if Florida can with a third straight crown.
Let’s give a cheer for the Orange and Blue. The Florida Gators have one of the best athletic programs in the country, regularly finishing in the Top 10 in just about every sport outside of Aussie rules football. That includes back-to-back national championships in men’s basketball -- the first team to double up since Duke in 1991-92.
Can the Gators make it three in a row? Don’t bet on it.
The main reason Florida was able to repeat was that the entire starting rotation decided to come back to school for one more year. Now they’re all gone. Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah were all chosen in the Top 10 of this summer’s NBA draft; Taurean Green went in the second round, and Lee Humphrey graduated. The Gators even lost sixth man Chris Richard to the draft, leaving the program in heavy rebuilding mode and 75-1 on the futures market to complete an unlikely three-peat.
Trying to nail down this year’s preseason favorite will not be easy. The North Carolina Tar Heels have the shortest odds at 5-1, followed closely by UCLA at 6-1 and the Big East powers from Georgetown and Louisville at 8-1. North Carolina had a sour ending to their March Madness experience, fading late in the second half and getting blown out in overtime by Georgetown in the Elite Eight, but this year’s Heels are a year older and wiser. You’d have to hunt high and low to find a trio of college players more talented than Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington.
UCLA and Georgetown both remain in the mix for the championship, but the Bruins won’t be as potent without Arron Afflalo, and the Hoyas, while grateful to retain the services of Roy Hibbert, watched Jeff Green head to the NBA rather than return for his senior year.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are crashing the party after two injury-plagued seasons. Louisville did manage to finish third in the Big East standings last year at 12-4 (24-10 SU overall, 17-11-2 ATS), and with all seven of their top scorers coming back for coach Rick Pitino, the Cards have to be considered ahead of Georgetown for a trip to the Final Four.
But let’s not be too hasty to hand the title to any of these elite teams. When the preseason rankings come out in November, don’t be surprised when you see the Memphis Tigers in the No. 1 spot. John Calipari’s squad often gets overlooked by casual fans, which is what happens when you play in Conference USA. Yet despite having the No. 75-ranked strength of schedule in the nation last season, Memphis still finished No. 8 on the RPI list and reached the Elite Eight for the second year in a row.
That won’t be enough this time. Not only are the Tigers emulating Florida by bringing back their full starting lineup, Calipari’s recruiting acumen has also landed Memphis a tremendous freshman haul. The Class of 2007 includes one of the top recruits in the country, point guard Derrick Rose from Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Rose is a superstar in the making, a possible top pick in the 2008 NBA draft and a big part of the Tigers’ title hopes at 10-1.
Calipari proves year after year that attracting talented players to your program is just as important as the actual coaching part of the job description. That’s why fans in Lexington are singing the praises of Billy Gillispie, who takes over the coaching reins of the Kentucky Wildcats from underappreciated Tubby Smith. The two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year led the Texas A&M Aggies into the Top 10 last year on the strength of his recruiting.
By snaring highly-touted power forward Patrick Patterson from Huntington High School in West Virginia -- ahead of both Duke and Florida -- Gillispie has Kentucky at 20-1 to win it all this year. Texas A&M slips to 70-1 under Mark Turgeon, who proved his coaching acumen by leading mid-major Wichita State to the Sweet 16 two years ago, but has yet to establish himself as a top recruiter.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Indy Star Columnist Bob Kravitz on Former Tiger and Current Indiana Pacer Shawne Williams
IndyStar.com Columnists Bob Kravitz
September 16, 2007
Bob Kravitz
Give Pacers' Williams a break -- this time
He's a kid.
Shawne Williams, the Pacers' properly repentant second-year player whose minor brush with the law created last week's now-annual pre-camp firestorm, is a kid.
A kid who has seen a lifetime's worth of terrible things, seen his older brother brought down by gunfire two years ago, seen too much of life's hardships in the South Memphis neighborhood where he grew up.
And that's the thing we've got to remember before he gets lumped in there with Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson and the other Pacers who've had brushes with the law.
Those are older players. They've had time to learn the delicate art of staying true to their roots while keeping trouble at arm's length. By now, they ought to know better.
For Williams, 21, who went pro after just his freshman year at the University of Memphis, this is all quite new. And he's been forced to learn lessons, tough lessons, that players from more stable, economically advantageous backgrounds never have to learn.
"I've always felt the hardest thing for these kids who grow up in tough neighborhoods is knowing when, where and how they can be with the people they grew up with,'' said Derek Kellogg, a University of Memphis assistant coach. "At some point, they've got to make that separation. And it's hard because those are the people who cared about you and knew you when you were young. Those are your friends. You don't want to leave those people behind, but it's hard being a millionaire and being out in a tough neighborhood.
"Because if you're not careful, those people can put you in a bad situation.''
Was that the case with Williams this past week?
Well, sort of.
Those were friends from his father's side of the family. Williams said Friday he was not aware of the presence of marijuana or a stolen gun in the car. It should be noted, the marijuana charge against Williams was dropped.
Whatever happened, it's not exactly the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby.
Let it go.
Seriously, let it go.
And understand, the Pacers handled it perfectly, the way they should have handled previous missteps by assorted players, quickly suspending him for three games. And Williams himself handled it like a pro, accepting responsibility, stepping out in front of the media Friday on his own accord.
He may be a kid, but Friday, he looked and sounded like an adult.
"I look at where I'm at now and where I was back then,'' he said the other day. "And I sure don't want to go back there. I'm a pro ballplayer now and I've got to separate myself from some people because I know some of them are bringing trouble.
"You're around people 17, 18 years, that's all you know. A lot of them aren't doing the right things, but they're the ones who supported you. But now I've got to keep them away. I can still talk to them, but they've got to know, if they're doing wrong, it's my face showing up in the newspapers, and it's me and the team that's getting embarrassed. It's like coach Cal (Memphis' John Calipari) used to say, 'Just smile and say, hey.' "
Who thinks to stop and ask passengers if they're carrying a stolen firearm?
Williams does.
Now, he does.
For so many professional athletes, there is a perplexing duality to their existence. They come from neighborhoods ravaged by drugs and violence and poverty, and they ascend to a life of great riches and privilege.
Where, then, do they belong? There is a fine line, an elusive line, between keeping it real and, as my friend Jason Whitlock likes to call it, "keeping it real stupid.'' Sometimes a young athlete has difficulty establishing that line of demarcation. Sometimes, there are mistakes in judgment.
That is not an excuse.
But an explanation.
Listen, I've never been comfortable with the notion that athletes from rough neighborhoods and unstable families should be held to a different standard of comportment. Right is right and wrong is wrong, whether you grow up in Carmel or Indy's Eastside. There is something to be said for what I've heard described as the "soft bigotry of lowered expectations.''
One of the finest athletes/people I've ever known is Laphonso Ellis, the former Notre Dame and NBA star. He grew up in gritty East St. Louis. There are scores of young men (and women, too) who have emerged from the harshest circumstances and become terrific human beings who give back to their old communities.
Now, having said that, we need to understand that when I go back to my old cushy New York suburb, I return to a different planet than does Williams or Artest or Jackson. I am generally not surrounded by drugs or guns or unemployment or random violence. I don't have to make hard choices about the company I keep.
"There was just so much stuff going on off the court, it was easy to make that left turn instead of the right,'' Williams said. "So many people coming around, unemployed, doing the wrong things. It's really hard to stay focused on what you've got to do to get out of there."
Well, now he's out. And he's got a taste for how quickly it can all go wrong. He's a kid and kids learn. Something tells me he already has.
Bob Kravitz is a columnist for The Indianapolis Star. Call him at (317) 444-6643 or e-mail bob.kravitz@indystar.com.
September 16, 2007
Bob Kravitz
Give Pacers' Williams a break -- this time
He's a kid.
Shawne Williams, the Pacers' properly repentant second-year player whose minor brush with the law created last week's now-annual pre-camp firestorm, is a kid.
A kid who has seen a lifetime's worth of terrible things, seen his older brother brought down by gunfire two years ago, seen too much of life's hardships in the South Memphis neighborhood where he grew up.
And that's the thing we've got to remember before he gets lumped in there with Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson and the other Pacers who've had brushes with the law.
Those are older players. They've had time to learn the delicate art of staying true to their roots while keeping trouble at arm's length. By now, they ought to know better.
For Williams, 21, who went pro after just his freshman year at the University of Memphis, this is all quite new. And he's been forced to learn lessons, tough lessons, that players from more stable, economically advantageous backgrounds never have to learn.
"I've always felt the hardest thing for these kids who grow up in tough neighborhoods is knowing when, where and how they can be with the people they grew up with,'' said Derek Kellogg, a University of Memphis assistant coach. "At some point, they've got to make that separation. And it's hard because those are the people who cared about you and knew you when you were young. Those are your friends. You don't want to leave those people behind, but it's hard being a millionaire and being out in a tough neighborhood.
"Because if you're not careful, those people can put you in a bad situation.''
Was that the case with Williams this past week?
Well, sort of.
Those were friends from his father's side of the family. Williams said Friday he was not aware of the presence of marijuana or a stolen gun in the car. It should be noted, the marijuana charge against Williams was dropped.
Whatever happened, it's not exactly the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby.
Let it go.
Seriously, let it go.
And understand, the Pacers handled it perfectly, the way they should have handled previous missteps by assorted players, quickly suspending him for three games. And Williams himself handled it like a pro, accepting responsibility, stepping out in front of the media Friday on his own accord.
He may be a kid, but Friday, he looked and sounded like an adult.
"I look at where I'm at now and where I was back then,'' he said the other day. "And I sure don't want to go back there. I'm a pro ballplayer now and I've got to separate myself from some people because I know some of them are bringing trouble.
"You're around people 17, 18 years, that's all you know. A lot of them aren't doing the right things, but they're the ones who supported you. But now I've got to keep them away. I can still talk to them, but they've got to know, if they're doing wrong, it's my face showing up in the newspapers, and it's me and the team that's getting embarrassed. It's like coach Cal (Memphis' John Calipari) used to say, 'Just smile and say, hey.' "
Who thinks to stop and ask passengers if they're carrying a stolen firearm?
Williams does.
Now, he does.
For so many professional athletes, there is a perplexing duality to their existence. They come from neighborhoods ravaged by drugs and violence and poverty, and they ascend to a life of great riches and privilege.
Where, then, do they belong? There is a fine line, an elusive line, between keeping it real and, as my friend Jason Whitlock likes to call it, "keeping it real stupid.'' Sometimes a young athlete has difficulty establishing that line of demarcation. Sometimes, there are mistakes in judgment.
That is not an excuse.
But an explanation.
Listen, I've never been comfortable with the notion that athletes from rough neighborhoods and unstable families should be held to a different standard of comportment. Right is right and wrong is wrong, whether you grow up in Carmel or Indy's Eastside. There is something to be said for what I've heard described as the "soft bigotry of lowered expectations.''
One of the finest athletes/people I've ever known is Laphonso Ellis, the former Notre Dame and NBA star. He grew up in gritty East St. Louis. There are scores of young men (and women, too) who have emerged from the harshest circumstances and become terrific human beings who give back to their old communities.
Now, having said that, we need to understand that when I go back to my old cushy New York suburb, I return to a different planet than does Williams or Artest or Jackson. I am generally not surrounded by drugs or guns or unemployment or random violence. I don't have to make hard choices about the company I keep.
"There was just so much stuff going on off the court, it was easy to make that left turn instead of the right,'' Williams said. "So many people coming around, unemployed, doing the wrong things. It's really hard to stay focused on what you've got to do to get out of there."
Well, now he's out. And he's got a taste for how quickly it can all go wrong. He's a kid and kids learn. Something tells me he already has.
Bob Kravitz is a columnist for The Indianapolis Star. Call him at (317) 444-6643 or e-mail bob.kravitz@indystar.com.
Coaches Clinic Draws Crowd
Coaches clinic draws crowd
By Dan Wolken
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Vance Walberg was standing in the lobby of the Grand Casino Resort convention center, talking about basketball and his surreal journey from anonymity to maharishi when he spotted a former rival coach from the California high school ranks.
They stopped and chatted for a few minutes, talking about common friends and old times in a comfortable moment that seemed to bring Walberg's rise to stardom full circle.
Just a few short years ago, Walberg would have been just as likely as his old friend to be among the roughly 400 coaches attending a clinic in Tunica, Miss., waiting to absorb words of wisdom from the likes of University of Memphis coach John Calipari, Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy and longtime NBA coach Del Harris.
And yet this weekend, there was Walberg, entering his second year as head coach at Pepperdine, co-starring with Calipari at the first adidas Mid-South Coaches Clinic and sharing his ideas with basketball icon Larry Brown during a 70-minute walk, which, with all due respect to his wife, might have been among the best 70 minutes of his life.
"It's weird," Walberg said. "Five years ago, I'm coaching high school. That's all I really ever wanted to coach. And then now the way this has evolved, it's kind of crazy."
Crazy, in many ways, is an understatement for what things have been like for Walberg ever since Calipari helped expose the country to the "Attack, Attack, Skip, Attack, Attack" offense by using it to win 66 games the past two seasons. Inundated by phone calls from coaches at all levels, Calipari put together the Tunica clinic this weekend, which is simply a larger version of what Walberg has done several times on the West Coast recently.
"Last year, we had 255, 260 coaches at my own clinic," Walberg said. "Then I do another clinic in Sacramento. I try to get two, three in the fall and two, three in the spring. The worst part is how many people call, e-mail and say, 'Hey, do you mind telling me about it?' And you just can't get it in a half-hour or an hour. It's going to take you -- kind of like what I did when I visited Cal -- you have to sit there for four, five, six days. For a lot of them, it's like a foreign language. Unless they really come and study it they're going to have a tough time."
And Walberg, who developed his system as a high school coach in Fresno, is clearly gaining admirers. Dozens of high schools in California, he said, have started to run his system, as well as four of the five highest-scoring junior college teams in the country last year.
Calipari, who calls his version of the offense the "Dribble-Drive Motion," envisions a similar kind of response in this region. Though coaches came to the clinic from as far away as Lebanon and Puerto Rico, the largest contingent was from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and other nearby states.
Walter McElroy and Kimberly Jenkins, who coach the boys and girls teams, respectively, at Valley Springs High School near Harrison, Ark., said they traveled to the clinic not necessarily to learn a new offense but to pick up a few techniques they can incorporate into their practices.
"We get a lot of drills; it will add some flavor to what we already do," Jenkins said.
"You always see stuff, and it looks real good when you're talking about Calipari and these guys," McElroy said. "You have to figure out if you can work it in with your kids at home."
The clinic also offered other basketball perspectives, including coaches like Eustachy, whose halfcourt offense at Southern Miss certainly doesn't mesh with Memphis' free-flowing style.
White Station coach Jesus Patino was among the first coaches to arrive at the clinic, pulling out a 10-year-old book authored by Harris, who was among the speakers Friday night.
"I want to get it signed," Patino said. "I read this book, underlined it and learned so much from it. It made my life so much easier. His mind is amazing; I finally get a chance to see him in person."
Though Calipari said he believes it's easier for a high school to run his offense, simply because it's not about calling set plays every time down the court, he admits that it requires a leap of faith.
"We're pretty conventional," Calipari told the clinic attendees in his opening remarks Friday night. "When you see (Walberg's) stuff, you're going to say, 'This guy is a psycho.'"
Though Calipari made the philosophical jump to Walberg's side three years ago, Walberg said he's always pushing Calipari to do a little more.
"He's 66-8 (the last two years)," Walberg said. "I wish he would play faster, but more important, I want him to get a couple guys that can just straight-out shoot. He loves those athletes; get a kid who isn't as good an athlete but just a shooter. That stretches that defense and makes the offense even more effective. But John, when we're together, I feel like we've been brothers forever."
By Dan Wolken
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Vance Walberg was standing in the lobby of the Grand Casino Resort convention center, talking about basketball and his surreal journey from anonymity to maharishi when he spotted a former rival coach from the California high school ranks.
They stopped and chatted for a few minutes, talking about common friends and old times in a comfortable moment that seemed to bring Walberg's rise to stardom full circle.
Just a few short years ago, Walberg would have been just as likely as his old friend to be among the roughly 400 coaches attending a clinic in Tunica, Miss., waiting to absorb words of wisdom from the likes of University of Memphis coach John Calipari, Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy and longtime NBA coach Del Harris.
And yet this weekend, there was Walberg, entering his second year as head coach at Pepperdine, co-starring with Calipari at the first adidas Mid-South Coaches Clinic and sharing his ideas with basketball icon Larry Brown during a 70-minute walk, which, with all due respect to his wife, might have been among the best 70 minutes of his life.
"It's weird," Walberg said. "Five years ago, I'm coaching high school. That's all I really ever wanted to coach. And then now the way this has evolved, it's kind of crazy."
Crazy, in many ways, is an understatement for what things have been like for Walberg ever since Calipari helped expose the country to the "Attack, Attack, Skip, Attack, Attack" offense by using it to win 66 games the past two seasons. Inundated by phone calls from coaches at all levels, Calipari put together the Tunica clinic this weekend, which is simply a larger version of what Walberg has done several times on the West Coast recently.
"Last year, we had 255, 260 coaches at my own clinic," Walberg said. "Then I do another clinic in Sacramento. I try to get two, three in the fall and two, three in the spring. The worst part is how many people call, e-mail and say, 'Hey, do you mind telling me about it?' And you just can't get it in a half-hour or an hour. It's going to take you -- kind of like what I did when I visited Cal -- you have to sit there for four, five, six days. For a lot of them, it's like a foreign language. Unless they really come and study it they're going to have a tough time."
And Walberg, who developed his system as a high school coach in Fresno, is clearly gaining admirers. Dozens of high schools in California, he said, have started to run his system, as well as four of the five highest-scoring junior college teams in the country last year.
Calipari, who calls his version of the offense the "Dribble-Drive Motion," envisions a similar kind of response in this region. Though coaches came to the clinic from as far away as Lebanon and Puerto Rico, the largest contingent was from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and other nearby states.
Walter McElroy and Kimberly Jenkins, who coach the boys and girls teams, respectively, at Valley Springs High School near Harrison, Ark., said they traveled to the clinic not necessarily to learn a new offense but to pick up a few techniques they can incorporate into their practices.
"We get a lot of drills; it will add some flavor to what we already do," Jenkins said.
"You always see stuff, and it looks real good when you're talking about Calipari and these guys," McElroy said. "You have to figure out if you can work it in with your kids at home."
The clinic also offered other basketball perspectives, including coaches like Eustachy, whose halfcourt offense at Southern Miss certainly doesn't mesh with Memphis' free-flowing style.
White Station coach Jesus Patino was among the first coaches to arrive at the clinic, pulling out a 10-year-old book authored by Harris, who was among the speakers Friday night.
"I want to get it signed," Patino said. "I read this book, underlined it and learned so much from it. It made my life so much easier. His mind is amazing; I finally get a chance to see him in person."
Though Calipari said he believes it's easier for a high school to run his offense, simply because it's not about calling set plays every time down the court, he admits that it requires a leap of faith.
"We're pretty conventional," Calipari told the clinic attendees in his opening remarks Friday night. "When you see (Walberg's) stuff, you're going to say, 'This guy is a psycho.'"
Though Calipari made the philosophical jump to Walberg's side three years ago, Walberg said he's always pushing Calipari to do a little more.
"He's 66-8 (the last two years)," Walberg said. "I wish he would play faster, but more important, I want him to get a couple guys that can just straight-out shoot. He loves those athletes; get a kid who isn't as good an athlete but just a shooter. That stretches that defense and makes the offense even more effective. But John, when we're together, I feel like we've been brothers forever."
ESPN's Jay Bilas' CUSA Projections
Here's how Jay Bilas expects C-USA to unfold this season:
1. Memphis
The Tigers have dominated this league since it broke apart and will not be challenged in 2008. With Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey and Derrick Rose, John Calipari has more talent than any two teams in C-USA, and he has the most talent in the nation. If Memphis makes free throws, forget it. The chances of Memphis finishing lower than first in C-USA are the same as Blutarsky's GPA: 0.0.
2. UAB
Mike Davis struggled with implementing his system in 2006-07, and UAB held the distinction of being a worse free-throw shooting team than Memphis. But, with quality returnees Paul Delaney and Lawrence Kinnard teaming with transfers Robert Vaden, Walter Sharpe and Channing Toney, the Blazers could finish as high as second.
3. Tulsa
Doug Wojcik has made Tulsa into a fine defensive unit and rebounding team, which led to 20 wins and a 9-7 C-USA finish last season. With 70 percent of the Golden Hurricane's scoring back, Wojcik can improve upon that if his developing players learn to protect the ball and increase efficiency.
4. Houston
One thing is certain about Houston: Tom Penders' team will score. High-scoring Rob McKiver returns, joined by Texas transfer Dion Dowell. If Houston ever gets down and really guards effectively without fouling, the Cougars could do some damage in C-USA.
5. Southern Miss
Larry Eustachy is starting to turn the culture around at Southern Miss, and the Golden Eagles have responded well to his mantra of defense and rebounding. The 2006-07 Southern Miss squad was so young it had its diapers changed at halftime, and this team will be young again but more talented. Jeremy Wise, who garnered second-team All-C-USA honors as a rookie, should lead the way.
6. UCF
Quick, who is the coach at UCF? If you said Kirk Speraw, who has been at the Knights' helm for 15 years, you would be correct -- and perhaps a member of the Speraw family. Speraw, who was the 2006-07 C-USA Coach of the Year, hardly is a household name in the college hoops world. The veteran coach has a solid team returning but not one that likely will put him in the spotlight this season. Jermaine Taylor, who has never started a game at UCF, will be the top scorer for the best shooting team in the league.
7. UTEP
Tony Barbee coaxed 14 wins out of his troops last season and should improve upon that number in 2007-08, but not by much. UTEP will be young, with six freshmen to support leading scorer and rebounder Stefon Jackson.
8. SMU
Matt Doherty had one of the bigger challenges in the nation in rebuilding the SMU program, but he has brought in a nationally rated recruiting class. The Ponies will be young but should be better. The future is bright in Dallas under Doherty.
9. Marshall
Former Florida assistant Donnie Jones takes over the Thundering Herd, and he has Markel Humphrey, a third team All C-USA selection, and Mark Dorris, a 6-2 shooting guard, to help him implement his new system. Marshall will run and press more, and should improve upon its 13-19 slate.
10. Tulane
Has any coach in America had it tougher than Dave Dickerson? He not only had to rebuild a struggling Tulane program, but he had to do it in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It is hard not to root for Tulane. And it's easy to recognize that Dickerson is one of the most courageous coaches in the country for the burden he has shouldered.
11. Rice
Willis Wilson lost top scorer, NBA first-rounder and C-USA Player of the Year Morris Almond, and with him went the focal point of the offense. Rice lost its top three scorers and returns only one player who averaged more than five points per game (Cory Pfleifer's 6.3 ppg).
12. East Carolina
Mack McCarthy takes over the Pirate program, and he might want to wear two eye patches when watching his team play. East Carolina has won only 14 games in the past two seasons, but it does return Darrell Jenkins, the Pirates' top scorer and the league's top assist man.
-- Jay Bilas
1. Memphis
The Tigers have dominated this league since it broke apart and will not be challenged in 2008. With Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey and Derrick Rose, John Calipari has more talent than any two teams in C-USA, and he has the most talent in the nation. If Memphis makes free throws, forget it. The chances of Memphis finishing lower than first in C-USA are the same as Blutarsky's GPA: 0.0.
2. UAB
Mike Davis struggled with implementing his system in 2006-07, and UAB held the distinction of being a worse free-throw shooting team than Memphis. But, with quality returnees Paul Delaney and Lawrence Kinnard teaming with transfers Robert Vaden, Walter Sharpe and Channing Toney, the Blazers could finish as high as second.
3. Tulsa
Doug Wojcik has made Tulsa into a fine defensive unit and rebounding team, which led to 20 wins and a 9-7 C-USA finish last season. With 70 percent of the Golden Hurricane's scoring back, Wojcik can improve upon that if his developing players learn to protect the ball and increase efficiency.
4. Houston
One thing is certain about Houston: Tom Penders' team will score. High-scoring Rob McKiver returns, joined by Texas transfer Dion Dowell. If Houston ever gets down and really guards effectively without fouling, the Cougars could do some damage in C-USA.
5. Southern Miss
Larry Eustachy is starting to turn the culture around at Southern Miss, and the Golden Eagles have responded well to his mantra of defense and rebounding. The 2006-07 Southern Miss squad was so young it had its diapers changed at halftime, and this team will be young again but more talented. Jeremy Wise, who garnered second-team All-C-USA honors as a rookie, should lead the way.
6. UCF
Quick, who is the coach at UCF? If you said Kirk Speraw, who has been at the Knights' helm for 15 years, you would be correct -- and perhaps a member of the Speraw family. Speraw, who was the 2006-07 C-USA Coach of the Year, hardly is a household name in the college hoops world. The veteran coach has a solid team returning but not one that likely will put him in the spotlight this season. Jermaine Taylor, who has never started a game at UCF, will be the top scorer for the best shooting team in the league.
7. UTEP
Tony Barbee coaxed 14 wins out of his troops last season and should improve upon that number in 2007-08, but not by much. UTEP will be young, with six freshmen to support leading scorer and rebounder Stefon Jackson.
8. SMU
Matt Doherty had one of the bigger challenges in the nation in rebuilding the SMU program, but he has brought in a nationally rated recruiting class. The Ponies will be young but should be better. The future is bright in Dallas under Doherty.
9. Marshall
Former Florida assistant Donnie Jones takes over the Thundering Herd, and he has Markel Humphrey, a third team All C-USA selection, and Mark Dorris, a 6-2 shooting guard, to help him implement his new system. Marshall will run and press more, and should improve upon its 13-19 slate.
10. Tulane
Has any coach in America had it tougher than Dave Dickerson? He not only had to rebuild a struggling Tulane program, but he had to do it in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It is hard not to root for Tulane. And it's easy to recognize that Dickerson is one of the most courageous coaches in the country for the burden he has shouldered.
11. Rice
Willis Wilson lost top scorer, NBA first-rounder and C-USA Player of the Year Morris Almond, and with him went the focal point of the offense. Rice lost its top three scorers and returns only one player who averaged more than five points per game (Cory Pfleifer's 6.3 ppg).
12. East Carolina
Mack McCarthy takes over the Pirate program, and he might want to wear two eye patches when watching his team play. East Carolina has won only 14 games in the past two seasons, but it does return Darrell Jenkins, the Pirates' top scorer and the league's top assist man.
-- Jay Bilas
More From ESPN.com on CUSA
More From ESPN.com on CUSA
East Carolina
The good news for Mack McCarthy? The Pirates can't possibly sink any lower. Long the doormat in the conference, ECU might have reached new depths of misery in Ricky Stokes' final year. The Pirates won just six games -- and half of those were against Division II opponents. They lost to Richmond. They scored only 59.3 points per game, 314th out of 325 ranked teams. McCarthy has some more good news in that Sam Hinnant, a conference all-rookie selection two seasons ago, is back, after playing only 14 games last season because of a leg injury.
Houston
Losing Lanny Smith after four games, Tom Penders once argued, was akin to the football team losing quarterback Kevin Kolb. A savvy playmaker, Smith gave his coach a scare this summer when he twisted his ankle. "He's fine, but we put him in a boot," Penders said. "He's the type of kid, if you don't put him in a cast or a boot, he'll be out there till midnight." Losing Smith would be particularly bad this season, when Houston seems to have the tools to complete Penders' reclamation project. Seton Hall transfer Marcus Cousin adds bulk inside, and a talented rookie class, highlighted by New York point guard Zamal Nixon and two-guard Brockeith Pane, gives the Cougars the sort of depth to maybe turn the corner for good.
Marshall
Thundering Herd faithful are hoping some of Billy Donovan's pixie dust was sprinkled on Donnie Jones. The school reached out to the Donovan protégé, hiring the Florida assistant to replace Ron Jirsa. Now, Jones will have to pull a point guard out of his hat. Chris Ross is gone, and Marshall really doesn't have a true floor leader. Darryl Merthie did little to make anyone confident he could be the guy, struggling with turnovers when he subbed for Ross. The Herd also lost forwards Travis Aikens and Tre Whitted, putting a lot on Markel Humphrey's shoulders. Humphrey put up impressive numbers last year -- 14 points and 6.5 rebounds -- but one guy can't resurrect a team that hasn't had a winning conference record since 2001 (and the Herd was in the MAC then).
Memphis
There is a reason the Tigers are virtually everyone's preseason No. 1 team. Well, actually, lots of reasons. Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey and Derrick Rose, to name a few. Memphis is loaded, with enough talent to field an NBA team. Last March, the Tigers went to the Elite Eight. And now, they've added Rose, the No. 1 or No. 1A freshman (depending on whom you ask) in the country. If you really, truly need to find a weakness in John Calipari's squad, look at the free-throw line. The Tigers hit just 61 percent from the charity stripe last season.
Rice
Stumbling down the stretch with five losses in its six final regular-season games, Rice still managed to finish a respectable 16-16. Only that was with Morris Almond, the C-USA Player of the Year, who averaged 26.9 points per game. With Almond gone, along with point guard Lorenzo Williams and center Greg Killings, coach Willis Wilson is going to have to search for his offense. No returning player averaged more than 6.3 points per game. But at least the Owls will play in a nicer building. Autry Court, of which Wilson once said, "It's like going to work in a slum," is getting a much-needed facelift.
SMU
Two years into his new gig, Matt Doherty has lost four starters from a team that mustered just a 3-13 finish. Bamba Fall, sidelined with a finger injury for part of the season, and Derrick Roberts, bothered by knee pain, are back. But it is Doherty's first recruiting class that will need to grow up in a hurry. The guys who are coming in are his guys. Rookies Ryan Harp, Alex Malone and Robert Nyakundi, all of Texas, New Yorker Papa Dia and Iowa City's Mike Walker really are the linchpins for the Mustangs' immediate and future success.
Southern Miss
The Golden Eagles weren't pretty, but they were effective. Ugly-ing up the game with serious defense, Larry Eustachy turned a 10-21 team into a 20-11 one. Southern Miss ranked 38th nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 62.4 points per game, and 24th in field-goal percent defense, holding opponents to 40 percent from the floor. Four newcomers started every game last season for a Southern Miss team that was the second-youngest in Division I. And that can only mean one thing: experience. Jeremy Wise, the C-USA Rookie of the Year, highlights the newbies who now are automatic veterans for a team that could make the postseason.
Tulane
Given everything he's had to deal with, Dave Dickerson ought to be coach of the year. The Green Wave finished 17-13, its first winning record since 2003. He has reason for more optimism this season. Though long-distance threat Chris Moore is gone, forward David Gomez (13.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) returns, and the inside tandem of Robinson Louisme and Donnie Stith makes going in the paint against the Green Wave a nightmare. The tandem helped Tulane lead the league in blocked shots, averaging 6.25 per game.
Tulsa
Another potential sleeper team, the Golden Hurricane, won 20 games last season despite a serious youth movement. Four talented freshmen and all but two of the part-time starters are back, including Ben Uzoh (9.9 ppg, 5 rpg) and Rod Earls (11.2 ppg). Tulsa didn't do well taking care of the ball, averaging 16.3 turnovers per game, but that very well could have been just a sign of youth. If Doug Wojcik's colts can grow up, the Golden Hurricane could surprise some people.
UAB
After three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, UAB fans weren't exactly pleased with Mike Davis' inaugural 15-16 run. Patience, Davis preached; he was changing the team's style. Plus, he knew what was on his bench: transfers Robert Vaden (Indiana), Channing Toney (Georgia) and Walter Sharpe (Mississippi State), who should make big noise this season. Davis also has an incoming class that already was ranked ninth in the country before 7-footer Zisis Sarikopoulos signed. Last season, it was all Paul Delaney all the time, despite facing double teams for most of season. And that was with Delaney playing the point. Now, with Aaron Johnson directing the show, Delaney should be a more comfortable two-guard, and with additional help, shouldn't be the sole focus of opposing defenses.
Central Florida
The sleeper of the conference only two years after jumping from the Atlantic Sun, Kirk Speraw's crew returns eight of the top 10 scorers from a 22-9 team that still is fuming over its NIT slight. Point guard Jermaine Taylor (10.3 ppg, 3.7 apg) is the best of the bunch, but equally bright news comes from Dave Noel. Once a defensive specialist, he upped his offensive production to 9.1 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. Should the Knights make the postseason this March, they will have earned it, after dealing with a brutal schedule that includes Villanova, Connecticut, Ole Miss and Nevada.
UTEP
Tony Barbee should get a mulligan on his first season. Inheriting the job after Doc Sadler bolted for Nebraska in August 2006, Barbee was in a mad dash to get anything done. Not surprisingly, UTEP suffered its first losing season since 2003. His job isn't much easier this season. In May, Barbee dismissed four players from the team, including Maurice Thomas, the team's most productive big man, and Malik Alvin, a sometimes starting point guard. How well the Miners respond depends on how quickly six new freshmen figure things out, particularly big man Manuel Cass. UTEP was manhandled inside last season, and with Thomas gone, it's up to Cass and junior college transfer Tavaris Watts to get good fast.
-- Dana O'Neil
East Carolina
The good news for Mack McCarthy? The Pirates can't possibly sink any lower. Long the doormat in the conference, ECU might have reached new depths of misery in Ricky Stokes' final year. The Pirates won just six games -- and half of those were against Division II opponents. They lost to Richmond. They scored only 59.3 points per game, 314th out of 325 ranked teams. McCarthy has some more good news in that Sam Hinnant, a conference all-rookie selection two seasons ago, is back, after playing only 14 games last season because of a leg injury.
Houston
Losing Lanny Smith after four games, Tom Penders once argued, was akin to the football team losing quarterback Kevin Kolb. A savvy playmaker, Smith gave his coach a scare this summer when he twisted his ankle. "He's fine, but we put him in a boot," Penders said. "He's the type of kid, if you don't put him in a cast or a boot, he'll be out there till midnight." Losing Smith would be particularly bad this season, when Houston seems to have the tools to complete Penders' reclamation project. Seton Hall transfer Marcus Cousin adds bulk inside, and a talented rookie class, highlighted by New York point guard Zamal Nixon and two-guard Brockeith Pane, gives the Cougars the sort of depth to maybe turn the corner for good.
Marshall
Thundering Herd faithful are hoping some of Billy Donovan's pixie dust was sprinkled on Donnie Jones. The school reached out to the Donovan protégé, hiring the Florida assistant to replace Ron Jirsa. Now, Jones will have to pull a point guard out of his hat. Chris Ross is gone, and Marshall really doesn't have a true floor leader. Darryl Merthie did little to make anyone confident he could be the guy, struggling with turnovers when he subbed for Ross. The Herd also lost forwards Travis Aikens and Tre Whitted, putting a lot on Markel Humphrey's shoulders. Humphrey put up impressive numbers last year -- 14 points and 6.5 rebounds -- but one guy can't resurrect a team that hasn't had a winning conference record since 2001 (and the Herd was in the MAC then).
Memphis
There is a reason the Tigers are virtually everyone's preseason No. 1 team. Well, actually, lots of reasons. Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey and Derrick Rose, to name a few. Memphis is loaded, with enough talent to field an NBA team. Last March, the Tigers went to the Elite Eight. And now, they've added Rose, the No. 1 or No. 1A freshman (depending on whom you ask) in the country. If you really, truly need to find a weakness in John Calipari's squad, look at the free-throw line. The Tigers hit just 61 percent from the charity stripe last season.
Rice
Stumbling down the stretch with five losses in its six final regular-season games, Rice still managed to finish a respectable 16-16. Only that was with Morris Almond, the C-USA Player of the Year, who averaged 26.9 points per game. With Almond gone, along with point guard Lorenzo Williams and center Greg Killings, coach Willis Wilson is going to have to search for his offense. No returning player averaged more than 6.3 points per game. But at least the Owls will play in a nicer building. Autry Court, of which Wilson once said, "It's like going to work in a slum," is getting a much-needed facelift.
SMU
Two years into his new gig, Matt Doherty has lost four starters from a team that mustered just a 3-13 finish. Bamba Fall, sidelined with a finger injury for part of the season, and Derrick Roberts, bothered by knee pain, are back. But it is Doherty's first recruiting class that will need to grow up in a hurry. The guys who are coming in are his guys. Rookies Ryan Harp, Alex Malone and Robert Nyakundi, all of Texas, New Yorker Papa Dia and Iowa City's Mike Walker really are the linchpins for the Mustangs' immediate and future success.
Southern Miss
The Golden Eagles weren't pretty, but they were effective. Ugly-ing up the game with serious defense, Larry Eustachy turned a 10-21 team into a 20-11 one. Southern Miss ranked 38th nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 62.4 points per game, and 24th in field-goal percent defense, holding opponents to 40 percent from the floor. Four newcomers started every game last season for a Southern Miss team that was the second-youngest in Division I. And that can only mean one thing: experience. Jeremy Wise, the C-USA Rookie of the Year, highlights the newbies who now are automatic veterans for a team that could make the postseason.
Tulane
Given everything he's had to deal with, Dave Dickerson ought to be coach of the year. The Green Wave finished 17-13, its first winning record since 2003. He has reason for more optimism this season. Though long-distance threat Chris Moore is gone, forward David Gomez (13.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) returns, and the inside tandem of Robinson Louisme and Donnie Stith makes going in the paint against the Green Wave a nightmare. The tandem helped Tulane lead the league in blocked shots, averaging 6.25 per game.
Tulsa
Another potential sleeper team, the Golden Hurricane, won 20 games last season despite a serious youth movement. Four talented freshmen and all but two of the part-time starters are back, including Ben Uzoh (9.9 ppg, 5 rpg) and Rod Earls (11.2 ppg). Tulsa didn't do well taking care of the ball, averaging 16.3 turnovers per game, but that very well could have been just a sign of youth. If Doug Wojcik's colts can grow up, the Golden Hurricane could surprise some people.
UAB
After three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, UAB fans weren't exactly pleased with Mike Davis' inaugural 15-16 run. Patience, Davis preached; he was changing the team's style. Plus, he knew what was on his bench: transfers Robert Vaden (Indiana), Channing Toney (Georgia) and Walter Sharpe (Mississippi State), who should make big noise this season. Davis also has an incoming class that already was ranked ninth in the country before 7-footer Zisis Sarikopoulos signed. Last season, it was all Paul Delaney all the time, despite facing double teams for most of season. And that was with Delaney playing the point. Now, with Aaron Johnson directing the show, Delaney should be a more comfortable two-guard, and with additional help, shouldn't be the sole focus of opposing defenses.
Central Florida
The sleeper of the conference only two years after jumping from the Atlantic Sun, Kirk Speraw's crew returns eight of the top 10 scorers from a 22-9 team that still is fuming over its NIT slight. Point guard Jermaine Taylor (10.3 ppg, 3.7 apg) is the best of the bunch, but equally bright news comes from Dave Noel. Once a defensive specialist, he upped his offensive production to 9.1 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. Should the Knights make the postseason this March, they will have earned it, after dealing with a brutal schedule that includes Villanova, Connecticut, Ole Miss and Nevada.
UTEP
Tony Barbee should get a mulligan on his first season. Inheriting the job after Doc Sadler bolted for Nebraska in August 2006, Barbee was in a mad dash to get anything done. Not surprisingly, UTEP suffered its first losing season since 2003. His job isn't much easier this season. In May, Barbee dismissed four players from the team, including Maurice Thomas, the team's most productive big man, and Malik Alvin, a sometimes starting point guard. How well the Miners respond depends on how quickly six new freshmen figure things out, particularly big man Manuel Cass. UTEP was manhandled inside last season, and with Thomas gone, it's up to Cass and junior college transfer Tavaris Watts to get good fast.
-- Dana O'Neil
From ESPN.com - Memphis sets the pace in C-USA
Memphis sets the pace in C-USA
ESPN.com
That was the consensus on the University of Memphis when Louisville, Cincinnati, South Florida, Marquette and DePaul packed up their toys for the Big East, and Charlotte and St. Louis bolted for the Atlantic 10. Most people presumed the Tigers, left with no one to play with, would fade into the basketball backdrop.
Instead, Memphis not only has lifted itself into a possible preseason No. 1 perch, it has pulled its entire conference along with it. Conference USA, tagged when the league broke up in 2005 as a one-bid league for eternity, is on the verge of becoming a multi-bid league again.
And it can thank the would-be basketball orphan Tigers.
"Having them out there as a Final Four-type team, that gives us credibility," Houston coach Tom Penders said. "We all want to catch up with Memphis. You need to have a target team in the league; I don't care who you are. When Syracuse and Connecticut aren't good, that hurts the Big East. We need Memphis to be good, and they've been great."
It's easy to say now that there were no worries.
But there were worries. In its heyday, C-USA earned six bids to the NCAA Tournament, with a surplus of excellence that put it right among the big boys. Louisville, Cincinnati and Marquette regularly accounted for those bids.
Without those schools, there was a whole lot of Memphis, a sprinkle of Alabama-Birmingham and not much else.
"I was a little worried," admitted Memphis senior Joey Dorsey, who was a sophomore when the league fell apart.
John Calipari insists he wasn't. He dug into his coaching bag and pulled out the UMass model, figuring his Tigers, like his Minutemen, were going to have go outside the league to get their worth. He scheduled national opponents; recruited players here, there and everywhere; and argued that it's better to be the top dog than mixed in with a pack of similar pedigrees.
In the three seasons since things supposedly fell apart, Calipari's squads have been to the Elite Eight twice, and this season's team boasts talent that the Memphis Grizzlies would envy.
"Two things I considered," Calipari said. "The conference gives you the schedule for January and February. What you do with the rest of it is up to you. That's number one. Second, kids don't care. Ask them about the league, and what's the only league they care about? The league. They want to know if you can prepare them to go to the NBA."
But what's more important is that while Calipari has helped the league tread water, the other teams have started to catch up. The average RPI for C-USA members is moving in the right direction: 148 this season, up from 169 the previous season.
Realizing the sink-or-swim reality of college hoops, schools are starting to pony up the cash to make things happen. This season, Central Florida is getting a new arena, SMU is debuting a new practice facility and Rice is sprucing up its gym.
"The league sagged a little bit when everyone left," said acting East Carolina coach Mack McCarthy, whose program has owned the conference basement. "But the teams that have come in all have made a strong commitment to being nationally competitive. Teams are spending; schools are giving you the resources. There's no question that, sitting here today at East Carolina, we know that we have all the resources that we need to be competitive in this league."
No question there still is tons to be done. Central Florida, Southern Miss and Tulsa all won 20 games last season, but none won 20 of the right games, and they were left out of the Selection Sunday fun.
To truly declare itself rejuvenated and reborn, C-USA needs to give Memphis some Madness company.
"This league is headed strongly in the right direction," Penders said. "It's a good basketball league. We may never get six teams in the way we did before, but the league makes sense now. We all have a lot of commonalities; rivalries are forming. We're on our way again."
-- Dana O'Neil
Dana O'Neil is a reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News. She can be reached at dgoneil@msn.com.
ESPN.com
That was the consensus on the University of Memphis when Louisville, Cincinnati, South Florida, Marquette and DePaul packed up their toys for the Big East, and Charlotte and St. Louis bolted for the Atlantic 10. Most people presumed the Tigers, left with no one to play with, would fade into the basketball backdrop.
Instead, Memphis not only has lifted itself into a possible preseason No. 1 perch, it has pulled its entire conference along with it. Conference USA, tagged when the league broke up in 2005 as a one-bid league for eternity, is on the verge of becoming a multi-bid league again.
And it can thank the would-be basketball orphan Tigers.
"Having them out there as a Final Four-type team, that gives us credibility," Houston coach Tom Penders said. "We all want to catch up with Memphis. You need to have a target team in the league; I don't care who you are. When Syracuse and Connecticut aren't good, that hurts the Big East. We need Memphis to be good, and they've been great."
It's easy to say now that there were no worries.
But there were worries. In its heyday, C-USA earned six bids to the NCAA Tournament, with a surplus of excellence that put it right among the big boys. Louisville, Cincinnati and Marquette regularly accounted for those bids.
Without those schools, there was a whole lot of Memphis, a sprinkle of Alabama-Birmingham and not much else.
"I was a little worried," admitted Memphis senior Joey Dorsey, who was a sophomore when the league fell apart.
John Calipari insists he wasn't. He dug into his coaching bag and pulled out the UMass model, figuring his Tigers, like his Minutemen, were going to have go outside the league to get their worth. He scheduled national opponents; recruited players here, there and everywhere; and argued that it's better to be the top dog than mixed in with a pack of similar pedigrees.
In the three seasons since things supposedly fell apart, Calipari's squads have been to the Elite Eight twice, and this season's team boasts talent that the Memphis Grizzlies would envy.
"Two things I considered," Calipari said. "The conference gives you the schedule for January and February. What you do with the rest of it is up to you. That's number one. Second, kids don't care. Ask them about the league, and what's the only league they care about? The league. They want to know if you can prepare them to go to the NBA."
But what's more important is that while Calipari has helped the league tread water, the other teams have started to catch up. The average RPI for C-USA members is moving in the right direction: 148 this season, up from 169 the previous season.
Realizing the sink-or-swim reality of college hoops, schools are starting to pony up the cash to make things happen. This season, Central Florida is getting a new arena, SMU is debuting a new practice facility and Rice is sprucing up its gym.
"The league sagged a little bit when everyone left," said acting East Carolina coach Mack McCarthy, whose program has owned the conference basement. "But the teams that have come in all have made a strong commitment to being nationally competitive. Teams are spending; schools are giving you the resources. There's no question that, sitting here today at East Carolina, we know that we have all the resources that we need to be competitive in this league."
No question there still is tons to be done. Central Florida, Southern Miss and Tulsa all won 20 games last season, but none won 20 of the right games, and they were left out of the Selection Sunday fun.
To truly declare itself rejuvenated and reborn, C-USA needs to give Memphis some Madness company.
"This league is headed strongly in the right direction," Penders said. "It's a good basketball league. We may never get six teams in the way we did before, but the league makes sense now. We all have a lot of commonalities; rivalries are forming. We're on our way again."
-- Dana O'Neil
Dana O'Neil is a reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News. She can be reached at dgoneil@msn.com.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
From Fox Sports - On Why The Morris Twins Mights Have Snubbed The Tigers
From Fox Sports
College Hoop Blog: Good 'N Plenty
by: goodmanonfox
DIVORCE FINAL
The on-again, off-again soap opera between the Morris Twins and Memphis is over.
Marcus and Markieff Morris, a pair of forwards out of Philadelphia who will attend Apex Academies this season, have decided to re-open their recruitment for the second time.
``We didn’t want to go somewhere that we’re not 100 percent sure about,” Marcus Morris told FOXSports.com on Sunday night. ``It wasn’t anything specific.”
Maybe not, but all you have to do is look at their former high school coach, Dan Brinkley at Prep Charter, to find out why the twins didn’t stand true to their pledge to John Calipari and the Tigers.
Brinkley was adamant that his kids weren’t going to play for Calipari – even though Marcus denied that fact to FOXSports.com.
There’s a reason that Marcus and Markieff wound up at Apex Academies with a bunch of no-name Division 1 hopefuls. Apex is local and Brinkley wanted to retain as much control over the decision-making process as possible.
College Hoop Blog: Good 'N Plenty
by: goodmanonfox
DIVORCE FINAL
The on-again, off-again soap opera between the Morris Twins and Memphis is over.
Marcus and Markieff Morris, a pair of forwards out of Philadelphia who will attend Apex Academies this season, have decided to re-open their recruitment for the second time.
``We didn’t want to go somewhere that we’re not 100 percent sure about,” Marcus Morris told FOXSports.com on Sunday night. ``It wasn’t anything specific.”
Maybe not, but all you have to do is look at their former high school coach, Dan Brinkley at Prep Charter, to find out why the twins didn’t stand true to their pledge to John Calipari and the Tigers.
Brinkley was adamant that his kids weren’t going to play for Calipari – even though Marcus denied that fact to FOXSports.com.
There’s a reason that Marcus and Markieff wound up at Apex Academies with a bunch of no-name Division 1 hopefuls. Apex is local and Brinkley wanted to retain as much control over the decision-making process as possible.
Tigers Talking With Tyreke Evans
Tigers talking to Evans
Posted by Dan Wolken
According to Adam Zagoria of the Herald News in New Jersey, John Calipari had an in-home visit with Tyreke Evans yesterday. Evans, who is probably a one-and-done type player, is ranked No. 6 by Rivals.com in the class of 2008. Louisville and Villanova have been perceived as Evans’ top two choices for awhile, but people began mentioning Memphis as a strong contender once this article in GQ detailed Evans’ relationship with William Wesley. Evans is scheduled to visit Memphis in November.
Evans will probably be the key to whether Memphis lands a top-10 recruiting class or not. Though St. George’s guard Elliot Williams is visiting in October and has kept his intentions very close to the vest, most people in town believe he will not end up with the Tigers. Beyond Williams and Evans, there probably isn’t an elite guard out there for Memphis. Though there is a next tier of players Memphis could look at, it’s very possible John Calipari will simply move on to 2009 if they miss on both players.
Whatever happens with the guard situation, my suspicion is the Tigers will certainly sign another frontcourt player after losing the Morris twins. Wesley Witherspoon would certainly be a nice recovery. Since the twins were obviously never going to come to Memphis in the same recruiting class with Angel Garcia, you have to think of the 2008 class in terms of Garcia and (Witherspoon or ??) vs. Morris and Morris. That’s the choice Memphis had to make. We’ll see how it plays out in the coming months.
Posted Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Posted by Dan Wolken
According to Adam Zagoria of the Herald News in New Jersey, John Calipari had an in-home visit with Tyreke Evans yesterday. Evans, who is probably a one-and-done type player, is ranked No. 6 by Rivals.com in the class of 2008. Louisville and Villanova have been perceived as Evans’ top two choices for awhile, but people began mentioning Memphis as a strong contender once this article in GQ detailed Evans’ relationship with William Wesley. Evans is scheduled to visit Memphis in November.
Evans will probably be the key to whether Memphis lands a top-10 recruiting class or not. Though St. George’s guard Elliot Williams is visiting in October and has kept his intentions very close to the vest, most people in town believe he will not end up with the Tigers. Beyond Williams and Evans, there probably isn’t an elite guard out there for Memphis. Though there is a next tier of players Memphis could look at, it’s very possible John Calipari will simply move on to 2009 if they miss on both players.
Whatever happens with the guard situation, my suspicion is the Tigers will certainly sign another frontcourt player after losing the Morris twins. Wesley Witherspoon would certainly be a nice recovery. Since the twins were obviously never going to come to Memphis in the same recruiting class with Angel Garcia, you have to think of the 2008 class in terms of Garcia and (Witherspoon or ??) vs. Morris and Morris. That’s the choice Memphis had to make. We’ll see how it plays out in the coming months.
Posted Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
From Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News - Tightening Up In Memphis
Inside Dish: Tightening up in Memphis
Posted: September 10, 2007
Memphis coach John Calipari ordered players to stay away from nightclubs after center Shawn Taggart and guard Jeff Robinson were arrested following a Labor Day weekend altercation.
Fortunately for the Tigers, good things are happening on the court. Calipari has been impressed with small forward Chris Douglas-Roberts and guard Willie Kemp. Calipari also is pleased with how attentive freshman point guard Derrick Rose, one of the nation's top recruits, has been during skill sessions. But Rose must become more aggressive looking for his shot. He looks to pass at every opportunity, and the offense won't work if players decline open layups. . . .
Posted: September 10, 2007
Memphis coach John Calipari ordered players to stay away from nightclubs after center Shawn Taggart and guard Jeff Robinson were arrested following a Labor Day weekend altercation.
Fortunately for the Tigers, good things are happening on the court. Calipari has been impressed with small forward Chris Douglas-Roberts and guard Willie Kemp. Calipari also is pleased with how attentive freshman point guard Derrick Rose, one of the nation's top recruits, has been during skill sessions. But Rose must become more aggressive looking for his shot. He looks to pass at every opportunity, and the offense won't work if players decline open layups. . . .
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Former Tiger and Current Indiana Pacer Shawne Williams Arrested for Drug Possession (Nice Job Shawne, Way to Screw Up a Good Thing)
Indystar.com
Police statement on Williams arrest
“Early this morning, September 11th, at approximately 12:45 a.m., IMPD Officer Danny Reynolds, was patrolling the area of W 29th Street and Martin Luther King Drive, when he observed a 2007 black Cadillac with expired Tennessee license plates commit a traffic infraction.
“He activated his emergency equipment and the vehicle continued through the light, turning eastbound and later stopped in the 800 block of W 29th Street.
“As Officer Reynolds approached the driver’s window, which was already rolled down, he could smell a strong odor of burnt marijuana. He asked the driver, Shawne Williams, for his license. Williams produced a Tennessee identification card, not having a license to operate the vehicle.
”He was asked if there were any weapons in the car, which Williams answered there were not.
“All of the windows were extremely darkly tinted, so Officer Reynolds requested Williams to roll down the back window for the officer’s safety. Upon doing so, Officer Reynolds was able to see a handle of a handgun sticking out of a pocket in the rear seat of the vehicle.
“The rear seat passenger, Roderick Helton, a 32 year old male, tried to cover the gun with his knees, but Officer Reynolds told Helton to place his hands on his head and Reynolds recovered the weapon.
“Officer Laura Smith had arrived as back up and during the course of the traffic stop, saw in plain view in the front seat ash tray, a blunt, which is what appears to be a cigar containing marijuana.
“Williams stated he did not know the marijuana was in the vehicle even though the odor was easily detected by the officer from outside the vehicle. Williams also stated he did not know there was a weapon in his vehicle.
“The vehicle is registered to Williams and was towed from the scene.
“The front seat passenger, Roosevelt Rollins, a 21 year old male, stated the marijuana was his and was told to by Williams to “shut up.”
“A check on the weapon found in the back seat area, showed the gun was stolen in March of 2006 out of Collierville, TN.
“Williams was arrested for Possession of Marijuana less than 30 grams, A Misdemeanor, Operating Vehicle Never Received License, C Misdemeanor and issued citations for Operating Vehicle With Expired Places and Failure to use Turn Signal During Lane Change.
“Roosevelt Williams was arrested for Possession of Marijuana less than 30 grams, A Misdemeanor and Roderick Helton was arrested for Possession of Handgun, no License, A Misdemeanor and Theft Receiving Stolen Property, D Felony.
“All were transported to APC. Attached is mug shot of Williams. Mug shots of Helton and Rollins are not yet available.”
(Statement released by Indianapolis Metro Police)
Article on Rebounders Party (aka Upper Tier Ticket drive) at John Calipari's House
If it will help team, Calipari's all for it
By Geoff Calkins
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A couple months ago, Harold Byrd -- the new president of the Rebounders, the Memphis basketball booster club -- was trying to think of a way to sell more tickets to FedExForum.
"I decided the best thing to do was to have a big, fun gathering," Byrd said. "But I didn't know where to do it."
Byrd ran this idea past Memphis basketball coach John Calipari.
"Why don't we have it at my house?" Calipari said.
Uh, because college basketball coaches don't do that sort of thing?
Because most coaches hesitate to have their players over to their house, never mind regular, every-day fans?
Calipari is not most coaches. So it was that Monday evening at 5:30 p.m., several hundred Memphis fans descended on the big peach house on East Galloway to buy tickets, dodge raindrops and eat ribs.
And if last week's brawl at the Plush Club showed the program at its worst, Monday night's gathering at Calipari's showed the program at its best.
Open. Creative. Willing to try anything to help the team, the university or the town.
"I can tell you I never was invited to my coaches' homes," said former Tiger Hank McDowell, who played for Memphis under Dana Kirk and Wayne Yates. "And I was here last Saturday, too."
Turns out Calipari invited a bunch of former Memphis players to watch the team scrimmage last Saturday morning and then gather at his house.
Simultaneously -- and maybe this is the time to applaud John's wife, Ellen -- the Caliparis invited 200 or so members of the student group the Blue Crew to come over for a pool party.
That's three gatherings in three days. One of which deteriorated pretty quickly.
"We had the players throwing the Blue Crew guys in the pool," Calipari said. "And we had the Blue Crew guys throwing the players in the pool. It was hilarious. It was great. It was what the whole thing is supposed to be about."
And so the question, inevitably, becomes: How to square all this innocent merriment with the ugly scene on Beale Street a week ago? Is the program the pool party or the Plush Club?
The answer: It's both, of course.
There is no good Calipari or bad Calipari. There is only the Calipari who exhausts all his energy and creativity to make the program a success.
Sometimes that means recruiting players other schools wouldn't touch. Sometimes that means letting fans and boosters track mud all over his wood floors.
"He's the best coach in America," said Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson.
Or the most fascinating, anyway.
What other coach has political fund-raisers? What other coach would bother to get involved?
"If I'm convinced they're good for the city, I'll do it," said Calipari.
What other coach even talks like that?
But there he was Monday evening, shaking hands and posing for pictures with any and all.
At one point, he took the microphone to welcome the crowd.
"I know there's alcohol here," he said. "But I gave the players a pass."
Har.
That was a reference to the recent nastiness, see? The players are no longer allowed to go to clubs or bars.
"But there's still a curfew!" he said.
Everyone laughed at that. So then they could even feel good about the bad stuff. Calipari had made it safe to joke about.
The man isn't just a basketball coach. He's a force of nature, a genius with a common touch.
"Our house is open," he said, to the group. "But please, wipe your feet."
To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com
By Geoff Calkins
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A couple months ago, Harold Byrd -- the new president of the Rebounders, the Memphis basketball booster club -- was trying to think of a way to sell more tickets to FedExForum.
"I decided the best thing to do was to have a big, fun gathering," Byrd said. "But I didn't know where to do it."
Byrd ran this idea past Memphis basketball coach John Calipari.
"Why don't we have it at my house?" Calipari said.
Uh, because college basketball coaches don't do that sort of thing?
Because most coaches hesitate to have their players over to their house, never mind regular, every-day fans?
Calipari is not most coaches. So it was that Monday evening at 5:30 p.m., several hundred Memphis fans descended on the big peach house on East Galloway to buy tickets, dodge raindrops and eat ribs.
And if last week's brawl at the Plush Club showed the program at its worst, Monday night's gathering at Calipari's showed the program at its best.
Open. Creative. Willing to try anything to help the team, the university or the town.
"I can tell you I never was invited to my coaches' homes," said former Tiger Hank McDowell, who played for Memphis under Dana Kirk and Wayne Yates. "And I was here last Saturday, too."
Turns out Calipari invited a bunch of former Memphis players to watch the team scrimmage last Saturday morning and then gather at his house.
Simultaneously -- and maybe this is the time to applaud John's wife, Ellen -- the Caliparis invited 200 or so members of the student group the Blue Crew to come over for a pool party.
That's three gatherings in three days. One of which deteriorated pretty quickly.
"We had the players throwing the Blue Crew guys in the pool," Calipari said. "And we had the Blue Crew guys throwing the players in the pool. It was hilarious. It was great. It was what the whole thing is supposed to be about."
And so the question, inevitably, becomes: How to square all this innocent merriment with the ugly scene on Beale Street a week ago? Is the program the pool party or the Plush Club?
The answer: It's both, of course.
There is no good Calipari or bad Calipari. There is only the Calipari who exhausts all his energy and creativity to make the program a success.
Sometimes that means recruiting players other schools wouldn't touch. Sometimes that means letting fans and boosters track mud all over his wood floors.
"He's the best coach in America," said Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson.
Or the most fascinating, anyway.
What other coach has political fund-raisers? What other coach would bother to get involved?
"If I'm convinced they're good for the city, I'll do it," said Calipari.
What other coach even talks like that?
But there he was Monday evening, shaking hands and posing for pictures with any and all.
At one point, he took the microphone to welcome the crowd.
"I know there's alcohol here," he said. "But I gave the players a pass."
Har.
That was a reference to the recent nastiness, see? The players are no longer allowed to go to clubs or bars.
"But there's still a curfew!" he said.
Everyone laughed at that. So then they could even feel good about the bad stuff. Calipari had made it safe to joke about.
The man isn't just a basketball coach. He's a force of nature, a genius with a common touch.
"Our house is open," he said, to the group. "But please, wipe your feet."
To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com
Morris Twins End Commitment (Again!)
Twins end commitment to Tigers
By Dan Wolken (Contact)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The University of Memphis basketball program's on-and-off relationship with the Morris twins of Philadelphia is off again - this time for good.
After briefly re-opening their recruitment in July, forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris have de-comitted a second time, effectively severing their relationship with the Tigers. Memphis will now have to re-evaluate its 2008 recruiting class, which at this point includes just 6-foot-10 forward Angel Garcia, who committed to Memphis over Labor Day weekend and remains solidly in the fold.
The twins, who are currently attending post-graduate prep school at Pennsauken Apex Academy in New Jersey, could not be reached for comment Sunday. Their mother, Angel Morris, did not return phone messages left by The Commercial Appeal.
Marcus Morris, however, confirmed to Scout.com's recruiting analyst Dave Telep that he and his brother - both considered top 100 prospects -- will not be coming to Memphis next fall.
"Coach Calipari and Coach (Derek) Kellogg are great coaches," Morris said. "
I wasn't 100% about (the commitment) and I wouldn't want to be as dedicated to them as they are to me. I need to be 100% before I choose a school."
And thus ends one of the stranger recruiting sagas in recent Tiger history, which began when the twins visited Memphis last fall and gave a verbal commitment shortly thereafter. Though they signed letters of intent with Memphis in November, they were clear in their desire to take a year of prep school, primarily for their basketball development.
Though at one point the Memphis coaching staff was interested in bringing the twins to campus this year, Calipari agreed to build his 2008 class around Marcus Morris, a 6-foot-7 small forward, and Markieff Morris, a 6-8 post player.
Then, in July, the twins de-committed, prompting Calipari and Kellogg to make a trip to Philadelphia and reaffirm their interest in the players. Shortly after that meeting, the twins said they would honor their original commitments to Memphis.
"As we sat down as a family and talked about it, everything worked out,"
their mother, Angel Morris, told The Commercial Appeal on July 18. "Memphis is exactly where we're going and what we're doing."
But a point of contention arose when Memphis began its pursuit of Garcia, who, despite being 6-10, essentially plays the same positions at wing and power forward. Though the Memphis coaching staff envisioned playing all three at the same time - and attempted to reassure the Morris twins of that plan once Garcia committed - it apparently was not enough to keep that trio together.
Rivals.com ranks Garcia No. 27 in the class of 2008.
Tigers coach John Calipari declined comment Sunday, citing NCAA rules on unsigned recruits. Since the twins' letters of intent are no longer valid and binding, Calipari can't publicly comment on the situation.
Memphis will now turn its attention to other frontcourt options, notably Wesley Witherspoon, a 6-8 forward from Lilburn, Ga ranked No. 57 by Rivals. The Tigers are also recruiting two elite guards, St. George's Elliot Williams and Tyreke Evans of Aston, Pa., who have both official visits.
By Dan Wolken (Contact)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The University of Memphis basketball program's on-and-off relationship with the Morris twins of Philadelphia is off again - this time for good.
After briefly re-opening their recruitment in July, forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris have de-comitted a second time, effectively severing their relationship with the Tigers. Memphis will now have to re-evaluate its 2008 recruiting class, which at this point includes just 6-foot-10 forward Angel Garcia, who committed to Memphis over Labor Day weekend and remains solidly in the fold.
The twins, who are currently attending post-graduate prep school at Pennsauken Apex Academy in New Jersey, could not be reached for comment Sunday. Their mother, Angel Morris, did not return phone messages left by The Commercial Appeal.
Marcus Morris, however, confirmed to Scout.com's recruiting analyst Dave Telep that he and his brother - both considered top 100 prospects -- will not be coming to Memphis next fall.
"Coach Calipari and Coach (Derek) Kellogg are great coaches," Morris said. "
I wasn't 100% about (the commitment) and I wouldn't want to be as dedicated to them as they are to me. I need to be 100% before I choose a school."
And thus ends one of the stranger recruiting sagas in recent Tiger history, which began when the twins visited Memphis last fall and gave a verbal commitment shortly thereafter. Though they signed letters of intent with Memphis in November, they were clear in their desire to take a year of prep school, primarily for their basketball development.
Though at one point the Memphis coaching staff was interested in bringing the twins to campus this year, Calipari agreed to build his 2008 class around Marcus Morris, a 6-foot-7 small forward, and Markieff Morris, a 6-8 post player.
Then, in July, the twins de-committed, prompting Calipari and Kellogg to make a trip to Philadelphia and reaffirm their interest in the players. Shortly after that meeting, the twins said they would honor their original commitments to Memphis.
"As we sat down as a family and talked about it, everything worked out,"
their mother, Angel Morris, told The Commercial Appeal on July 18. "Memphis is exactly where we're going and what we're doing."
But a point of contention arose when Memphis began its pursuit of Garcia, who, despite being 6-10, essentially plays the same positions at wing and power forward. Though the Memphis coaching staff envisioned playing all three at the same time - and attempted to reassure the Morris twins of that plan once Garcia committed - it apparently was not enough to keep that trio together.
Rivals.com ranks Garcia No. 27 in the class of 2008.
Tigers coach John Calipari declined comment Sunday, citing NCAA rules on unsigned recruits. Since the twins' letters of intent are no longer valid and binding, Calipari can't publicly comment on the situation.
Memphis will now turn its attention to other frontcourt options, notably Wesley Witherspoon, a 6-8 forward from Lilburn, Ga ranked No. 57 by Rivals. The Tigers are also recruiting two elite guards, St. George's Elliot Williams and Tyreke Evans of Aston, Pa., who have both official visits.
From CSTV.com - Another Dorsey Disaster
Another Dorsey Disaster
By Josh Herwitt - September 07, 2007
There's been some new light that's been shed on the Memphis nightclub brawl that has Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson facing criminal charges for disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
And it looks like the two Memphis newcomers weren't the only ones involved in the incident.
Our friend Gary Parrish over at CBSSports.com explained in his blog earlier this week that it was Taggart's and Robinson's teammate, senior center Joey Dorsey, who was the one who actually instigated the fight by punching the club's security guard.
So how wasn't Dorsey charged then?
According to The Commercial Appeal, Dorsey fled the scene before any police could arrive, leaving his buddies Taggart and Robinson to fend for themselves against a host of Memphis cops.
Sounds like Dorsey's a real quality teammate and friend.
But really, what do you expect from a guy that's been in three fights on Beale Street (home to the blues for all you Frank Stokes, Sleepy John Estes and Furry Lewis fans) since February?
Now Taggart, who was misidentified as the assaulter, is taking the rap for Dorsey after landing himself in jail for a couple of misdemeanors.
Hold on, that's not even the best part.
The episode first got started when Dorsey, who is infamously remembered for his "David and Goliath" comments prior to his Elite Eight showdown with Greg Oden last season, suddenly decided to go behind the bar at the Plush Club.
But when a security guard -- a 5-foot-9, 140-pound security guard, in fact, to put things even more in perspective -- asked him to move from behind the bar, he instead jumped on top of the bar and began showering customers with money.
From there, it only got worse as Dorsey threw the security guard off the top of the bar, jumped down and began punching him repeatedly.
And these are supposedly student-athletes?
Coach Cal may have the most talented team in America this year, but it doesn't do a whole lot of good if they can't stay out of trouble.
By Josh Herwitt - September 07, 2007
There's been some new light that's been shed on the Memphis nightclub brawl that has Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson facing criminal charges for disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
And it looks like the two Memphis newcomers weren't the only ones involved in the incident.
Our friend Gary Parrish over at CBSSports.com explained in his blog earlier this week that it was Taggart's and Robinson's teammate, senior center Joey Dorsey, who was the one who actually instigated the fight by punching the club's security guard.
So how wasn't Dorsey charged then?
According to The Commercial Appeal, Dorsey fled the scene before any police could arrive, leaving his buddies Taggart and Robinson to fend for themselves against a host of Memphis cops.
Sounds like Dorsey's a real quality teammate and friend.
But really, what do you expect from a guy that's been in three fights on Beale Street (home to the blues for all you Frank Stokes, Sleepy John Estes and Furry Lewis fans) since February?
Now Taggart, who was misidentified as the assaulter, is taking the rap for Dorsey after landing himself in jail for a couple of misdemeanors.
Hold on, that's not even the best part.
The episode first got started when Dorsey, who is infamously remembered for his "David and Goliath" comments prior to his Elite Eight showdown with Greg Oden last season, suddenly decided to go behind the bar at the Plush Club.
But when a security guard -- a 5-foot-9, 140-pound security guard, in fact, to put things even more in perspective -- asked him to move from behind the bar, he instead jumped on top of the bar and began showering customers with money.
From there, it only got worse as Dorsey threw the security guard off the top of the bar, jumped down and began punching him repeatedly.
And these are supposedly student-athletes?
Coach Cal may have the most talented team in America this year, but it doesn't do a whole lot of good if they can't stay out of trouble.
From Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News on Willie Kemp
Memphis' Kemp seizes opportunity
By Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News
Posted September 6, 2007
As a freshman point guard for Memphis last season, Willie Kemp started 36 of 37 games. And in what surely must be some kind of land speed record, he lost that job even before he stepped on the court in a Tigers uniform.
Kemp was the Tigers' top recruit in the 2006 class, but McDonald's All-American Derrick Rose was the top recruit for 2007. Rose signed with Memphis last November, shortly before the team opened with a home victory over Jackson State. There was no doubt Rose, considered a vital piece of a national championship contender, would be running the team from the moment he walked onto campus.
Kemp's response to this circumstance has been atypical, to say the least.
For starters -- oops, sorry Willie -- he stayed in the program.
The common thing to do would have been to transfer. Instead, Kemp stuck around and worked to make himself better suited to contribute in the role that would be available to him as a sophomore. Though he shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range as a freshman and hit 5-of-7 in the Tigers' two games at the NCAA South Region at San Antonio, Kemp spent much of his offseason trying to establish himself as a go-to shooter. He knew there would be a chance to play as a shooting guard in tandem with Rose, and so he aimed in that direction.
"He's the most responsible, conscientious player that I've coached," said Tigers coach John Calipari. "Willie's going to play because of how he is."
Calipari promises there'll be minutes for Kemp, because those minutes are being earned and because it is certainly best for the future of the program and probably best for the present.
Future: When do-everything forward Chris Douglas-Roberts leaves, probably after his junior season ends this March or April, Kemp will be prepared to step in as a certified team leader.
Present: If the Tigers' Dribble-Drive Motion offense is going to work, some of those open 3-pointers that develop from drive-and-kick action must be converted. The Tigers don't have anybody back who topped Kemp's 51 threes last season. By comparison, Florida's Lee Humphrey hit 113. So if Kemp can deliver in this category, he would be a huge part of his team's success.
Memphis has a lot of guys who've shown they can make a shot -- including Douglas-Roberts, Doneal Mack, perhaps even Antonio Anderson -- but none who would be considered a proven shooter.
Kemp turned out to be a capable shooter under intense pressure by the close of his freshman season. Calipari admits he threw a lot on Kemp at the start of last season because he needed a point guard, and it was a struggle at first. After 11 games, the Tigers were 8-3 and he was 13-of-46 from long range. As they went 25-1 the rest of the way, he shot 38-of-86 (44.2 percent). His 3-pointer at the start of a 10-0 run might have been the most important basket in a comeback victory over Texas A&M in the NCAA round of 16.
He'll get even better looks at the basket this year playing with Rose, who is as gifted a passer as any point guard in Division I. Kemp will be the primary backup at point guard. Although Memphis' high-energy approach assures just about everyone who can play will play, Kemp will have to prove he deserves a spot in the rotation along with -- or possibly ahead of -- Anderson and Mack.
Based on how he's handled his "demotion" so far, he's earned a shot.
By Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News
Posted September 6, 2007
As a freshman point guard for Memphis last season, Willie Kemp started 36 of 37 games. And in what surely must be some kind of land speed record, he lost that job even before he stepped on the court in a Tigers uniform.
Kemp was the Tigers' top recruit in the 2006 class, but McDonald's All-American Derrick Rose was the top recruit for 2007. Rose signed with Memphis last November, shortly before the team opened with a home victory over Jackson State. There was no doubt Rose, considered a vital piece of a national championship contender, would be running the team from the moment he walked onto campus.
Kemp's response to this circumstance has been atypical, to say the least.
For starters -- oops, sorry Willie -- he stayed in the program.
The common thing to do would have been to transfer. Instead, Kemp stuck around and worked to make himself better suited to contribute in the role that would be available to him as a sophomore. Though he shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range as a freshman and hit 5-of-7 in the Tigers' two games at the NCAA South Region at San Antonio, Kemp spent much of his offseason trying to establish himself as a go-to shooter. He knew there would be a chance to play as a shooting guard in tandem with Rose, and so he aimed in that direction.
"He's the most responsible, conscientious player that I've coached," said Tigers coach John Calipari. "Willie's going to play because of how he is."
Calipari promises there'll be minutes for Kemp, because those minutes are being earned and because it is certainly best for the future of the program and probably best for the present.
Future: When do-everything forward Chris Douglas-Roberts leaves, probably after his junior season ends this March or April, Kemp will be prepared to step in as a certified team leader.
Present: If the Tigers' Dribble-Drive Motion offense is going to work, some of those open 3-pointers that develop from drive-and-kick action must be converted. The Tigers don't have anybody back who topped Kemp's 51 threes last season. By comparison, Florida's Lee Humphrey hit 113. So if Kemp can deliver in this category, he would be a huge part of his team's success.
Memphis has a lot of guys who've shown they can make a shot -- including Douglas-Roberts, Doneal Mack, perhaps even Antonio Anderson -- but none who would be considered a proven shooter.
Kemp turned out to be a capable shooter under intense pressure by the close of his freshman season. Calipari admits he threw a lot on Kemp at the start of last season because he needed a point guard, and it was a struggle at first. After 11 games, the Tigers were 8-3 and he was 13-of-46 from long range. As they went 25-1 the rest of the way, he shot 38-of-86 (44.2 percent). His 3-pointer at the start of a 10-0 run might have been the most important basket in a comeback victory over Texas A&M in the NCAA round of 16.
He'll get even better looks at the basket this year playing with Rose, who is as gifted a passer as any point guard in Division I. Kemp will be the primary backup at point guard. Although Memphis' high-energy approach assures just about everyone who can play will play, Kemp will have to prove he deserves a spot in the rotation along with -- or possibly ahead of -- Anderson and Mack.
Based on how he's handled his "demotion" so far, he's earned a shot.
From USA Today on Angel Garcia
Memphis secures another five-star
Another year, another recruiting coup for the Memphis Tigers. Puerto Rico native Angel Garcia, a five-star forward, chose for the Conference USA school on Sunday.
"Angel Garcia falls in the long line of Memphis players who are NBA talents. As far as when he is ready for the NBA, it depends a lot on how he develops physically in college. The skill set is certainly there," Meyer said. "Garcia's career at Memphis could range from a player who is full of potential but bolts to the NBA before he makes a significant impact for the Tigers or to a player who gains the physical strength quickly enough to be a dominant player on the college level."
Garcia, a 6-foot-10 forward, teamed with Purdue freshman E'Twaun Moore last season at East Chicago (Ind.) High School and won a state title. Garcia is back for his senior year at East Chicago and is looking for another championship.
Garcia is the second player of note from Puerto Rico to commit to Memphis. In 2005, Ricky Sanchez— a similar player to Garcia — pledged to the Tigers but never made it to campus. He entered the NBA Draft and was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Sanchez has bounced around several minor league teams since entering the NBA Draft.
Another year, another recruiting coup for the Memphis Tigers. Puerto Rico native Angel Garcia, a five-star forward, chose for the Conference USA school on Sunday.
"Angel Garcia falls in the long line of Memphis players who are NBA talents. As far as when he is ready for the NBA, it depends a lot on how he develops physically in college. The skill set is certainly there," Meyer said. "Garcia's career at Memphis could range from a player who is full of potential but bolts to the NBA before he makes a significant impact for the Tigers or to a player who gains the physical strength quickly enough to be a dominant player on the college level."
Garcia, a 6-foot-10 forward, teamed with Purdue freshman E'Twaun Moore last season at East Chicago (Ind.) High School and won a state title. Garcia is back for his senior year at East Chicago and is looking for another championship.
Garcia is the second player of note from Puerto Rico to commit to Memphis. In 2005, Ricky Sanchez— a similar player to Garcia — pledged to the Tigers but never made it to campus. He entered the NBA Draft and was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Sanchez has bounced around several minor league teams since entering the NBA Draft.
From www.profantasysports.com - Conference USA Preview
From www.profantasysports.com
Conference USA Preview
In 2006-07, Conference USA played like Memphis and the 11 dwarves. You can expect more of the same in the new season as coach John Calipari has his program running at a completely different level than the rest of the conference. Being in Conference USA actually hurts Memphis because they are supposed to go undefeated and they won’t exactly be tested by most of their conference rivals. Being deep in talent hurts Memphis as a source of fantasy players as well becauser we, the fantasy owners, prefer one-man teams and Memphis certainly does not qualify. Memphis is well represented in the following list, but Tigers do not occupy any of the top slots, which are filled by excellent players from lesser teams. The names of the Tigers will be most recognizable, but to get to the fantasy quality players, you have to dig a little deeper. Keep digging and you’ll find some excellent prospects.
10. C Zisis Sarikopoulis*, UAB Blazers
I’ll admit, adding Sarikopoulis to this list is me taking a complete flyer. However, there are a few things in his favor. First, he is seven feet tall and how many players in the conference hit that magic mark? Answer, very few. Second, he is left handed and has displayed some skills in international competition for the Greek National team. Sarikopoulis is also said to have above average mobility for a seven footer. If the big Greek can show that he deserves court time early in the season, he could win the starting center slot, especially since UAB is not blessed with many other quality bigs (freshman 6-11 C Keenan Ellis and sophomore 6-10 F Jeremy Mayfield appear to be the competition). If your league is a keeper league, Sarikopoulos could be a guy to red shirt this year and see what happens in the future.
9. G Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis Tigers
Perhaps the best demonstration of Memphis’ depth is the fact that their best player from 2006-07 falls to ninth on the preseason list. Douglas-Roberts emerged from the pack of talented Tigers to become the team’s go-to guy on offense. In just 26.6 mpg, he led Memphis with 15.4 ppg on 54.3% shooting. The roster depth remains so it may be difficult for coach Calipari to find many more minutes for CDR, but the 6-6 guard could demand more time by providing some more rebounding (3.4 rpg), steals (1.1 spg), or outside shooting (just 0.5 3pg). Yes, Memphis does have other players to fill those roles, but for Douglas-Roberts to extend his reputation into the fantasy realm, he will have to take advantage of all opportunities.
8. G Darrell Jenkins, East Carolina Pirates
When it comes to fantasy prospects, don’t judge the player by his size or by his team’s won-loss record. If you used either criteria for evaluating players, you could throw out the 5-11, 175 lb Jenkins who played for the dregs of Conference USA (the Pirates went 1-5 in conference with their lone victory being a 79-78 Feb. 24 win over UTEP). Don’t blame Jenkins – he led the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and led the conference in playmaking (5.5 apg). When he was able to get open to shoot, he could score in bunches (including a 31-point outburst and eight threes in a Feb. 10 loss at Houston). Most of the Pirate squad returns, so Jenkins should feel comfortable with his teammates, who have hopefully improved in the offseason.
7. F Joey Dorsey, Memphis Tigers
Dorsey, who possesses perhaps the widest shoulders in college basketball, is the classic hit-or-miss type of player. When he focuses and stays out of foul trouble, he brings double-doubles (six dub-dubs in 2006-07) and is a general menace on the boards (a conference leading 9.4 rpg and eight games of 13 rebounds or more). However, his aggression tends to cut his playing time and he picks up cheap fouls (of course, with his strength, the opponents might not consider them cheap). He fouled out of five games last year and four fouls in six other games. Even with his width, Dorsey is a fine athlete and showed some of his skills on the defensive end with 1.4 spg and 2.2 bpg. Memphis still has F Robert Dozier and incoming F Shawn Taggert to share minutes with Dorsey, but the 6-9 bruiser is the best of the bunch.
6. G/F Markel Humphrey, Marshall Thundering Herd
Heading into the 2006-07, Thundering Herd coach Ron Jirsa hoped Humphrey would be more assertive and grow into the team’s leading player. Jirsa’s hopes were realized as Humphrey grew into Marshall’s top scorer (14.0 ppg) and rebounder (6.5 rpg). Sadly, Humphrey’s efforts were not enough to save Jirsa’s job and he was replaced by Donnie Jones (part of Florida coach Billy Donovan’s crew), who has brought in waves of transfers (none of whom will play in 2007-08, but you can look for ex-Purdue sharpshooter Chris Lutz, former-Gator swingman Brandon Powell, and ex-Hoya F Octavius “Tay” Spann in 2008-09). Humphrey improved as the season continued and he had a three double-doubles in a four-game span in February. With the big recruits on the bench, Humphrey will need another strong season to help the Herd to respectability.
5. G Derrick Rose*, Memphis Tigers
If there was one player that Memphis was lacking last year, it was a true floor general. Coach Calipari tried to shoehorn various players into the position that is often called an extension of the coach (let’s not think about that metaphor too long), but none of the players – such as G Andre Allen, G Willie Kemp or even 6-6 G Antonio Anderson – filled the bill. Enter Rose, a five star prospect, and exit the rest – to the bench or elsewhere. He has excellent court vision and the quickness to break down almost any opposing defense. NBADraft.net compared him to former Duke PG Jason Williams, except that Rose is “bigger, more athletic, and an even better floor general.” Wow. Rose does not have a great outside shot yet, but he should be able to set up fellow Tigers who can hit from beyond the arc.
4. G Stefon Jackson, UTEP Miners
The Miners had a lot of scoring to replace heading into the 2006-07 season and a new coach, Tony Barbee, to try to figure who was going to fill the bucket. Jackson stepped forward early in the season and claimed the team as his own. The 6-5 second year player led the Miners in both scoring (18.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) and chipped in some steals (1.5 spg) and threes (1.0 3pg) for good measure. Jackson used his athleticism to slash to the basket and was often fouled (7.1 FTA/g, converting 72.6% of his freebies), but he could also stick the mid-range jumper. In conference play, if Jackson did not have a big game, the Miners generally lost. In the final two wins of the season, Jackson provided 21 points and 17 boards against Houston on Feb. 3 and 22 points and ten rebounds on Feb. 21. Jackson will have more help in 2007-08 (such as freshman SF Manual Cass from Connecticut), but he is still the main man in El Paso.
3. G Rob McKiver, Houston Cougars
Sometimes all a player needs is the right opportunity. After playing for Providence College for a year, McKiver went to junior college and returned to Division I with Houston. The Cougar backcourt was supposed to be set with terrific defender Oliver LaFayette and PG Lanny Smith. Then, Smith broke his foot in preseason play and McKiver had a crack in the door. He smashed through said door by becoming a fearless shooter who did not let a few bad shots mar his confidence. McKiver opened the season with a 33-point night in a win over Rhode Island and scored 30+ points three more times. For the year, he averaged 19.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 3.4 apg. His main asset was his 3.5 3pg, never mind that he shot just 33.8% from long range. Lafayette has moved on, but Smith is back so McKiver will likely see less assist chances, but the same number of shots.
2. G Jeremy Wise, Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Like McKiver, Wise was not heavily touted in the summer of ’06, but he took over a team in transition as a freshman. The Jackson, MS native took on the main scoring role early and never relinquished it. He generally dominated the ball either call his own number (17.5 ppg on 40.1% shooting with 1.7 3pg) or setting up a teammate (a team high 3.0 apg). The Golden Eagles were supposed to be then sophomore G Courtney Beasley’s team, but Beasley could not score like the 6-2 Wise. Coach Larry Eustachy will need Wise to play under better control in the new season because his 3.7 tpg were just too many. Perhaps Wise would be wise to let Beasley handle the ball to set up his teammates. The frontcourt deficient Golden Eagles will have the guards taking a lot of shots, so you can expect more of the same from Wise.
1. G Paul Delaney, UAB Blazers
Along with the aforementioned Sarikopoulis, who may be nothing but a seven foot shell, the Blazers have a lot of talent coming on board. Coach Mike Davis brought sweet shooting G Robert Vaden with him from Indiana and G Channing Toney (son of Andrew) is now eligible after sitting out a season as a transfer from Georgia. Yet, neither Vaden nor Toney will run the show – that role will be filled by Delaney, a do-everything point guard who attracted fantasy notice in 2006-07. The 6-2 Delaney led the team in scoring (15.5 ppg on 45.9% from the floor), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.9 spg). He also chipped in a tasty 4.8 rpg. The worry is that Toney and Vaden will take some of his shot attempts, but one of my many mottos is “Don’t worry.” Delaney may rack up an unheard of amount of assists and his scoring opportunities won’t disappear. You can expect him to be more efficient and effective with more talent around him.
Perry Missner is the senior college basketball writer for Pro Fantasy Sports. Email him at perrymissner@profantasysports.com
Conference USA Preview
In 2006-07, Conference USA played like Memphis and the 11 dwarves. You can expect more of the same in the new season as coach John Calipari has his program running at a completely different level than the rest of the conference. Being in Conference USA actually hurts Memphis because they are supposed to go undefeated and they won’t exactly be tested by most of their conference rivals. Being deep in talent hurts Memphis as a source of fantasy players as well becauser we, the fantasy owners, prefer one-man teams and Memphis certainly does not qualify. Memphis is well represented in the following list, but Tigers do not occupy any of the top slots, which are filled by excellent players from lesser teams. The names of the Tigers will be most recognizable, but to get to the fantasy quality players, you have to dig a little deeper. Keep digging and you’ll find some excellent prospects.
10. C Zisis Sarikopoulis*, UAB Blazers
I’ll admit, adding Sarikopoulis to this list is me taking a complete flyer. However, there are a few things in his favor. First, he is seven feet tall and how many players in the conference hit that magic mark? Answer, very few. Second, he is left handed and has displayed some skills in international competition for the Greek National team. Sarikopoulis is also said to have above average mobility for a seven footer. If the big Greek can show that he deserves court time early in the season, he could win the starting center slot, especially since UAB is not blessed with many other quality bigs (freshman 6-11 C Keenan Ellis and sophomore 6-10 F Jeremy Mayfield appear to be the competition). If your league is a keeper league, Sarikopoulos could be a guy to red shirt this year and see what happens in the future.
9. G Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis Tigers
Perhaps the best demonstration of Memphis’ depth is the fact that their best player from 2006-07 falls to ninth on the preseason list. Douglas-Roberts emerged from the pack of talented Tigers to become the team’s go-to guy on offense. In just 26.6 mpg, he led Memphis with 15.4 ppg on 54.3% shooting. The roster depth remains so it may be difficult for coach Calipari to find many more minutes for CDR, but the 6-6 guard could demand more time by providing some more rebounding (3.4 rpg), steals (1.1 spg), or outside shooting (just 0.5 3pg). Yes, Memphis does have other players to fill those roles, but for Douglas-Roberts to extend his reputation into the fantasy realm, he will have to take advantage of all opportunities.
8. G Darrell Jenkins, East Carolina Pirates
When it comes to fantasy prospects, don’t judge the player by his size or by his team’s won-loss record. If you used either criteria for evaluating players, you could throw out the 5-11, 175 lb Jenkins who played for the dregs of Conference USA (the Pirates went 1-5 in conference with their lone victory being a 79-78 Feb. 24 win over UTEP). Don’t blame Jenkins – he led the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and led the conference in playmaking (5.5 apg). When he was able to get open to shoot, he could score in bunches (including a 31-point outburst and eight threes in a Feb. 10 loss at Houston). Most of the Pirate squad returns, so Jenkins should feel comfortable with his teammates, who have hopefully improved in the offseason.
7. F Joey Dorsey, Memphis Tigers
Dorsey, who possesses perhaps the widest shoulders in college basketball, is the classic hit-or-miss type of player. When he focuses and stays out of foul trouble, he brings double-doubles (six dub-dubs in 2006-07) and is a general menace on the boards (a conference leading 9.4 rpg and eight games of 13 rebounds or more). However, his aggression tends to cut his playing time and he picks up cheap fouls (of course, with his strength, the opponents might not consider them cheap). He fouled out of five games last year and four fouls in six other games. Even with his width, Dorsey is a fine athlete and showed some of his skills on the defensive end with 1.4 spg and 2.2 bpg. Memphis still has F Robert Dozier and incoming F Shawn Taggert to share minutes with Dorsey, but the 6-9 bruiser is the best of the bunch.
6. G/F Markel Humphrey, Marshall Thundering Herd
Heading into the 2006-07, Thundering Herd coach Ron Jirsa hoped Humphrey would be more assertive and grow into the team’s leading player. Jirsa’s hopes were realized as Humphrey grew into Marshall’s top scorer (14.0 ppg) and rebounder (6.5 rpg). Sadly, Humphrey’s efforts were not enough to save Jirsa’s job and he was replaced by Donnie Jones (part of Florida coach Billy Donovan’s crew), who has brought in waves of transfers (none of whom will play in 2007-08, but you can look for ex-Purdue sharpshooter Chris Lutz, former-Gator swingman Brandon Powell, and ex-Hoya F Octavius “Tay” Spann in 2008-09). Humphrey improved as the season continued and he had a three double-doubles in a four-game span in February. With the big recruits on the bench, Humphrey will need another strong season to help the Herd to respectability.
5. G Derrick Rose*, Memphis Tigers
If there was one player that Memphis was lacking last year, it was a true floor general. Coach Calipari tried to shoehorn various players into the position that is often called an extension of the coach (let’s not think about that metaphor too long), but none of the players – such as G Andre Allen, G Willie Kemp or even 6-6 G Antonio Anderson – filled the bill. Enter Rose, a five star prospect, and exit the rest – to the bench or elsewhere. He has excellent court vision and the quickness to break down almost any opposing defense. NBADraft.net compared him to former Duke PG Jason Williams, except that Rose is “bigger, more athletic, and an even better floor general.” Wow. Rose does not have a great outside shot yet, but he should be able to set up fellow Tigers who can hit from beyond the arc.
4. G Stefon Jackson, UTEP Miners
The Miners had a lot of scoring to replace heading into the 2006-07 season and a new coach, Tony Barbee, to try to figure who was going to fill the bucket. Jackson stepped forward early in the season and claimed the team as his own. The 6-5 second year player led the Miners in both scoring (18.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) and chipped in some steals (1.5 spg) and threes (1.0 3pg) for good measure. Jackson used his athleticism to slash to the basket and was often fouled (7.1 FTA/g, converting 72.6% of his freebies), but he could also stick the mid-range jumper. In conference play, if Jackson did not have a big game, the Miners generally lost. In the final two wins of the season, Jackson provided 21 points and 17 boards against Houston on Feb. 3 and 22 points and ten rebounds on Feb. 21. Jackson will have more help in 2007-08 (such as freshman SF Manual Cass from Connecticut), but he is still the main man in El Paso.
3. G Rob McKiver, Houston Cougars
Sometimes all a player needs is the right opportunity. After playing for Providence College for a year, McKiver went to junior college and returned to Division I with Houston. The Cougar backcourt was supposed to be set with terrific defender Oliver LaFayette and PG Lanny Smith. Then, Smith broke his foot in preseason play and McKiver had a crack in the door. He smashed through said door by becoming a fearless shooter who did not let a few bad shots mar his confidence. McKiver opened the season with a 33-point night in a win over Rhode Island and scored 30+ points three more times. For the year, he averaged 19.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 3.4 apg. His main asset was his 3.5 3pg, never mind that he shot just 33.8% from long range. Lafayette has moved on, but Smith is back so McKiver will likely see less assist chances, but the same number of shots.
2. G Jeremy Wise, Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Like McKiver, Wise was not heavily touted in the summer of ’06, but he took over a team in transition as a freshman. The Jackson, MS native took on the main scoring role early and never relinquished it. He generally dominated the ball either call his own number (17.5 ppg on 40.1% shooting with 1.7 3pg) or setting up a teammate (a team high 3.0 apg). The Golden Eagles were supposed to be then sophomore G Courtney Beasley’s team, but Beasley could not score like the 6-2 Wise. Coach Larry Eustachy will need Wise to play under better control in the new season because his 3.7 tpg were just too many. Perhaps Wise would be wise to let Beasley handle the ball to set up his teammates. The frontcourt deficient Golden Eagles will have the guards taking a lot of shots, so you can expect more of the same from Wise.
1. G Paul Delaney, UAB Blazers
Along with the aforementioned Sarikopoulis, who may be nothing but a seven foot shell, the Blazers have a lot of talent coming on board. Coach Mike Davis brought sweet shooting G Robert Vaden with him from Indiana and G Channing Toney (son of Andrew) is now eligible after sitting out a season as a transfer from Georgia. Yet, neither Vaden nor Toney will run the show – that role will be filled by Delaney, a do-everything point guard who attracted fantasy notice in 2006-07. The 6-2 Delaney led the team in scoring (15.5 ppg on 45.9% from the floor), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.9 spg). He also chipped in a tasty 4.8 rpg. The worry is that Toney and Vaden will take some of his shot attempts, but one of my many mottos is “Don’t worry.” Delaney may rack up an unheard of amount of assists and his scoring opportunities won’t disappear. You can expect him to be more efficient and effective with more talent around him.
Perry Missner is the senior college basketball writer for Pro Fantasy Sports. Email him at perrymissner@profantasysports.com
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
My Comments on the Posh Club Fight Night
Warning - reading the reader comments on the website for the Memphis Commercial Appeal today regarding the main articles on Joey Dorsey, the fight and arrests on Beal Street of Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robertson can and will make you sick to your stomach.
1) As a life long Memphian it is sickening to read such garbage.
2) Yes, people take athletics way too far. It is just a game. No one wants to see the University of Memphis win a national title more than me, but there are much more serious things in life.
3) To read the obvious hatred and jealous comments of fans from other area schools is amazing.
4) The mind is a terrible thing to waste - see afore mentioned reader comments for examples of people with little to no education.
5) As always racism seems to creep into to every topic in Memphis. Get over it people. We all bleed red. Who gives a crap about what color your skin is?
1) As a life long Memphian it is sickening to read such garbage.
2) Yes, people take athletics way too far. It is just a game. No one wants to see the University of Memphis win a national title more than me, but there are much more serious things in life.
3) To read the obvious hatred and jealous comments of fans from other area schools is amazing.
4) The mind is a terrible thing to waste - see afore mentioned reader comments for examples of people with little to no education.
5) As always racism seems to creep into to every topic in Memphis. Get over it people. We all bleed red. Who gives a crap about what color your skin is?
Columnist Geoff Calkins Biting Comments on Joey Dorsey, U of M and College Athletics
In title chase, Dorsey has to play
By Geoff Calkins
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
It's been a busy year for Memphis forward Joey Dorsey, hasn't it?
On Oct. 14, he was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
On Oct. 18, Dorsey allegedly followed a female student, threatened her and poured a water bottle over her head.
On Feb. 4, according to a witness, Dorsey punched a customer at Club 152 on Beale Street.
On June 9, according to Beale Street landlord John Elkington, Dorsey "battered" a bouncer at the same club.
And Sunday morning, according to a police report, Dorsey may have been the instigator in the brawl on Beale that ended with the arrest of two Memphis players, Jeff Robinson and Shawn Taggart.
"Dorsey went behind the bar at 380 Beale at this time (the victim) asked the suspect to leave from behind the bar," the report said. "At this time suspect Dorsey jumped up on the bar and began throwing money to customers. (The victim) at this time jumped on the bar and asked suspect Dorsey to get down. Suspect Dorsey then pushed (the victim) off the bar and jumped down and began hitting (the victim)."
Makes you proud to be a Tiger, doesn't it? Dorsey on the bar, throwing money, like our very own Pacman Jones.
Then, apparently, hitting someone. The man likes hitting people way too much.
But if you think there's any chance Dorsey will be tossed off the Memphis basketball team, then you haven't seen the billboards around town.
There are 15 in all, a celebration of the glorious season to come. One says, simply: "That's Mr. Dorsey to You."
Dorsey is tough, see. The Tigers need that toughness if they want to compete for a national championship.
An actual post from a Memphis message board: "We are a national title contender, they can face the judge after the season is over."
Who cares if Dorsey is the sort of person who should be representing the university? There's a title to be won.
Former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne understands how this works better than most. In 1995, star tailback Lawrence Phillips was given probation for dragging his girlfriend down the stairs by her hair.
Osborne suspended Phillips during the regular season but brought him back in time for the national championship game. Phillips ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns as Nebraska rolled over Florida.
This is the essential trade-off of college sports. Even for a coach like Osborne, who had a golden-boy reputation to protect. Calipari has no such reputation. What's going to hold him back?
Dismissing Dorsey from the team wouldn't cause people outside the city to think any more of the University of Memphis. Keeping him around wouldn't cause people to think any less.
But Dorsey would be missed on the court. Which is why Calipari won't -- and, indeed, can't -- let him go.
Too much is riding on it. Too many season-tickets have been sold.
A marginal player like Simplice Njoya can be tossed for being difficult to coach. A significant player like Dorsey will survive anything short of a felony.
Calipari might suspend the guy for a stretch of time. He'll say the usual stuff. That he has to be firm and fair but, gee, young people make mistakes.
Never mind that, at 23, Dorsey is more than a year older than Grizzlies center Darko Milicic, who has already spent four years in the NBA. This is college sports we're talking about, where fans are so desperate to believe in the lies that the lies don't have to be particularly good.
The lie that Dorsey's a kid. The lie that players are student-athletes. The lie that winning isn't everything.
Winning is everything, especially when a team is as close to winning a title as the Tigers appear to be.
Oh, and by the way, Dorsey's most recent victim isn't expected to press charges.
Think he's seen the billboards, too?
To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com
By Geoff Calkins
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
It's been a busy year for Memphis forward Joey Dorsey, hasn't it?
On Oct. 14, he was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
On Oct. 18, Dorsey allegedly followed a female student, threatened her and poured a water bottle over her head.
On Feb. 4, according to a witness, Dorsey punched a customer at Club 152 on Beale Street.
On June 9, according to Beale Street landlord John Elkington, Dorsey "battered" a bouncer at the same club.
And Sunday morning, according to a police report, Dorsey may have been the instigator in the brawl on Beale that ended with the arrest of two Memphis players, Jeff Robinson and Shawn Taggart.
"Dorsey went behind the bar at 380 Beale at this time (the victim) asked the suspect to leave from behind the bar," the report said. "At this time suspect Dorsey jumped up on the bar and began throwing money to customers. (The victim) at this time jumped on the bar and asked suspect Dorsey to get down. Suspect Dorsey then pushed (the victim) off the bar and jumped down and began hitting (the victim)."
Makes you proud to be a Tiger, doesn't it? Dorsey on the bar, throwing money, like our very own Pacman Jones.
Then, apparently, hitting someone. The man likes hitting people way too much.
But if you think there's any chance Dorsey will be tossed off the Memphis basketball team, then you haven't seen the billboards around town.
There are 15 in all, a celebration of the glorious season to come. One says, simply: "That's Mr. Dorsey to You."
Dorsey is tough, see. The Tigers need that toughness if they want to compete for a national championship.
An actual post from a Memphis message board: "We are a national title contender, they can face the judge after the season is over."
Who cares if Dorsey is the sort of person who should be representing the university? There's a title to be won.
Former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne understands how this works better than most. In 1995, star tailback Lawrence Phillips was given probation for dragging his girlfriend down the stairs by her hair.
Osborne suspended Phillips during the regular season but brought him back in time for the national championship game. Phillips ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns as Nebraska rolled over Florida.
This is the essential trade-off of college sports. Even for a coach like Osborne, who had a golden-boy reputation to protect. Calipari has no such reputation. What's going to hold him back?
Dismissing Dorsey from the team wouldn't cause people outside the city to think any more of the University of Memphis. Keeping him around wouldn't cause people to think any less.
But Dorsey would be missed on the court. Which is why Calipari won't -- and, indeed, can't -- let him go.
Too much is riding on it. Too many season-tickets have been sold.
A marginal player like Simplice Njoya can be tossed for being difficult to coach. A significant player like Dorsey will survive anything short of a felony.
Calipari might suspend the guy for a stretch of time. He'll say the usual stuff. That he has to be firm and fair but, gee, young people make mistakes.
Never mind that, at 23, Dorsey is more than a year older than Grizzlies center Darko Milicic, who has already spent four years in the NBA. This is college sports we're talking about, where fans are so desperate to believe in the lies that the lies don't have to be particularly good.
The lie that Dorsey's a kid. The lie that players are student-athletes. The lie that winning isn't everything.
Winning is everything, especially when a team is as close to winning a title as the Tigers appear to be.
Oh, and by the way, Dorsey's most recent victim isn't expected to press charges.
Think he's seen the billboards, too?
To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com
Joey Dorsey May Have Triggered Bar Fracas
Tiger star may have triggered bar fracas
Starter named in police report; two other players plead innocent
By Christopher Conley
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
About 2:30 a.m. Sunday inside the Plush Club at 380 Beale, a very tall patron attacked two security guards.
But which tall patron?
First an accusing finger pointed in error to 6-11 University of Memphis basketball player Shawn Taggart, whose angry, foul-mouthed response helped get him arrested.
Now a more familiar name has emerged -- tall guy and U of M player Joey Dorsey. He has not been arrested but still could be.
The dustup that began with the confrontation between the tall guy and the guards eventually sent agitated patrons streaming out of the club, and when one patron flagged down two police officers, things got uglier.
Arriving at 2:51 a.m., officers Sean Fritz and Eric Fletcher ran into a hornet's nest, an angry crowd of more than 100.
One of the security guards pointed out Taggart as the one who started it, and the officers moved in to arrest him.
Ultimately it turned out Taggart was the wrong man, but as police tried to detain Taggart, he yelled obscenities at the police, causing the large crowd to become further agitated, according to the charges. The fearful officers called for as much backup as they could get. Twenty squad cars responded.
As they were trying to take Taggart into custody, another UofM player, Jeffrey Robinson, bore down on the cops, fists balled up, and berated the officers. Fletcher pepper-sprayed Robinson and eventually Robinson and Taggart were cuffed.
Meanwhile, someone else in the crowd, Marcus Hill, tried to open a door of one of the squad cars. When Lt. W. Cleveland stopped him, Hill began screaming at police, further inciting the crowd, the charges say.
After Fritz and Fletcher put him into one of the cars, he made threats, according to the charges. "Let me catch you (expletive) without your uniforms, and I'll whoop your ass," he is quoted as saying. "I'll have your (expletive) job. ... My family owns a bonding company, and I'll be out looking for y'all."
Hill had no identification and refused to identify himself, according to the charges. He was charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
Taggart was charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot, Robinson with assault, disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
Inside the Plush Club, the officers began an investigation.
By 3:36 a.m. they were hearing that the 6-9, 260-pound Dorsey had started the melee by first going behind the bar, then jumping on the bar when security guard Christopher Shaw -- 5-9, 140 pounds, police said -- asked him to move from behind the bar.
When Dorsey began throwing money at the customers, the report said, Shaw, 23, jumped up on the bar and asked Dorsey to get down.
Dorsey pushed Shaw off the bar, jumped down and began punching him. Another club security guard, Marcus Walker, 29, was struck when he tried to restore order, police said.
Dorsey was not there when police arrived, so he has not been charged.
The guards will have to identify Dorsey as the attacker for charges to be brought, and they must be willing to prosecute, said Det. Monique Martin, police spokeswoman.
Taggart and Robinson pleaded not guilty Tuesday in General Sessions Court. They are due back in court Sept. 25.
Their attorney, Leslie Ballin, said he expects they will be exonerated. "These are two quality young men," he said. "They were at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Coach John Calipari on Sunday set a curfew -- he said he will choose between 11 p.m. or midnight -- and a no-nightclubs policy for the whole team to make sure his players aren't again at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Robinson, 19, is a 6-6 freshman shooting guard from Columbus, N.J. Taggart, 22, a forward from Richmond, Va., is a transfer from Iowa State.
Calipari said discipline for the two players, as well as other team members who were at the nightclub, would be determined after a police and school investigation.
-- Chris Conley: 529-2595
Reporter Lawrence Buser contributed to this story.
Starter named in police report; two other players plead innocent
By Christopher Conley
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
About 2:30 a.m. Sunday inside the Plush Club at 380 Beale, a very tall patron attacked two security guards.
But which tall patron?
First an accusing finger pointed in error to 6-11 University of Memphis basketball player Shawn Taggart, whose angry, foul-mouthed response helped get him arrested.
Now a more familiar name has emerged -- tall guy and U of M player Joey Dorsey. He has not been arrested but still could be.
The dustup that began with the confrontation between the tall guy and the guards eventually sent agitated patrons streaming out of the club, and when one patron flagged down two police officers, things got uglier.
Arriving at 2:51 a.m., officers Sean Fritz and Eric Fletcher ran into a hornet's nest, an angry crowd of more than 100.
One of the security guards pointed out Taggart as the one who started it, and the officers moved in to arrest him.
Ultimately it turned out Taggart was the wrong man, but as police tried to detain Taggart, he yelled obscenities at the police, causing the large crowd to become further agitated, according to the charges. The fearful officers called for as much backup as they could get. Twenty squad cars responded.
As they were trying to take Taggart into custody, another UofM player, Jeffrey Robinson, bore down on the cops, fists balled up, and berated the officers. Fletcher pepper-sprayed Robinson and eventually Robinson and Taggart were cuffed.
Meanwhile, someone else in the crowd, Marcus Hill, tried to open a door of one of the squad cars. When Lt. W. Cleveland stopped him, Hill began screaming at police, further inciting the crowd, the charges say.
After Fritz and Fletcher put him into one of the cars, he made threats, according to the charges. "Let me catch you (expletive) without your uniforms, and I'll whoop your ass," he is quoted as saying. "I'll have your (expletive) job. ... My family owns a bonding company, and I'll be out looking for y'all."
Hill had no identification and refused to identify himself, according to the charges. He was charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
Taggart was charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot, Robinson with assault, disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
Inside the Plush Club, the officers began an investigation.
By 3:36 a.m. they were hearing that the 6-9, 260-pound Dorsey had started the melee by first going behind the bar, then jumping on the bar when security guard Christopher Shaw -- 5-9, 140 pounds, police said -- asked him to move from behind the bar.
When Dorsey began throwing money at the customers, the report said, Shaw, 23, jumped up on the bar and asked Dorsey to get down.
Dorsey pushed Shaw off the bar, jumped down and began punching him. Another club security guard, Marcus Walker, 29, was struck when he tried to restore order, police said.
Dorsey was not there when police arrived, so he has not been charged.
The guards will have to identify Dorsey as the attacker for charges to be brought, and they must be willing to prosecute, said Det. Monique Martin, police spokeswoman.
Taggart and Robinson pleaded not guilty Tuesday in General Sessions Court. They are due back in court Sept. 25.
Their attorney, Leslie Ballin, said he expects they will be exonerated. "These are two quality young men," he said. "They were at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Coach John Calipari on Sunday set a curfew -- he said he will choose between 11 p.m. or midnight -- and a no-nightclubs policy for the whole team to make sure his players aren't again at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Robinson, 19, is a 6-6 freshman shooting guard from Columbus, N.J. Taggart, 22, a forward from Richmond, Va., is a transfer from Iowa State.
Calipari said discipline for the two players, as well as other team members who were at the nightclub, would be determined after a police and school investigation.
-- Chris Conley: 529-2595
Reporter Lawrence Buser contributed to this story.
From Chicago Sun Times on Angel Garcia's Commitment
Garcia commits to Memphis
September 3, 2007
By Mike Hutton, Chicago Sun Times
In recent weeks, coaches from Kentucky, Arizona and Ohio State had called Angel Garcia, trying to get involved with the East Chicago Central star. Garcia, tired of the phone calls and the recruiting process, decided he had had enough over the weekend. So he called Memphis coach John Calipari and put and end to his recruitment. He’s going to wear blue next year and play for the Tigers.
“He just wanted to put all this behind him and concentrate on his academics and basketball,” Eric Cole, who coaches CAPS All-Stars, Garcia’s AAU team.
No team had recruited Garcia harder than Memphis. Calipari saw him in an open gym last October and offered him a scholarship immediately.
Recently, Garcia had whittled his choices down from Florida, Louisville, Indiana and Memphis to just Indiana and Memphis. Cole said the Hoosiers went after Garcia, who has yet to qualify academically, just as hard as Memphis. But he felt like he fit in better with the Tigers’ wide-open style.
They haven’t pegged Garcia as an inside or outside guy. At 6-10, Garcia distributes the ball like a point guard. He can also grab a rebound inside and whip it out to a streaking perimeter player like a power forward or center.
Garcia familiarized himself with the Tigers’ program last June when he spent three days down there at a an elite camp.
“They’re going to let him freelance,” Cole said.
Garcia, who is ranked as the 27th best player in the country by Rivals.com, scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds in East Chicago’s 87-83 win over Indianapolis North Central in the Class 4A state championship.
Contact Mike Hutton at 648-3139 or mhutton@post-trib.com
WHBQ Fox 13 Memephis Reports Tiger Players Enter 'Not Guilty' Pleas
Tiger Basketball Players Enter 'Not Guilty' Plea
Taggert, Robinson Hearing Reset to September 25th
Last Edited: Tuesday, 04 Sep 2007, 11:49 AM CDT
Created: Tuesday, 04 Sep 2007, 11:49 AM CDT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WHBQ FOX13 myfoxmemphis.com) --
University of Memphis basketball players Sean Taggert and Jeff Robinson both entered pleas of 'not guilty' on various misdemeanor charges following their arrest Sunday at a downtown nightclub.
The two players were charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot around 3:00am Sunday after officers were called to a disturbance at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Robinson was also charged with assault after allegedly approaching an officer with his fists.
Memphis defense attorney Leslie Ballin is representing the two men, and is confident that his clients are innocent. According to Ballin, the two were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. "These are two quality young men… hopefully at the end of the day, the charges will be dismissed," said Ballin as he was leaving Tuesday morning's hearing.
Tigers Head Basketball Coach John Calipari has responded to the arrests with strict new rules for the entire team. All players now have a seven day-a-week curfew, and are banned from establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
Sean Taggert is a 6'10" forward, and a sophomore transfer from Iowa State. Freshman Jeff Robinson is a 6'5" guard from Columbus, New Jersey.
Both are scheduled to return to court September 25th.
Taggert, Robinson Hearing Reset to September 25th
Last Edited: Tuesday, 04 Sep 2007, 11:49 AM CDT
Created: Tuesday, 04 Sep 2007, 11:49 AM CDT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WHBQ FOX13 myfoxmemphis.com) --
University of Memphis basketball players Sean Taggert and Jeff Robinson both entered pleas of 'not guilty' on various misdemeanor charges following their arrest Sunday at a downtown nightclub.
The two players were charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot around 3:00am Sunday after officers were called to a disturbance at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Robinson was also charged with assault after allegedly approaching an officer with his fists.
Memphis defense attorney Leslie Ballin is representing the two men, and is confident that his clients are innocent. According to Ballin, the two were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. "These are two quality young men… hopefully at the end of the day, the charges will be dismissed," said Ballin as he was leaving Tuesday morning's hearing.
Tigers Head Basketball Coach John Calipari has responded to the arrests with strict new rules for the entire team. All players now have a seven day-a-week curfew, and are banned from establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
Sean Taggert is a 6'10" forward, and a sophomore transfer from Iowa State. Freshman Jeff Robinson is a 6'5" guard from Columbus, New Jersey.
Both are scheduled to return to court September 25th.
ABC 24 Memphis Reports Additional Tiger Players May Face Charges
More Tiger Players May Face Charges
Reported by: Kevin Holmes
Email: kholmes@myeyewitnessnews.com
Last Update: 9/04 5:35 pm
Eyewitness News Everywhere uncovers more information on a nightclub fight that resulted in the arrests of two Tigers basketball players.
Sophomore Shawn Taggart and freshman Jeff Robinson appeared in court Tuesday morning and entered not guilty pleas on charges of disorderly conduct and inciting a riot. Robinson is also charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm. Their attorney, Leslie Ballin says he expects his clients will be cleared of all charges.
However, Taggart and Robinson may not be the only players to face charges. Eyewitness News Everywhere was able to obtain the police reports filed after the fight at the Plush Club early Sunday morning. According to a security guard, the fight began inside the club and may have been started by Tigers senior Joey Dorsey.
The report states that Dorsey jumped on the bar and began throwing money to customers. It says when he was asked to get down, he pushed the security guard and began hitting him. The report goes on to say that outside the club, Shawn Taggart began yelling obscenities at Memphis police officers and Jeff Robinson approached police with his hands curled into fists.
Taggart and Robinson were the only Tigers players arrested that night, but eyewitnesses say there were several other players inside the club. The Memphis police department says the fight is under investigation and it is possible other charges will come.
Plush club officials are not commenting on the fight at this time. Memphis police say they will have to contact the security guards who were present that night to see if the individuals named in the report can be identified as those who caused the disturbance.
Dorsey was not present at the Plush Club by the time police arrived. Police say if the security guard comes forward and makes a positive identification, then they will handle the matter accordingly.
Tigers basketball coach John Calipari says he will determine Robinson's and Taggart's punishments after the University of Memphis and Memphis police finish their separate investigations.
Reported by: Kevin Holmes
Email: kholmes@myeyewitnessnews.com
Last Update: 9/04 5:35 pm
Eyewitness News Everywhere uncovers more information on a nightclub fight that resulted in the arrests of two Tigers basketball players.
Sophomore Shawn Taggart and freshman Jeff Robinson appeared in court Tuesday morning and entered not guilty pleas on charges of disorderly conduct and inciting a riot. Robinson is also charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm. Their attorney, Leslie Ballin says he expects his clients will be cleared of all charges.
However, Taggart and Robinson may not be the only players to face charges. Eyewitness News Everywhere was able to obtain the police reports filed after the fight at the Plush Club early Sunday morning. According to a security guard, the fight began inside the club and may have been started by Tigers senior Joey Dorsey.
The report states that Dorsey jumped on the bar and began throwing money to customers. It says when he was asked to get down, he pushed the security guard and began hitting him. The report goes on to say that outside the club, Shawn Taggart began yelling obscenities at Memphis police officers and Jeff Robinson approached police with his hands curled into fists.
Taggart and Robinson were the only Tigers players arrested that night, but eyewitnesses say there were several other players inside the club. The Memphis police department says the fight is under investigation and it is possible other charges will come.
Plush club officials are not commenting on the fight at this time. Memphis police say they will have to contact the security guards who were present that night to see if the individuals named in the report can be identified as those who caused the disturbance.
Dorsey was not present at the Plush Club by the time police arrived. Police say if the security guard comes forward and makes a positive identification, then they will handle the matter accordingly.
Tigers basketball coach John Calipari says he will determine Robinson's and Taggart's punishments after the University of Memphis and Memphis police finish their separate investigations.
From mediaverse-memphis.blogspot.com - "On What Matters Now"
From Mediaverse-memphis.blogspot.com
Monday, September 3
On What Matters Now
At least, the police mugshots of Jeff Robinson and Shawn Taggert did not make the front page of the Commercial Appeal -- though their faces being connected to another story about Tiger Basketball players being arrested is perhaps the start of Coach John Calipari's idea of punishment.
An quote from Sunday's press conference:
"Obviously the two that have mug shots now in the newspaper, that’s the start of their punishment. Whatever they were involved in or did or didn’t do, it doesn’t matter now. They’ve got a mug shot that everybody’s publicly going to see. And I would imagine that it’s going to be on possibly the front page of the newspaper if not the front of sports. That’s the start of theirs. Until we get all the information out, the only thing I can tell you is that it’s going to be a firm hand."
To be sure, Calipari is in a difficult position. As he noted, families entrust him with the safety of their children. They are his responsibility, and, despite warnings to be careful, these kids did what kids do: they didn't listen. So, he came down with a hard hand: no more nightclubs and implemented a curfew. Oh, as CA's Geoff Calkins notes, he deputized an entire city to help keep his players honest.
After all, with the Tigers ranked as preseason No. 1 and possessing one of the deepest teams ever, a potential National Championship hangs in the balance.
That's the kind of thing that could not only change the University of Memphis but alter the fabric of the city itself.
And that's a message that Calipari is driving home to his players. Do they want to be seen as role models and revered men of lore -- or as just another athlete in a police mug shot? In Memphis, the latter takes on extra significance because they also become just another black athlete in a police mugshot. That's all the more reason to avoid any trouble. But I digress.
What really happened at the Plush Club?
According to the police account, officers responded at 3:36 a.m. to a "large disturbance" outside the Plush Club that had spilled out into the street. Taggart, a 6-11 forward from Richmond, Va., had been accused by club security of starting the original disturbance -- that accusation was proven false, according to the report -- and detained by police.
Taggart, 22, then began yelling obscenities, "causing the large crowd to get further agitated and (they) began closing in on officers, trying to pull (the) defendant away from officers, while yelling obscenities, causing the officers to fear for their safety," according to the report.
Robinson, 19, approached a police officer "with balled fists in an extremely aggressive manner, ignoring commands to stop and back up" while also yelling obscenities, according to the police account.
According to Calkins, the affidavit said Robinson yelled, "...'bleep the police, this is bleep, man.'" The police used a chemical agent to take Robinson down.
In my opinion, police reports -- especially those describing an officer's use of force -- are not reliable at all. It's quite possible that Taggert and Robinson were falsely accused of being involved in the disturbance and perhaps overreacted to those false accusations.
Police are naturally going to handle the biggest perceived threats first in order to gain control of the crowd. With that in mind, one can see how a police officer might have felt threatened, considering how muscular and tall Taggert and Robinson are.
As Calipari said, imagine being 6'8 (Taggert is 6'11) and trying to get out of that situation. Not gonna happen.
So, it's best to avoid it altogether.
Calipari is so right, which is why I'm not mad at him for jumping on the situation BEFORE he even talked to Taggart and Robinson or BEFORE any facts, including information that might exonerate the players, came to light. If he did throw these kids under a bus, then they should consider it a life-affirming lesson.
I'm just saying, one has to respect Calipari's decision not to shield those players from the harsh reaction to their own actions. People are now calling them "thugs" just like family members call an obese relative "fat." It's home-tested psychology to induce behavioral modification but name-calling only makes things worse.
Still, the tough-love paradox is understandable in order to put greater emphasis on what's at risk -- like healthy living, the prospect of death, or a National Championship -- if nothing changes.
Again, the Tigers are ranked No. 1. All eyes are upon them. Their every move will be scrutinized. Right or wrong. Get used to it, kiddos.
This is not high school.
This is one step away from the real world.
Most importantly, this is recognizing that athletes, especially African American male ones, can't afford to take any off-the-court risks that might eliminate their dreams (and those of others) in an instant.
Monday, September 3
On What Matters Now
At least, the police mugshots of Jeff Robinson and Shawn Taggert did not make the front page of the Commercial Appeal -- though their faces being connected to another story about Tiger Basketball players being arrested is perhaps the start of Coach John Calipari's idea of punishment.
An quote from Sunday's press conference:
"Obviously the two that have mug shots now in the newspaper, that’s the start of their punishment. Whatever they were involved in or did or didn’t do, it doesn’t matter now. They’ve got a mug shot that everybody’s publicly going to see. And I would imagine that it’s going to be on possibly the front page of the newspaper if not the front of sports. That’s the start of theirs. Until we get all the information out, the only thing I can tell you is that it’s going to be a firm hand."
To be sure, Calipari is in a difficult position. As he noted, families entrust him with the safety of their children. They are his responsibility, and, despite warnings to be careful, these kids did what kids do: they didn't listen. So, he came down with a hard hand: no more nightclubs and implemented a curfew. Oh, as CA's Geoff Calkins notes, he deputized an entire city to help keep his players honest.
After all, with the Tigers ranked as preseason No. 1 and possessing one of the deepest teams ever, a potential National Championship hangs in the balance.
That's the kind of thing that could not only change the University of Memphis but alter the fabric of the city itself.
And that's a message that Calipari is driving home to his players. Do they want to be seen as role models and revered men of lore -- or as just another athlete in a police mug shot? In Memphis, the latter takes on extra significance because they also become just another black athlete in a police mugshot. That's all the more reason to avoid any trouble. But I digress.
What really happened at the Plush Club?
According to the police account, officers responded at 3:36 a.m. to a "large disturbance" outside the Plush Club that had spilled out into the street. Taggart, a 6-11 forward from Richmond, Va., had been accused by club security of starting the original disturbance -- that accusation was proven false, according to the report -- and detained by police.
Taggart, 22, then began yelling obscenities, "causing the large crowd to get further agitated and (they) began closing in on officers, trying to pull (the) defendant away from officers, while yelling obscenities, causing the officers to fear for their safety," according to the report.
Robinson, 19, approached a police officer "with balled fists in an extremely aggressive manner, ignoring commands to stop and back up" while also yelling obscenities, according to the police account.
According to Calkins, the affidavit said Robinson yelled, "...'bleep the police, this is bleep, man.'" The police used a chemical agent to take Robinson down.
In my opinion, police reports -- especially those describing an officer's use of force -- are not reliable at all. It's quite possible that Taggert and Robinson were falsely accused of being involved in the disturbance and perhaps overreacted to those false accusations.
Police are naturally going to handle the biggest perceived threats first in order to gain control of the crowd. With that in mind, one can see how a police officer might have felt threatened, considering how muscular and tall Taggert and Robinson are.
As Calipari said, imagine being 6'8 (Taggert is 6'11) and trying to get out of that situation. Not gonna happen.
So, it's best to avoid it altogether.
Calipari is so right, which is why I'm not mad at him for jumping on the situation BEFORE he even talked to Taggart and Robinson or BEFORE any facts, including information that might exonerate the players, came to light. If he did throw these kids under a bus, then they should consider it a life-affirming lesson.
I'm just saying, one has to respect Calipari's decision not to shield those players from the harsh reaction to their own actions. People are now calling them "thugs" just like family members call an obese relative "fat." It's home-tested psychology to induce behavioral modification but name-calling only makes things worse.
Still, the tough-love paradox is understandable in order to put greater emphasis on what's at risk -- like healthy living, the prospect of death, or a National Championship -- if nothing changes.
Again, the Tigers are ranked No. 1. All eyes are upon them. Their every move will be scrutinized. Right or wrong. Get used to it, kiddos.
This is not high school.
This is one step away from the real world.
Most importantly, this is recognizing that athletes, especially African American male ones, can't afford to take any off-the-court risks that might eliminate their dreams (and those of others) in an instant.
From ABC 24 in Memphis - Tigers' Players Have Long History of Legal Trouble
Memphis Tigers' Players Have Long History Of Legal Trouble
Reported by: Sarah Buduson, Eyewitnessnews ABC 24, Memphis
Email: sbuduson@myeyewitnessnews.com
Last Update: 9/04 1:21 pm
Two Tiger Players In Court Tuesday, September 4th
Two Memphis Tigers basketball players arrested at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Two Memphis Tigers arrested on Beale Street early Sunday morning, September 2, 2007, are far from the first of the men’s basketball team to have trouble with the law. Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson were taken into custody after a fight at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Both players are charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. Robinson is also charged with assault for inflicting bodily harm. Taggart and Robinson will face a judge in Shelby County Court Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Memphis Tigers’ Coach John Calipari says other Tigers’ players were also at the Plush Club on Saturday night, September 1st.
In October 2006, players Joey Dorsey and Hashim Bailey were accused of assault last October. Two women who attend the University of Memphis say the players threatened them and tried to run them over with a car. Earlier that year, former Memphis Tiger Kareem Cooper was arrested for marijuana possession.
The year before, current team member Andre Allen was arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Former star guard Jeremy Hunt was also arrested in 2005. He was accused of beating up his girlfriend. He was later kicked off the team for getting into a bar fight.
During a news conference Sunday, Tigers’ coach John Calipari said he was angry and disappointed by Sunday’s arrests. He has now banned his team from hanging out at nightclubs. He has also imposed a midnight curfew for its members. He says, “They're held to a higher standard. And either accept it or go somewhere else.”
Team boosters are supporting Calipari and the players. Harold Byrd is the president of The Rebounders. The group is the Memphis Tigers’ official booster team. He says he is disappointed by the players’ arrests, but believes Taggart and Robinson should get a second chance. He says, “These are 18,19, year old kids and kids do the darndest things.” Byrd also believes Coach Calipari has taken the appropriate steps to discipline his players following the arrests. Byrd adds, “So they were out too late, they were at the wrong place, but Coach Calipari has taken action quickly, he's put the players on notice that this is not going to be tolerated.”
Byrd hopes the players will follow the rules because the pay off could be a national title. He says, “If they do what they're supposed to do at the end of this year, then they're going to be smiling and congratulating each other and enjoying a national basketball championship.”
The upcoming season may be the best chance the Tigers have ever had at clawing their way to winning the NCAA championship. The team is ranked first in many preseason polls. The team has made it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament for the last two years.
Reported by: Sarah Buduson, Eyewitnessnews ABC 24, Memphis
Email: sbuduson@myeyewitnessnews.com
Last Update: 9/04 1:21 pm
Two Tiger Players In Court Tuesday, September 4th
Two Memphis Tigers basketball players arrested at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Two Memphis Tigers arrested on Beale Street early Sunday morning, September 2, 2007, are far from the first of the men’s basketball team to have trouble with the law. Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson were taken into custody after a fight at the Plush Club on Beale Street. Both players are charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. Robinson is also charged with assault for inflicting bodily harm. Taggart and Robinson will face a judge in Shelby County Court Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Memphis Tigers’ Coach John Calipari says other Tigers’ players were also at the Plush Club on Saturday night, September 1st.
In October 2006, players Joey Dorsey and Hashim Bailey were accused of assault last October. Two women who attend the University of Memphis say the players threatened them and tried to run them over with a car. Earlier that year, former Memphis Tiger Kareem Cooper was arrested for marijuana possession.
The year before, current team member Andre Allen was arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Former star guard Jeremy Hunt was also arrested in 2005. He was accused of beating up his girlfriend. He was later kicked off the team for getting into a bar fight.
During a news conference Sunday, Tigers’ coach John Calipari said he was angry and disappointed by Sunday’s arrests. He has now banned his team from hanging out at nightclubs. He has also imposed a midnight curfew for its members. He says, “They're held to a higher standard. And either accept it or go somewhere else.”
Team boosters are supporting Calipari and the players. Harold Byrd is the president of The Rebounders. The group is the Memphis Tigers’ official booster team. He says he is disappointed by the players’ arrests, but believes Taggart and Robinson should get a second chance. He says, “These are 18,19, year old kids and kids do the darndest things.” Byrd also believes Coach Calipari has taken the appropriate steps to discipline his players following the arrests. Byrd adds, “So they were out too late, they were at the wrong place, but Coach Calipari has taken action quickly, he's put the players on notice that this is not going to be tolerated.”
Byrd hopes the players will follow the rules because the pay off could be a national title. He says, “If they do what they're supposed to do at the end of this year, then they're going to be smiling and congratulating each other and enjoying a national basketball championship.”
The upcoming season may be the best chance the Tigers have ever had at clawing their way to winning the NCAA championship. The team is ranked first in many preseason polls. The team has made it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament for the last two years.
Looking Past The Beale Street Incident, Angel Garcia Commits to Tigers
Power forward commits to U of M
Garcia adds perimeter game, size to frontcourt
By Dan Wolken
Monday, September 3, 2007
On an otherwise disappointing day for the University of Memphis basketball program, coach John Calipari did get some good news Sunday.
It almost seemed to be heaven sent.
Angel Garcia, a Puerto Rican power forward who has been one of the top targets of Memphis' recruiting efforts this summer, gave a commitment to the Tiger coaching staff, joining twin forwards Marcus and Markeiff Morris from Philadelphia in a suddenly stellar 2008 recruiting class.
"He's coming to Memphis," said Garcia's uncle, Israel Rodriguez, with whom the 6-10 forward lives in East Chicago, Ind. "He's looking forward to playing with the Morris twins, and I'm happy he made the decision. Coach Cal is a great coach, and he had a great time with the team when he was there."
Though Garcia committed with the intent of enrolling in 2008, he still has work to do. When Garcia moved to the U.S. last year from Puerto Rico, his English was limited and he was behind academically. But Rodriguez said Garcia is working hard to become eligible for college next year.
"That's what he's focusing on now, and he's doing pretty good," Rodriguez said
Garcia's commitment gives Memphis three players ranked in the top 100 for the class of 2008. Marcus Morris, a 6-7 wing, is ranked No. 37 overall by Rivals.com, while Markeiff Morris is a 6-8 post player ranked 74th.
Though Garcia is 6-10, 210 pounds, his strength is the perimeter game and ability to run the floor, which he displayed at Calipari's elite camp in June. Garcia is ranked 27th by Rivals.com, but many believe he would be a top 10 player if he had played the AAU circuit this summer rather than for the Puerto Rican national team.
Memphis envisions all three being able to play at the same time, giving the Tigers a big, athletic frontcourt for at least the next couple years.
The Tigers are still hoping to get a commitment from an elite guard, the top target being St. George's Elliot Williams, who is deciding between Memphis, Tennessee, Duke and Virginia.
Rodriguez said Memphis' diligence in the recruiting process was a big factor in Garcia choosing Memphis over Indiana. Tigers assistant Chuck Martin, for instance, traveled to Serbia this summer to watch Garcia play in the world under-19 championships.
"I think both are great schools, and they both were there from Day 1," Rodriguez said. "But at the end, he had to make the decision. It was what he wanted."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Garcia adds perimeter game, size to frontcourt
By Dan Wolken
Monday, September 3, 2007
On an otherwise disappointing day for the University of Memphis basketball program, coach John Calipari did get some good news Sunday.
It almost seemed to be heaven sent.
Angel Garcia, a Puerto Rican power forward who has been one of the top targets of Memphis' recruiting efforts this summer, gave a commitment to the Tiger coaching staff, joining twin forwards Marcus and Markeiff Morris from Philadelphia in a suddenly stellar 2008 recruiting class.
"He's coming to Memphis," said Garcia's uncle, Israel Rodriguez, with whom the 6-10 forward lives in East Chicago, Ind. "He's looking forward to playing with the Morris twins, and I'm happy he made the decision. Coach Cal is a great coach, and he had a great time with the team when he was there."
Though Garcia committed with the intent of enrolling in 2008, he still has work to do. When Garcia moved to the U.S. last year from Puerto Rico, his English was limited and he was behind academically. But Rodriguez said Garcia is working hard to become eligible for college next year.
"That's what he's focusing on now, and he's doing pretty good," Rodriguez said
Garcia's commitment gives Memphis three players ranked in the top 100 for the class of 2008. Marcus Morris, a 6-7 wing, is ranked No. 37 overall by Rivals.com, while Markeiff Morris is a 6-8 post player ranked 74th.
Though Garcia is 6-10, 210 pounds, his strength is the perimeter game and ability to run the floor, which he displayed at Calipari's elite camp in June. Garcia is ranked 27th by Rivals.com, but many believe he would be a top 10 player if he had played the AAU circuit this summer rather than for the Puerto Rican national team.
Memphis envisions all three being able to play at the same time, giving the Tigers a big, athletic frontcourt for at least the next couple years.
The Tigers are still hoping to get a commitment from an elite guard, the top target being St. George's Elliot Williams, who is deciding between Memphis, Tennessee, Duke and Virginia.
Rodriguez said Memphis' diligence in the recruiting process was a big factor in Garcia choosing Memphis over Indiana. Tigers assistant Chuck Martin, for instance, traveled to Serbia this summer to watch Garcia play in the world under-19 championships.
"I think both are great schools, and they both were there from Day 1," Rodriguez said. "But at the end, he had to make the decision. It was what he wanted."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
From SI.com - Two Memphis Players Arrested, Cal Creates Curfew
Two Memphis players arrested
Calipari creates curfew after disturbance at nightclub
Posted: Monday September 3, 2007 3:59PM; Updated: Monday September 3, 2007 6:42PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Two Memphis basketball players were charged with misdemeanors after police said they were involved in a disturbance at a Beale Street nightclub, infuriating coach John Calipari.
Sophomore forward Shawn Taggart and freshman guard Jeff Robinson were arrested early Sunday morning and charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
Later in the day, Calipari announced a seven-day-a-week team curfew and a no-nightclub policy.
"I'm not happy," he said. "I know they're going to screw up. They're young kids, and they're going to do dumb things, like my own children.
"But how many times have I said, nothing good happens in a club after midnight? We'll deal with this; a lot of it will be in-house. Some of it's not going to be," Calipari said.
Robinson was also charged with misdemeanor assault and had to be subdued before he was taken into custody, according to the police affidavit.
Calipari said he would determine disciplinary action for the players after a police and school investigation was completed.
A Memphis Police Department spokeswoman did not immediately return a phone call to The Associated Press on Monday. A university spokesman confirmed the arrests, but said he had no new information.
Officers responded to a disturbance outside the Plush Club at 3:36 a.m. Taggart was detained by police after club security accused him of starting the disturbance, though police said they found that was not the case.
Taggart, 22, then began yelling obscenities, "causing the large crowd to get further agitated and (they) began closing in on officers, trying to pull (the) defendant away from officers, while yelling obscenities, causing the officers to fear for their safety," according to the report.
Robinson, 19, approached a police officer with his fists balled, acting aggressively, ignoring police commands and yelling obscenities, according to the police account.
Both players were released on bond and were scheduled to appear 9 a.m. Tuesday in Shelby County Criminal Court.
Neither Taggart nor Robinson has played a game yet for Memphis. Taggart sat out last season after transferring from Iowa State. Neither player was available for comment Sunday.
Calipari said he met with the team Sunday to express his anger and explain the new rules, which he said would be in place indefinitely.
"I'm furious, to be honest," Calipari said. "I want the city to know this: They're not to be in any clubs. None. I've asked the players, if anybody here doesn't think they can live with that, I need them to come and see me so we'll help them transfer."
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Calipari creates curfew after disturbance at nightclub
Posted: Monday September 3, 2007 3:59PM; Updated: Monday September 3, 2007 6:42PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Two Memphis basketball players were charged with misdemeanors after police said they were involved in a disturbance at a Beale Street nightclub, infuriating coach John Calipari.
Sophomore forward Shawn Taggart and freshman guard Jeff Robinson were arrested early Sunday morning and charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.
Later in the day, Calipari announced a seven-day-a-week team curfew and a no-nightclub policy.
"I'm not happy," he said. "I know they're going to screw up. They're young kids, and they're going to do dumb things, like my own children.
"But how many times have I said, nothing good happens in a club after midnight? We'll deal with this; a lot of it will be in-house. Some of it's not going to be," Calipari said.
Robinson was also charged with misdemeanor assault and had to be subdued before he was taken into custody, according to the police affidavit.
Calipari said he would determine disciplinary action for the players after a police and school investigation was completed.
A Memphis Police Department spokeswoman did not immediately return a phone call to The Associated Press on Monday. A university spokesman confirmed the arrests, but said he had no new information.
Officers responded to a disturbance outside the Plush Club at 3:36 a.m. Taggart was detained by police after club security accused him of starting the disturbance, though police said they found that was not the case.
Taggart, 22, then began yelling obscenities, "causing the large crowd to get further agitated and (they) began closing in on officers, trying to pull (the) defendant away from officers, while yelling obscenities, causing the officers to fear for their safety," according to the report.
Robinson, 19, approached a police officer with his fists balled, acting aggressively, ignoring police commands and yelling obscenities, according to the police account.
Both players were released on bond and were scheduled to appear 9 a.m. Tuesday in Shelby County Criminal Court.
Neither Taggart nor Robinson has played a game yet for Memphis. Taggart sat out last season after transferring from Iowa State. Neither player was available for comment Sunday.
Calipari said he met with the team Sunday to express his anger and explain the new rules, which he said would be in place indefinitely.
"I'm furious, to be honest," Calipari said. "I want the city to know this: They're not to be in any clubs. None. I've asked the players, if anybody here doesn't think they can live with that, I need them to come and see me so we'll help them transfer."
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
From AOL Sports - Two Memphis Players Arrested After Fight; Calipari Mandates Bars/Clubs Off Limits
Two Memphis Hoops Players Arrested After Fight; Calipari Mandates: No Bars
Posted Sep 2nd 2007 4:40PM
by Michael David Smith, AOL Sports
Memphis is widely regarded as a favorite to reach the Final Four next March, but the school year is getting off to a bad start, as two Memphis basketball players were arrested early this morning after a fight outside a club.
Freshman Jeff Robinson and sophomore Shawn Taggart were booked shortly before 6 a.m., Gary Parrish of CBS Sports is reporting. Robinson was charged with inciting a riot, assault-bodily harm and disorderly conduct. Taggart was charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct.
Memphis coach John Calipari said he doesn't know what punishment he'll mete out to the two players, but that he had a meeting with the rest of the team this morning in which he told the players that bars and nightclubs are now off-limits to all Memphis players.
"I know they're going to screw up because they're young kids and they're going to do dumb things, like my own children," Calipari said. "But how many times have I said that nothing good happens in a club after midnight?"
Memphis returns seven of the top eight scorers from last season's Elite Eight team. Robinson and Taggart are expected to get significant minutes off the bench, but Memphis would still be a Final Four favorite if both players are booted off the team.
Posted Sep 2nd 2007 4:40PM
by Michael David Smith, AOL Sports
Memphis is widely regarded as a favorite to reach the Final Four next March, but the school year is getting off to a bad start, as two Memphis basketball players were arrested early this morning after a fight outside a club.
Freshman Jeff Robinson and sophomore Shawn Taggart were booked shortly before 6 a.m., Gary Parrish of CBS Sports is reporting. Robinson was charged with inciting a riot, assault-bodily harm and disorderly conduct. Taggart was charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct.
Memphis coach John Calipari said he doesn't know what punishment he'll mete out to the two players, but that he had a meeting with the rest of the team this morning in which he told the players that bars and nightclubs are now off-limits to all Memphis players.
"I know they're going to screw up because they're young kids and they're going to do dumb things, like my own children," Calipari said. "But how many times have I said that nothing good happens in a club after midnight?"
Memphis returns seven of the top eight scorers from last season's Elite Eight team. Robinson and Taggart are expected to get significant minutes off the bench, but Memphis would still be a Final Four favorite if both players are booted off the team.
ABC 24 In Memphis Reports Two Tiger Players Arrested on Beale Street
Two U of M Basketball Players Arrested
Last Update: 9/02 6:50 pm
Memphis Tigers head basketball coach John Calipari has said it before: "Nothing good happens after midnight." Unfortunately, Calipari had to say it again Sunday after learning two of his players, Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson, were arrested early Sunday morning.
Taggart and Robinson were involved in a fight outside a Beale Street nightclub. Both players were charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. Robinson was additionally charged with assault-bodily harm. Taggart and Robinson are due in court Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
Calipari addressed the media at 2 p.m. Sunday. As of that time, he had yet to speak with either Robinson or Taggart. Calipari said he was waiting to learn more information before deciding on disciplinary action.
Calipari did say he met with the rest of his team Sunday morning and informed them that there were now two new team rules: 1) Players are no longer allowed inside night clubs and, 2) There will be a daily curfew, between 11 p.m. and midnight.
Last Update: 9/02 6:50 pm
Memphis Tigers head basketball coach John Calipari has said it before: "Nothing good happens after midnight." Unfortunately, Calipari had to say it again Sunday after learning two of his players, Shawn Taggart and Jeff Robinson, were arrested early Sunday morning.
Taggart and Robinson were involved in a fight outside a Beale Street nightclub. Both players were charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. Robinson was additionally charged with assault-bodily harm. Taggart and Robinson are due in court Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
Calipari addressed the media at 2 p.m. Sunday. As of that time, he had yet to speak with either Robinson or Taggart. Calipari said he was waiting to learn more information before deciding on disciplinary action.
Calipari did say he met with the rest of his team Sunday morning and informed them that there were now two new team rules: 1) Players are no longer allowed inside night clubs and, 2) There will be a daily curfew, between 11 p.m. and midnight.
Commercial Appeal Reports 6-11 Angel Garcia Has Given A Verbal Commitment
Tigers get commitment from standout
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Puerto Rican forward Angel Garcia has given a verbal commitment to play basketball at the University of Memphis, sources with knowledge of the situation have told The Commercial Appeal.
Garcia was considered one of the Tigers' top targets, especially after the 6-foot-11 inch forward put on an awesome display of athleticism and skill at coach John Calipari's elite summer camp in June.
Garcia, ranked No. 27 overall in the class of 2008 by Rivals.com, chose Memphis over Indiana. Garcia moved to the U.S. last season and played at East Chicago (Ind.) Central High. He played this summer for the Puerto Rican National Team at the under-19 championships in Serbia, where Memphis assistant coach Chuck Martin traveled to watch him play.
Once Garcia signs a national letter of intent, he'll join twin forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris in the class of 2008, seemingly giving the Tigers a solid front line for the next few years. Memphis is still hoping to get a commitment from an elite guard, the No. 1 target being St. George's Elliot Williams.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Puerto Rican forward Angel Garcia has given a verbal commitment to play basketball at the University of Memphis, sources with knowledge of the situation have told The Commercial Appeal.
Garcia was considered one of the Tigers' top targets, especially after the 6-foot-11 inch forward put on an awesome display of athleticism and skill at coach John Calipari's elite summer camp in June.
Garcia, ranked No. 27 overall in the class of 2008 by Rivals.com, chose Memphis over Indiana. Garcia moved to the U.S. last season and played at East Chicago (Ind.) Central High. He played this summer for the Puerto Rican National Team at the under-19 championships in Serbia, where Memphis assistant coach Chuck Martin traveled to watch him play.
Once Garcia signs a national letter of intent, he'll join twin forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris in the class of 2008, seemingly giving the Tigers a solid front line for the next few years. Memphis is still hoping to get a commitment from an elite guard, the No. 1 target being St. George's Elliot Williams.
Andre Allen Finally Sheds Walk-On Label
Allen finally sheds walk-on label
Calipari awards point guard with scholarship for '07-'08
By Dan Wolken
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Though he had turned down scholarships elsewhere to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing basketball at the University of Memphis, the "walk-on" prefix never seemed to fit point guard Andre Allen.
Tigers coach John Calipari has awarded Allen one of Memphis' two open scholarships for the 2007-08 season, marking another significant career moment for a player who walked on as an academic non-qualifier and eventually became one of the most valuable members of two Tiger runs to the Elite Eight.
"There's no sense of pride, really. I know that I put in hard work," Allen said. "I always was a part of the family, a part of the team. I was treated like a scholarship player. So it's nothing different; I just get my books free.
"(Calipari) told me when I first came, if I wanted a scholarship, I had to show him what I could do. And I proved to him that I deserved a scholarship."
Few Memphians would disagree, especially after watching Allen's career path, going all the way back to when one publication ranked him the top eighth grader in the country. But even as he became a city legend at Booker T. Washington high school, Allen never grew past 5-foot-8, and academic problems compromised his opportunities to play college basketball.
After sitting out his first year at Memphis due to NCAA rules for non-qualifiers, Allen's relentless motor powered the Tigers to the brink of the Final Four in 2006. And though he didn't start once last season, Allen was Calipari's most trusted point guard, almost always on the floor in late-game situations.
Calipari said the decision to give Allen a scholarship was based as much on taking care of business away from basketball as it was about his value to the team. Allen's academics, for instance, are finally in order, and he'll almost certainly graduate this year, thus earning back the year of eligibility in 2008-09 that he had to sit out as a non-qualifier.
"Every time we were ready to scholarship him, he'd do something (wrong)," Calipari said. "And I'll be honest, if anything happened this summer, he wouldn't have been scholarship this year either. But it was a reward for him out there. This year, and hopefully the next two years, he'll stay on."
Though technically a walk-on, Allen's tuition had previously been paid for by Streets Ministries, which has awarded college scholarships dozens of inner-city Memphis youth.
Streets Ministries executive director Ken Bennett said earning a basketball scholarship was perhaps more important than Allen let on.
"Nobody thought of Andre as a walk-on, but he did," Bennett said. "I think it makes his mom proud, it makes the community proud and it certainly makes me proud. You step in as a walk-on, and you can have a big chip on your shoulder or you can take care of business. He took care of business."
Despite now occupying a scholarship, Allen can't afford to be satisfied. This season, Allen will not only have to share minutes with rapidly improving sophomore Willie Kemp but also freshman phenom Derrick Rose.
"We put it all in coach's hands," Allen said. "He knew what he was doing when he brought everybody in, so he knows there's enough playing time for everyone. This is just Memphis ball, period. Anybody who comes down here has to be competitive. Playing against me, they've gotta be a competitor."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
Calipari awards point guard with scholarship for '07-'08
By Dan Wolken
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Though he had turned down scholarships elsewhere to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing basketball at the University of Memphis, the "walk-on" prefix never seemed to fit point guard Andre Allen.
Tigers coach John Calipari has awarded Allen one of Memphis' two open scholarships for the 2007-08 season, marking another significant career moment for a player who walked on as an academic non-qualifier and eventually became one of the most valuable members of two Tiger runs to the Elite Eight.
"There's no sense of pride, really. I know that I put in hard work," Allen said. "I always was a part of the family, a part of the team. I was treated like a scholarship player. So it's nothing different; I just get my books free.
"(Calipari) told me when I first came, if I wanted a scholarship, I had to show him what I could do. And I proved to him that I deserved a scholarship."
Few Memphians would disagree, especially after watching Allen's career path, going all the way back to when one publication ranked him the top eighth grader in the country. But even as he became a city legend at Booker T. Washington high school, Allen never grew past 5-foot-8, and academic problems compromised his opportunities to play college basketball.
After sitting out his first year at Memphis due to NCAA rules for non-qualifiers, Allen's relentless motor powered the Tigers to the brink of the Final Four in 2006. And though he didn't start once last season, Allen was Calipari's most trusted point guard, almost always on the floor in late-game situations.
Calipari said the decision to give Allen a scholarship was based as much on taking care of business away from basketball as it was about his value to the team. Allen's academics, for instance, are finally in order, and he'll almost certainly graduate this year, thus earning back the year of eligibility in 2008-09 that he had to sit out as a non-qualifier.
"Every time we were ready to scholarship him, he'd do something (wrong)," Calipari said. "And I'll be honest, if anything happened this summer, he wouldn't have been scholarship this year either. But it was a reward for him out there. This year, and hopefully the next two years, he'll stay on."
Though technically a walk-on, Allen's tuition had previously been paid for by Streets Ministries, which has awarded college scholarships dozens of inner-city Memphis youth.
Streets Ministries executive director Ken Bennett said earning a basketball scholarship was perhaps more important than Allen let on.
"Nobody thought of Andre as a walk-on, but he did," Bennett said. "I think it makes his mom proud, it makes the community proud and it certainly makes me proud. You step in as a walk-on, and you can have a big chip on your shoulder or you can take care of business. He took care of business."
Despite now occupying a scholarship, Allen can't afford to be satisfied. This season, Allen will not only have to share minutes with rapidly improving sophomore Willie Kemp but also freshman phenom Derrick Rose.
"We put it all in coach's hands," Allen said. "He knew what he was doing when he brought everybody in, so he knows there's enough playing time for everyone. This is just Memphis ball, period. Anybody who comes down here has to be competitive. Playing against me, they've gotta be a competitor."
-- Dan Wolken: 529-2365
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