Will next seasons team be a top 25?

I don't think anyone is expecting next season to turn out as well as the last, but with 30 plus wins, and only four losses, a step back certainly doesn't mean falling into obscurity.

A lot of people don't see next season's Memphis Tigers as being the top dog of conference USA, like they have been since the conference was reorganized. I'm not one of those people. Sure we won't be undefeated in conference play (I'm just hoping we can extend the streak long enough to beat Kentuck's all time high in-conference winning streak), but there are not many C-USA teams that will be able to handle the Tigers.

Their perimeter game will most definately be their strength. The Tiger's frontcourt is loaded with guys like Elliot Williams, Willie Kemp, Doneal Mack, Wesley Witherspoon, and Roburt Sallie. In this area, the talent, and depth, is not lacking.

The biggest problem will be at the post. I do expect Will Coleman to be an immediate impact player. As the number 2 ranked JUCO player, he has proven himself to be a beastly, yet still amazingly atheletic, player. He will be solid, but he cannot do it alone. Pierre Henderson-Niles has shown flashes of what he can do. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. His contributions will be valuable, but most likely limited. He has never been in great shape, and it shows as he begins to huff and puff on the court (not something we can afford).

The person who will really need to step up to keep this team as a dominate program is Angel Garcia. He is our other freakishly athletic big man. The most interesting part about Garcia is that he plays more like a perimeter player than a post player. He already has his NBA range 3-pointer down. This makes me excited because it will change the way he plays his role as a power forward. Unfortunately, it also makes me nervous. We have plenty of 3-point shooters, and what we really need is someone to get down low. He needs to learn to play by the post. He has to pull down rebounds, block shots, and put his back to the basket.

If Garcia developes himself into a quality power forward, I believe this team will have no problems staying in the top 25, and having another impressive season. If he doesn't the team will still perform well, but the competition will have more opportunities to capitalize on their weaknesses.