2010 Memphis Recruiting

The Memphis Tigers have done it again. The number one recruiting class in the nation has officially been secured over the past few days. Before the spring signing period, it was already strong with commitments from Joe Jackson, Chris Crawford, Will Barton, and Antonio Barton. Anyone else joining was questionable.

Hippolyte Tsafack was a lock for the Maryland Terrapins. Who knew what Jelan Kendrick was thinking. It didn't matter anyway, he was going to sign late for sure. Tarik Black even appeared to be drifting away from Memphis. His coach convinced him not to attend Memphis Madness, and whispers were that he was leaning towards Marquette.

Then the spring signing period started. All the players who committed signed. That was enough for most Tiger fans. After the last offseason, seeing names on the dotted line was a sigh of relief. Then they got a pleasant suprise, Hippolyte Tsafack committed to Memphis. He isn't the best post player in the country, but he can rebound, defend, and has amazing potential. If that wasn't enough Jelan Kendrick committed. Kendrick was ranked as the fifth shooting guard in the nation, and is capable of playing positions ranging from the point guard position to the small forward position. As soon as he made his announcement, he urged Tarik Black to follow. Tarik Black did follow. Tarik Black has risen to the ranking of elite post players. The recruiting class of Memphis has risen to the top spot for 2010.

One of the more interesting things about this recruiting class, aside from the extreme depth and talent, is the versatility. We have two combo guards Antonio Barton and Joe Jackson. They both primarily play point guard, but they are more than suited to play the shooting guard position. Chris Crawford and Will Barton are both swingmen. They play shooting guard, but they can also play small forward. Crawford has even dabbled in the point guard position before. Jelan Kendrick is versatile enough play point guard, shooting guard, or small forward. Tarik Black and Hippolyte Tsafack can both play power forward and center. With the talent that will likely return next year (Wesley Witherspoon, Elliot Williams, and Will Coleman) the lineup possibilities will be endless.

Tarik Black

Now that Joe Jackson has committed to Memphis, our back court will be good, regardless of whether or not Memphis lands anymore guards for the 2010 season. The focus now will be on the post.

Will Coleman will likely be around in 2010 to provide a talented center. The question mark will be the powerforward position. Tarik Black, of the Memphis Magic summer circuit program, would provide a perfect fit. The fact that he played on a team with Joe Jackson doesn't hurt either. Neither will the presence of #1 shooting guard Will Barton, or the extremely available playing time.

Tarik Black, your hometown awaits your decision.