Fox News broke the story that Elliot Williams has officially declared for the draft. He has also signed an agent, preventing him from deciding to return to college. This should not come as a surprise as Coach Josh Pastner has said that Williams will either be in or out, no testing of the waters.
This is obviously bad for the Tigers from an experience stand point. Right now, the only players in the backcourt that won't be freshman are Wesley Witherspoon and Roburt Sallie, assuming he decides to return.
It does have some positives, though. There was a bit of a log jam at the guard positions which made the starting lineup very complicated. Would Joe Jackson or Will Barton have to sit on the bench? Or maybe, keep playing Wesley Witherspoon as a power forward? Now the starting line up is much easier to figure out. It will probably go something like this; PG:Joe Jackson SG:Will Barton SF:Wesley Witherspoon PF:Angel Garcia C:Will Coleman. That's a lot of talent for a starting five. So, there's nothing to be upset about (Although I'm sure many tiger fans weren't going to be upset with the problem of having too many players capable of starting).
Tiger fans should wish Elliot Williams well. While he won't be a lottery pick, going in the late first or early second round is nothing to laugh at. It also looks great for Josh Pastner to take a role player from Duke that averaged less than five points a game and turn him into a draft pick (As Dan Wolken so graciously pointed out on his Twitter account). Fans should just be glad he joined us for the one season that he did. That was when we truly needed him.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Pierre Henderson-Niles
Josh Pastner recently announced that Pierre Henderson-Niles will no longer be a part of the Memphis Tiger's basketball team. In his statement, Pastner stated that Niles was not leaving due to any disciplinary actions, but rather it was a mutual parting of ways.
This is going to be a tremendous blow to a team that already has a very thin roster, especially in the front court. While Niles didn't really perform extremely well, he did keep the Tiger's other players from getting worn out and into foul trouble. Look for an increase in minutes from Will Coleman, D.J. Stephens, and Angel Garcia.
Many fans will look to see the gap filled by Garcia. It should be noted that Garcia's production will be limited. He recently came off an injury, just began practicing, and hasn't played a D-1 game in a while. Also, he has yet to prove his ability inside the paint. He prefers to play behind the arc.
This is going to be a tremendous blow to a team that already has a very thin roster, especially in the front court. While Niles didn't really perform extremely well, he did keep the Tiger's other players from getting worn out and into foul trouble. Look for an increase in minutes from Will Coleman, D.J. Stephens, and Angel Garcia.
Many fans will look to see the gap filled by Garcia. It should be noted that Garcia's production will be limited. He recently came off an injury, just began practicing, and hasn't played a D-1 game in a while. Also, he has yet to prove his ability inside the paint. He prefers to play behind the arc.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
UAB vs. Memphis
After last nights game, Tiger fans and players alike can let out a collective sigh of relief. After dropping a road game to SMU, Memphis bounced back to defeat one of the top teams in conference USA, UAB.
The game brought as much intensity as fans have ever seen in a conference game before (yes I am counting the buzzer-beating Tulsa win last season). While this game may not have been decided by less that double digit points in the final seconds, it was a battle the whole way through. 30 lead changes and 10 ties resulted from the UAB Memphis rivalry game. Luckily, Elliot Williams and Wesley Witherspoon stepped up by scoring 25 and 29, respectively. Towards the end when a UAB win was still possible, UAB employed a tactic that Tiger fans have become used to seeing, they fouled. With the Tigers forced to earn the win at the line, they delivered. In the second half, Memphis shot over 90% from the charity stripe.
Will Coleman also had another good game with 9 rebounds and 7 blocks. He looked a lot more like that Dorsey-style player that Memphis fans were hoping for. Twice last night, he blocked back to back shots. These were crucial blocks as they came in the final minutes when Memphis was starting to go on a run.
Pastner also showed his ability to be a good X's and O's coach. He switched the defense often to keep UAB confused. The came ready for man to man and had to face zone for the entire first half. The defense switched to man, box and one, and triangle and two to keep UAB from getting comfortable offensively.
All in all it was a very encouraging game. Memphis has yet to lose back to back games since Kemp, Niles, and Mack stepped on campus, and I bet they're glad it stayed that way. The Tigers remain in the hunt for the regular season title, they're currently tied at third with UAB behind UTEP and Tulsa, who are tied for first. Not to mention a two game losing streak puts you in a bad state of mind to face a top 25 team like Gonzaga on Saturday.
The game brought as much intensity as fans have ever seen in a conference game before (yes I am counting the buzzer-beating Tulsa win last season). While this game may not have been decided by less that double digit points in the final seconds, it was a battle the whole way through. 30 lead changes and 10 ties resulted from the UAB Memphis rivalry game. Luckily, Elliot Williams and Wesley Witherspoon stepped up by scoring 25 and 29, respectively. Towards the end when a UAB win was still possible, UAB employed a tactic that Tiger fans have become used to seeing, they fouled. With the Tigers forced to earn the win at the line, they delivered. In the second half, Memphis shot over 90% from the charity stripe.
Will Coleman also had another good game with 9 rebounds and 7 blocks. He looked a lot more like that Dorsey-style player that Memphis fans were hoping for. Twice last night, he blocked back to back shots. These were crucial blocks as they came in the final minutes when Memphis was starting to go on a run.
Pastner also showed his ability to be a good X's and O's coach. He switched the defense often to keep UAB confused. The came ready for man to man and had to face zone for the entire first half. The defense switched to man, box and one, and triangle and two to keep UAB from getting comfortable offensively.
All in all it was a very encouraging game. Memphis has yet to lose back to back games since Kemp, Niles, and Mack stepped on campus, and I bet they're glad it stayed that way. The Tigers remain in the hunt for the regular season title, they're currently tied at third with UAB behind UTEP and Tulsa, who are tied for first. Not to mention a two game losing streak puts you in a bad state of mind to face a top 25 team like Gonzaga on Saturday.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Jackson's Connections
It's worth noting that in a recent interview Joe Jackson said he was friends with Michael Gilchrist. He also stated that if he comes back for a second year, which he plans on doing, he will try to recruit him to Memphis. Michael Gilchrist is the top overall player for the class of 2011. He plays small forward.
Tiger's Stance is Clear
At this point in conference play, it's pretty safe to assume we know where the Tigers stand talent-wise. They certainly aren't going away as a team that C-USA foes need to pay attention to, but they also aren't the favorites, by any means, to win the regular season or tournament title.
The recent win over Marshall, and loss to SMU, really balanced each other out. Before this Memphis was nipping at the heels of the big boys in conference, but they had not proved that they belonged at the top. The signature win against Marshall put them right back in the mix. Before that, there were three teams in second place in C-USA, and Memphis was one of them. The loss to SMU, however, was a major set back. While this team almost upset Marshall and UAB, two of the top teams in this conference, make no mistake, it was a loss to a bottom tier C-USA team.
Now there are three teams tied at first place in C-USA UAB, Tulsa, and UTEP. Memphis ranks directly behind them. With a game against UAB on Wednesday, they have a chance to say once more, that they belong at the top of the pack. The following Saturday, they will play top-25 team Gonzaga. Failing to secure both of these wins means that the Tigers will most likely have to win the conference tournament to get into the Big Dance. Failing to beat UAB, will almost definitely mean no C-USA regular season title.
The recent win over Marshall, and loss to SMU, really balanced each other out. Before this Memphis was nipping at the heels of the big boys in conference, but they had not proved that they belonged at the top. The signature win against Marshall put them right back in the mix. Before that, there were three teams in second place in C-USA, and Memphis was one of them. The loss to SMU, however, was a major set back. While this team almost upset Marshall and UAB, two of the top teams in this conference, make no mistake, it was a loss to a bottom tier C-USA team.
Now there are three teams tied at first place in C-USA UAB, Tulsa, and UTEP. Memphis ranks directly behind them. With a game against UAB on Wednesday, they have a chance to say once more, that they belong at the top of the pack. The following Saturday, they will play top-25 team Gonzaga. Failing to secure both of these wins means that the Tigers will most likely have to win the conference tournament to get into the Big Dance. Failing to beat UAB, will almost definitely mean no C-USA regular season title.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Memphis recruiting.
I'm not here to talk about the top ranked recruiting class for 2010, and I'm not here to talk about the past recruiting success that Memphis has had. I'm here to talk about the recruits for 2011. I know what your thinking. It's a little early to start speculating on the 2011 class. You're absolutely right. I'm doing it anyway.
What must be taken into account is who will not be here. The players that will leave after 2010 will be Elliot Williams, assuming he doesn't have a break out NBA caliber season and jump the ranks this year, Wesley Witherspoon, Roburt Sallie, assuming he doesn't mind coming back as a 24 year old for 2010, and Will Coleman. That leaves us with a need for wings and a center.
Several of the nation's top recruits for 2011 are considering Memphis. In fact, the top ranked recruit overall is in that list. His name is Michael Gilchrist. He plays small forward for St. Patrick High School in New Jersey. His measurements are at 6-7, 190lbs. He is very explosive. His two best attributes has to be his ball handling skills, and his perimeter shot. He is also an excellent defender who gets his fair share of blocks. The interesting thing about Gilchrist is the he said he was coming to Memphis for sure last year. Of course, there was a coaching change that caused him to reevaluate his decisions. He currently lists both Memphis and Kentucky, among others, as teams he is considering.
Another top prospect that plays small forward and is interested in Memphis is Adonis Thomas. He plays for Melrose High School in Tennessee, but he is better known among Memphis fans for being a member of Memphis Magic, where he plays with current UofM commits Joe Jackson, Tarik Black, and Chris Crawford. He is ranked by scouts as the second best small forward behind Michael Gilchrist. He measures in at 6-5, 204lbs. He has a good midrange game, and his athleticism allow him to attack the rim with ease. He is also a great defender and is very unselfish with the ball. He has some moves that reminds one of a power forward, but he executes these moves with much greater speed. The thing Thomas needs to work on the most is his ball handling ability and perimeter shot. He reminds me of Witherspoon in that he seems most suited to play a hybrid 3/4 type position. It will be interesting to see if him or Gilchrist will be a higher priority for Memphis. Gilchrist is better but will most likely turn pro after one year. It might be better to keep Thomas around for the long run. Also, Thomas is from Memphis, and Pastner uses an inside out recruiting philosophy.
Johnny O'Bryant is also listing Memphis as a school he is considering. He is the top rated Center according to scouts. He is from East Side High School in Mississippi. His measurements are 6-9, 225. He has a deverse set of skills for a center. Of course, his best quality is his rebounding and shot blocking. However, he also can drive to the basket with ease, and I've seen him knock down a three pointer or two. His offense game doesn't always look polished, but it usually gets the job done.
Ky Madden is a shooting guard who is interested in the Tigers. He is rated by scouts as the 19th best shooting guard. He plays for East Poinsett County High School in Arkansas. He is listed at 6-5, 195lbs. He is very long and athletic. He posses great ball handling skills for his size. His best attribute is his ability to attack the rim. He can play and defend multiple positions.
Kendren Johnson is a point guard who is considering Memphis. He is ranked by scouts as the 41st best point guard in the nation. He plays for Marshall County High School in Tennessee. He is a true pure point guard. He has great court vision and loves to get his teammates involved. Look for this to be another Bruce Pearl and Josh Pastner recruiting battle.
What must be taken into account is who will not be here. The players that will leave after 2010 will be Elliot Williams, assuming he doesn't have a break out NBA caliber season and jump the ranks this year, Wesley Witherspoon, Roburt Sallie, assuming he doesn't mind coming back as a 24 year old for 2010, and Will Coleman. That leaves us with a need for wings and a center.
Several of the nation's top recruits for 2011 are considering Memphis. In fact, the top ranked recruit overall is in that list. His name is Michael Gilchrist. He plays small forward for St. Patrick High School in New Jersey. His measurements are at 6-7, 190lbs. He is very explosive. His two best attributes has to be his ball handling skills, and his perimeter shot. He is also an excellent defender who gets his fair share of blocks. The interesting thing about Gilchrist is the he said he was coming to Memphis for sure last year. Of course, there was a coaching change that caused him to reevaluate his decisions. He currently lists both Memphis and Kentucky, among others, as teams he is considering.
Another top prospect that plays small forward and is interested in Memphis is Adonis Thomas. He plays for Melrose High School in Tennessee, but he is better known among Memphis fans for being a member of Memphis Magic, where he plays with current UofM commits Joe Jackson, Tarik Black, and Chris Crawford. He is ranked by scouts as the second best small forward behind Michael Gilchrist. He measures in at 6-5, 204lbs. He has a good midrange game, and his athleticism allow him to attack the rim with ease. He is also a great defender and is very unselfish with the ball. He has some moves that reminds one of a power forward, but he executes these moves with much greater speed. The thing Thomas needs to work on the most is his ball handling ability and perimeter shot. He reminds me of Witherspoon in that he seems most suited to play a hybrid 3/4 type position. It will be interesting to see if him or Gilchrist will be a higher priority for Memphis. Gilchrist is better but will most likely turn pro after one year. It might be better to keep Thomas around for the long run. Also, Thomas is from Memphis, and Pastner uses an inside out recruiting philosophy.
Johnny O'Bryant is also listing Memphis as a school he is considering. He is the top rated Center according to scouts. He is from East Side High School in Mississippi. His measurements are 6-9, 225. He has a deverse set of skills for a center. Of course, his best quality is his rebounding and shot blocking. However, he also can drive to the basket with ease, and I've seen him knock down a three pointer or two. His offense game doesn't always look polished, but it usually gets the job done.
Ky Madden is a shooting guard who is interested in the Tigers. He is rated by scouts as the 19th best shooting guard. He plays for East Poinsett County High School in Arkansas. He is listed at 6-5, 195lbs. He is very long and athletic. He posses great ball handling skills for his size. His best attribute is his ability to attack the rim. He can play and defend multiple positions.
Kendren Johnson is a point guard who is considering Memphis. He is ranked by scouts as the 41st best point guard in the nation. He plays for Marshall County High School in Tennessee. He is a true pure point guard. He has great court vision and loves to get his teammates involved. Look for this to be another Bruce Pearl and Josh Pastner recruiting battle.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
How 'Bout Them Seniors
Willie Kemp, Doneal Mack, and Pierre Henderson Niles. Each of these players belong to the senior class of the Memphis Tigers this season. Each of these players were highly touted coming out of high school. None of them seemed to be able to live up to the hype. Kemp had a good freshman year, leading the Tigers to an Elite Eight, but lost confidence after being stuck on the bench behind Derrick Rose and then Tyreke Evans. Niles gained an extraordinary amount of weight before starting his freshman season and was never able to contribute the way he was supposed to. Mack has been streaky. Sometimes he's on sometimes he's cold.
This year marked a new chance for all of them as the roster was depleted and a new coach came in. Niles hasn't been magnificent, in fact he has shown a lot of weakness on the offensive end, but his loss of weight over the offseason has given him the ability to contribute significant minutes. He has racked up an average of 18.3 minutes per game. Last season it would have been amazing to see him play for more than ten minutes on any given night. During this time he can do what he does so well, rebound. He has averaged 5.7 boards per game.
Willie Kemp has played with confidence and passion. Last season he just seemed nervous to be on the court. Now he seems comfortable. He appears to relish the coaching change and available playing time. His leadership role as a point guard and senior doesn't bother him one bit either. He has an average of four assists per game. He's only taken four, but he has made every free throw he's shot. He has the second best three point percentage of the team at 40%, going 4 for 10 from behind the arc. I expect these numbers to get better as he went 3 for 5 in the last game against Tennessee Tech. He also averages 32.3 minutes a game, second to Elliot Williams, showing Coach Pastner's faith in him.
Doneal Mack has been the hot hand of the team. He is shooting 57.1% from the field, second only to dunk machine Will Coleman. He's even going 53.3% from behind the arc. These numbers have made him the second leading scorer for the Tigers, behind Elliot Williams, at 11.7 points per game.
This year marked a new chance for all of them as the roster was depleted and a new coach came in. Niles hasn't been magnificent, in fact he has shown a lot of weakness on the offensive end, but his loss of weight over the offseason has given him the ability to contribute significant minutes. He has racked up an average of 18.3 minutes per game. Last season it would have been amazing to see him play for more than ten minutes on any given night. During this time he can do what he does so well, rebound. He has averaged 5.7 boards per game.
Willie Kemp has played with confidence and passion. Last season he just seemed nervous to be on the court. Now he seems comfortable. He appears to relish the coaching change and available playing time. His leadership role as a point guard and senior doesn't bother him one bit either. He has an average of four assists per game. He's only taken four, but he has made every free throw he's shot. He has the second best three point percentage of the team at 40%, going 4 for 10 from behind the arc. I expect these numbers to get better as he went 3 for 5 in the last game against Tennessee Tech. He also averages 32.3 minutes a game, second to Elliot Williams, showing Coach Pastner's faith in him.
Doneal Mack has been the hot hand of the team. He is shooting 57.1% from the field, second only to dunk machine Will Coleman. He's even going 53.3% from behind the arc. These numbers have made him the second leading scorer for the Tigers, behind Elliot Williams, at 11.7 points per game.
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