2008 Memphis Tigers Hoops Preview

John Calipari doesn’t spend much time thinking about how close he came to winning a national title at Memphis. “When I slow down,” he says, “I’ll probably cry.”  Fortunately for Calipari, he hasn’t had much time for tears. Since watching the championship slip away in the final seconds against Kansas, Calipari has had to replace nearly half his roster and two assistant coaches, not to mention signing a new long-term contract and taking a C-USA all-star team to China for a nine-day tour. The long to-do list has helped him focus on the challenge of getting Memphis back to the Final Four, rather than what might have been.

“What recharges the batteries is, you know you’ve got a totally different team and you know you better get ready physically and mentally,” Calipari says. “I’m anxious to get started.”

Despite losing three starters, Calipari believes his program can sustain success from year to year through depth and recruiting. On both fronts, the Tigers remain elite, but their roster still has question marks. Without No. 1 overall draft pick Derrick Rose and first-team All-American Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Tigers enter the season without a clear-cut point guard or proven go-to scorer. After losing powerful forward Joey Dorsey, rebounding and interior defense are suddenly major issues.

Frontcourt

NBA scouts have always been intrigued by 6'9" power forward Robert Dozier, but his first three seasons at Memphis have been marked by inconsistency. Dozier tested the draft waters in the spring, an experience Calipari hopes will motivate him to reach his potential. With a nice mid-range game and solid free throw stroke, Dozier should easily surpass the 9.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game he recorded last season, but the key will be his strength and aggression around the basket.

The Tigers will start him alongside 6'10" junior Shawn Taggart, who was effective in a reserve role last season (5.9 ppg, 50.0 percent shooting). Taggart is a proven face-up scorer from inside 14 feet, but Calipari needs him to play a well-rounded game with more attention to defense.

Memphis’ frontcourt depth is questionable. Calipari believes junior Pierre Niles can contribute if he gets in playing shape (he’s been well over 300 pounds his first two years). Freshman Matt Simpkins plays with a mean streak that could help him get minutes early.

Backcourt

Calipari’s preference for big, athletic guards made the Tigers a match-up nightmare last season. Though their backcourt won’t be as talented, it’s once again overflowing with long-armed athletes who can get to the rim.

Big things are expected of freshman Tyreke Evans, who has been a superstar since age 14 and is poised to follow in Rose’s footsteps as a one-and-done Tiger. Though not a great shooter, Evans can create his own shots and likes having the ball in his hands.

The Tigers will once again look to 6'6" senior Antonio Anderson for leadership, versatility and defense, though they’ll also need him to score more (8.6 ppg) and shoot more accurately (33.3 percent from 3-point range). Sophomore Jeff Robinson and junior Doneal Mack will provide depth on the wings.

After taking a back seat to Rose, junior Willie Kemp will get a chance to reclaim his spot as the starting point guard, but it’s not a sure thing. In June, the Tigers added 6'5" combo guard and former Nebraska signee Roburt Sallie, who played with Dozier and Anderson on a 40–0 team at Laurinburg (N.C.) Prep, as insurance at the point.

Coaches are also intrigued by the potential of 6'8" freshman Wesley Witherspoon, who has tremendous quickness and a good handle but lacks the strength to finish plays.

Final Analysis

Though Calipari doesn’t expect the Tigers’ 42-game C-USA winning streak to survive the season, there’s no reason to believe they won’t be a cut above the league. Memphis simply has more talent and depth than any other team in the league, and if Evans is as good as the hype, the Tigers will secure a fourth straight conference crown. Whether Memphis can make another deep NCAA run depends on how effectively Anderson and Dozier transition to lead roles, whether Taggart matures into an elite post scorer and whether Evans, Sallie or Kemp can emerge as a primary point guard. The Tigers won’t be as good as they were a year ago, especially on defense, but making the Tournament’s second weekend is within reach if things fall in place.