MEMPHIS TIGERS
Coach: John Calipari | Record: 30-3
Overview:
Despite a late surge last season, Memphis failed
to make the NCAA field. This time around, John
Calipari's team left little doubt about which
tournament it would be playing in this March. The
program claimed its first outright conference title
since 1995, but it's Memphis' non-conference work
that's been most impressive. This season the Tigers
have claimed wins over Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Alabama,
UCLA, Cincinnati, Gonzaga and Tennessee. At the
conclusion of the regular season, this team ranked
in the top ten nationally in six statistical
categories, including blocked shots (6.8 a game to
rank fourth) and field goal percentage defense (38.%
to rank sixth).
Potential Difference Maker: Rodney Carney and
Darius Washington get the most attention from the
national press, but center Joey Dorsey is the
X-factor for Memphis. When he's on, he can be a shot
blocking force who can stockpile more boards than
your local Home Depot. When he's off, he can barely
register on the stat sheet save for the personal
foul column.
On Offense: They will look to run at every
opportunity. They rely on their defense to create
transition opportunities. They will attack at all
five positions and play a lot of four-around-one.
They do a nice job of driving and kicking and they
go to the glass aggressively.
On Defense: They will employ a 2-2-1 press
that is a bit unusual in that they are up more then
most. They want to force you to the corners for
traps. In the halfcourt they will go man-to-man.
Strength: Team speed, quickness, athleticism
and depth.
Weakness: They are not at their best in a
possession game. In addition, they are young with
just one senior.
Key to Success: They want to keep the pace
fast. They rely so much on scoring off their
defense.
How to Beat Them: Make them play one
possession at a time. Make them really work for
their points. A grind-it-out game is not their
likening so make them execute in the halfcourt.
