Memphis Tigers
21-22 Record: 22-11
Conference Record: 13-5 (AAC)
Last Year's Stats:
Scoring: 75.2
Scoring Defense: 68.3
Rebounding Margin: +6.1
Turnover Margin: -1.5
Assists: 15.8
Shooting Percentage: 46.9
3-pt Percentage: 35.5
Free Throw Percentage: 69.4
What To Look Out For:
Adding Kendric Davis was big for Memphis
Memphis lost a lot of talent from last year that they will be looking to replace and one way to do that was the addition of fifth-year senior Kendric Davis, who comes from SMU.' Davis was off the charts for the Mustangs, leading the charge, being a force with the ball in his hands, and understanding how to score the ball as he averaged 19 points per game the last two seasons.' Davis gives Memphis a strong option at the guard position and hopefully can limit turnovers but also continue to flourish in the style of play that found success last year.'
Senior leadership
When you look at this roster, you will see a ton of seniors.' That may seem a little different than years past with the Tigers, as they have been able to land some premier young talent when it comes to recruiting. But Memphis loaded up on some key transfers that should be able to come in and make an immediate impact, as well as key returning players.' Alex Lomax returns for another year to help at the guard position, Memphis hopes to get more from Chandler Lawson, DeAndre Williams and Malcolm Dandridge has plenty of experience, Jaydon Hardaway is the coach's son and can continue to carve out a role as well.' They also were able to add Sr. Elijah McCadden who was the Sixth Man of the Year in the Sun Belt, Keonte Kennedy, and Emmanuel Akot were big transfers that can produce immediately and stretch the defense, and also Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu led the Sun Belt in blocks percentage.' All these names have experience and can help continue the success at Memphis.
Watch out for DeAndre Williams
Williams, a 6'9 fifth-year senior, is a name to really watch out for more in the AAC. He has had a strong two seasons for Memphis, averaging around 11 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game in two years there while also earning 45 career starts so far. With the loss of Jalen Duren, he could really see an uptick in his production, as he has been consistent throughout so far. He scores the ball well inside, is effective around the basket, can step out if need be, and gets on the glass as well. Could he be a sneaky weapon for Memphis in the AAC' We shall see but he is one to watch out for in the conference more.