2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team

2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball
NIT, Second Round
Conference Conference USA
2009–10 record 24–10 (13–3 C-USA)
Head coach Josh Pastner (1st year)
Assistant coach Glynn Cyprien
Assistant coach Jack Murphy
Assistant coach Willis Wilson
Home arena FedExForum
2009–10 Conference USA men's basketball standings
Conf     Overall
Team W   L   PCT     W   L   PCT
UTEP 15 – 1   .938     26 – 7   .788
Memphis 13 – 3   .813     24 – 10   .706
UAB 11 – 5   .688     25 – 9   .735
Marshall 11 – 5   .688     24 – 9   .727
Tulsa 10 – 6   .625     23 – 12   .657
Southern Miss 8 – 8   .500     20 – 13   .606
Houston† 7 – 9   .438     19 – 16   .543
SMU 7 – 9   .438     14 – 17   .452
UCF 6 – 10   .375     15 – 17   .469
East Carolina 4 – 12   .250     10 – 21   .323
Tulane 3 – 13   .188     8 – 22   .267
Rice 1 – 15   .063     8 – 23   .258
† 2010 CUSA Tournament winner
As of March 20, 2010; Rankings from AP Poll

The 2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represented the University of Memphis in the 2009–10 college basketball season, the 89th season of Tiger basketball. The Tigers were coached by first-year head coach Josh Pastner, played their home games at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee and are members of Conference USA. They finished the season 24–10, 13–3 in C-USA play. They were the 2 seed in the 2010 Conference USA Men's Basketball Tournament where they were upset by 7 seed and eventual champion Houston. They failed to be invited to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. Instead, the Tigers were invited to the 2010 National Invitation Tournament where they advanced to the second round before losing to the Ole Miss Rebels.

Preseason

The 2008–09 Memphis Tigers finished the season 33–4 (16–0), as Conference USA regular season and tournament champions. After three early losses, the Tigers went on a 27-game unbeaten streak, finally coming to an end with a season-ending 102–91 loss to the Missouri Tigers in the Sweet 16.[1] Memphis finished the season ranked 9th in the final Coaches' Poll and 3rd in the AP Poll.[2]

A turbulent offseason for the Tigers began with the news of Billy Gillispie's firing at the University of Kentucky. Despite assurances that “Memphis is where I want to coach,”[3] John Calipari resigned as head coach of the Tigers to take the job at Kentucky on March 31, 2009.[4] After a week-long coaching search, Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announced the hiring of former Arizona and Memphis assistant Josh Pastner as head basketball coach.[5] At 32 years of age, Coach Pastner is the second-youngest men's head basketball coach in the NCAA.[6]

Calipari's departure resulted in the disintegration of Memphis' recruiting class. Signed recruits DeMarcus Cousins and Darnell Dodson were allowed out of their letters of intent and followed Calipari to Kentucky. Xavier Henry was also allowed to leave, and while briefly considering following Calipari as well, ultimately decided to attend the University of Kansas. Guard Nolan Dennis was also allowed to leave, choosing to attend Baylor University. Of Memphis' original 2009 recruiting class, only JUCO forward Will Coleman decided to honor his commitment to play for the Tigers. Sophomore forward Ángel García lost most of the season with an ACL tear, but made an unexpected debut after only five months of recovery. Despite shooting 52% in 2-point field goals and 41% in 3-point field goals, García saw limited action due to the recovery process.

Memphis' roster was also devastated by other departures not directly related to the coaching change. Redshirt freshman C. J. Henry, brother of Xavier Henry, chose to transfer to Kansas to play with his brother after sitting out the season due to an ankle injury. Memphis recruit Latavious Williams decided not to honor his commitment, instead deciding to play professionally in China; ultimately, Williams was drafted into the NBA Development League. On March 31, 2009, freshman sensation Tyreke Evans declared himself eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft, ultimately being drafted 4th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Senior forward Shawn Taggart declared for the draft on June 6, 2009, despite having one year of eligibility remaining. Seniors Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier also declared for the draft after their graduation from the University; Chance McGrady, brother of Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady also graduated, but did not declare for the draft.

The Tigers began the 2009–10 season on October 16, 2009 with Memphis Madness. Over 18,000 fans attended the free event at FedExForum, with several hundred fans turned away at the door by the Memphis Fire Department for safety reasons. The capacity crowd was the largest to ever witness a Memphis Madness event.[7]

Departures

Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Notes
Antonio Anderson 5 G 6' 6" 215 Senior Lynn, Massachusetts 1st all-time in games played (150)
4th all-time in steals (213)
5th all-time in assists (538)
18th all-time in points scored (1,277)
45th player to score 1,000+ points
Recorded 3rd all-time triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists)
2nd player to record a triple-double (Anfernee Hardaway recorded two)
1st player with 1,000+ points, 500+ rebounds, and 500+ assists
2008 Conference USA Men's Basketball Tournament MVP
Robert Dozier 2 F 6' 9" 220 Senior Lithonia, Georgia 3rd all-time in games played (148)
5th all-time in blocks (228)
6th all-time in rebounds (961)
17 career double-doubles
14th all-time in points scored (1,381)
44th player to score 1,000+ points
6th player to record 1,000+ points and 900+ rebounds
Tyreke Evans 12 G 6' 6" 195 Freshman Chester, Pennsylvania 1st all-time in steals by a freshman (77)
2nd all-time in points scored by a freshman (632)
Scored in double figures in 33 games (37 played)
1st Memphis player to be named consensus National Freshman of the Year
2009 Conference USA Men's Basketball Tournament MVP
Drafted 4th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings
C. J. Henry 14 G 6' 3" 195 Freshman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Transferred to Kansas
Chance McGrady 10 G 6' 2" 183 Senior Auburndale, Florida Brother of Tracy McGrady
Only player to wear a different number every year (#11, #55, #31, #10)
Matt Simpkins 15 F 6' 9" 215 Freshman Sacramento, California Dismissed from team Feb. 6, 2009
Shawn Taggart 0 F 6' 10" 238 Junior Richmond, Virginia 87 career blocks, 7 double-doubles in two seasons at Memphis (transferred from Iowa State)

Statistics accurate as of 29 March 2010.

Recruiting

Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Will Coleman
C		 Columbus, GA Pacelli HS 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Aug 14, 2008 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 95
D. J. Stephens
SF		 Killeen, TX Harker Heights HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Aug 25, 2009 
Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 90
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Roster

2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team
Players Coaches
Pos. # Name Height Weight Year Home town
F 1 Henderson-Niles, PierrePierre Henderson-Niles 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 278 lb (126 kg) Sr Memphis, Tennessee
G 2 Harvey Jr., JamesJames Harvey Jr. 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) So Memphis, Tennessee
G 3 Sallie, RoburtRoburt Sallie 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 196 lb (89 kg) Jr Sacramento, California
G 5 Kemp, WillieWillie Kemp 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 184 lb (83 kg) Sr Bolivar, Tennessee
F 10 Coleman, WillWill Coleman 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 250 lb (113 kg) Sr Columbus, Georgia
G/F 11 Witherspoon, WesleyWesley Witherspoon 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Jr Atlanta, Georgia
G/F 12 Barham, DrewDrew Barham 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 180 lb (82 kg) So Cordova, Tennessee
G 14 Holt, CharlesCharles Holt 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) So Jackson, Tennessee
G 15 Williams, ElliotElliot Williams 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Jr Memphis, Tennessee
G 20 Mack, DonealDoneal Mack 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 187 lb (85 kg) Sr Charlotte, North Carolina
G/F 30 Stephens, D. J.D. J. Stephens 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 170 lb (77 kg) So Killeen, Texas
G 31 Laird, PrestonPreston Laird 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 182 lb (83 kg) Jr Memphis, Tennessee
G/F 32 Thomas, MalikMalik Thomas 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) So Forestville, Maryland
G/F 35 Foster, TylerTyler Foster 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 185 lb (84 kg) So Albany, New York
F 41 García, ÁngelÁngel García 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 245 lb (111 kg) So Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
F 54 Jacques, AaronAaron Jacques 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Sr Bartlett, Tennessee
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • (W) Walk-on

Roster
Last update: 2010-04-08

Schedule

Date
Time, TV		 Rank# Opponent# Result Record Site (Attendance)
City, State
Exhibition

Tue, Nov 3*
7:00 pm		 LeMoyne-Owen W 98–68[8] 
FedExForum 
Memphis, TN

Mon, Nov 9*
7:00 pm		 Christian Brothers W 66–45[9] 
FedExForum 
Memphis, TN
Regular Season

Fri, Nov 13*
8:00 pm		 Jackson State W 82–53[10]  1–0
 FedExForum (17,584)
Memphis, TN

Tue, Nov 17*
9:00 pm, ESPN		 vs. No. 1 Kansas
Hall of Fame Showcase		 L 55–57[11]  1–1
 Scottrade Center (12,107)
St. Louis, MO

Fri, Nov 20*
7:00 pm		 Tennessee Tech
Hall of Fame Showcase		 W 92–59[12]  2–1
 FedExForum (16,707)
Memphis, TN

Tue, Nov 24*
7:00 pm, WKNO		 Central Arkansas
Hall of Fame Showcase		 W 81–49[13]  3–1
 FedExForum (16,612)
Memphis, TN

Mon, Nov 30*
7:00 pm, WKNO		 Oakland
Hall of Fame Showcase		 W 77–46[14]  4–1
 FedExForum (15,689)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Dec 5*
7:00 pm, WKNO		 Arkansas State W 74–55[15]  5–1
 FedExForum (16,714)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Dec 9*
7:00 pm, WKNO		 Montana State W 76–51[16]  6–1
 FedExForum (16,077)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Dec 12*
2:00 pm		 at Arkansas-Little Rock W 83–71[17]  7–1
 Verizon Arena (5,538)
North Little Rock, AR

Sat, Dec 19*
5:00 pm, ESPN2		 at Massachusetts L 72–73[18]  7–2
 TD Garden (8,096)
Boston, MA

Tue, Dec 22*
12:00 pm		 SEMO W 87–57[19]  8–2
 FedExForum (16,894)
Memphis, TN

Mon, Dec 28*
12:00 pm		 IUPUI W 87–67[20]  9–2
 FedExForum (17,020)
Memphis, TN

Thu, Dec 31*
3:00 pm, ESPN2		 No. 14 Tennessee L 59–66[21]  9–3
 FedExForum (17,544)
Memphis, TN

Sun, Jan 3*
2:00 pm		 Houston Baptist W 93–52[22]  10–3
 FedExForum (16,414)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Jan 6*
6:00 pm, ESPN2		 at No. 7 Syracuse L 57–74[23]  10–4
 Carrier Dome (17,805)
Syracuse, NY

Sat, Jan 9
7:00 pm, CSS		 at Southern Miss W 59–57[24]  11–4
(1–0)		 Reed Green Coliseum (4,029)
Hattiesburg, MS

Wed, Jan 13
6:00 pm, CSS		 East Carolina W 77–57[25]  12–4
(2–0)		 FedExForum (15,903)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Jan 16
7:00 pm, CSS		 at Rice W 80–68[26]  13–4
(3–0)		 Tudor Fieldhouse (3,483)
Houston, TX

Wed, Jan 20
7:00 pm, CBS CS		 UTEP L 67–72[27]  13–5
(3–1)		 FedExForum (16,709)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Jan 23
7:00 pm, ESPN2		 Houston W 92–77[28]  14–5
(4–1)		 FedExForum (17,452)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Jan 27
7:00 pm, CBS CS		 at Marshall W 75–72[29]  15–5
(5–1)		 Cam Henderson Center (7,091)
Huntington, WV

Sat, Jan 30
2:00 pm		 at SMU L 60–70[30]  15–6
(5–2)		 Moody Coliseum (4,034)
Dallas, TX

Wed, Feb 3
7:00 pm, CBS CS		 UAB W 85–75[31]  16–6
(6–2)		 FedExForum (16,518)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Feb 6*
3:00 pm, ESPN2		 No. 17 Gonzaga L 58–66[32]  16–7
 FedExForum (17,037)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Feb 10
6:00 pm, CSS		 UCF W 76–70[33]  17–7
(7–2)		 FedExForum (16,581)
Memphis, TN

Sat, Feb 13
6:00 pm, ESPN2		 at Tulsa W 93–86[34]  18–7
(8–2)		 Reynolds Center (7,425)
Tulsa, OK

Wed, Feb 17
6:00 pm, CSS		 at Tulane W 77–64[35]  19–7
(9–2)		 Avron B. Fogelman Arena (1,783)
New Orleans, LA

Sat, Feb 20
7:00 pm, WKNO		 SMU W 76–63[36]  20–7
(10–2)		 FedExForum (17,047)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Feb 24
7:00 pm		 at Houston L 75–92[37]  20–8
(10–3)		 Hofheinz Pavilion (4,063)
Houston, TX

Sat, Feb 27
7:00 pm, CBS CS		 Southern Miss W 76–69[38]  21–8
(11–3)		 FedExForum (17,997)
Memphis, TN

Wed, Mar 3
8:00 pm, CSS		 at UAB W 70–65[39]  22–8
(12–3)		 Bartow Arena (8,411)
Birmingham, AL

Sat, Mar 6
12:00 pm, CBS CS		 Tulsa W 75–53[40]  23–8
(13–3)		 FedExForum (17,238)
Memphis, TN
2010 Conference USA Tournament

Thu, Mar 11
12:00 pm, CBS CS		 vs. Houston
Quarterfinals		 L 65–66[41]  23–9
 BOK Center (NA)
Tulsa, OK
2010 National Invitation Tournament

Wed, Mar 17*
8:00 pm, ESPN2		 St. John's
First Round		 W 73–71[42]  24–9
 FedExForum (10,231)
Memphis, TN

Fri, Mar 19*
5:30 pm, ESPN2		 at Mississippi
Second Round		 L 81–90[43]  24–10
 Tad Smith Coliseum (8,218)
Oxford, MS
*Non-conference game. #Rankings from AP Poll. (#) Tournament seedings in parentheses.
All times are in Central Time.

[44]

Notes

  1. ↑ "." ESPN: Missouri 102, Memphis 91 Retrieved on 18-11-2009.
  2. ↑ "." Final Rankings Retrieved on 18-11-2009.
  3. ↑ "" Commercial Appeal: John Calipari insists Memphis "is where I want to coach" Retrieved on 05-01-2010.
  4. ↑ "" ESPN: Calipari taking Kentucky job Retrieved on 05-01-2010.
  5. ↑ "" ESPN: Pastner promoted to head coach Retrieved on 05-01-2010
  6. ↑ "" ESPN: Dana O'Neil: Two frenetic days with Josh Pastner Retrieved on 05-01-2010.
  7. ↑ "" GoTigersGo.com: Capacity-Filled Crowd At FedExForum Ushers In 2009–10 Campaign Retrieved on 05-01-2010.
  8. ↑ "." Lemoyne-Owen box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.
  9. ↑ "." CBU box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.
  10. ↑ "." Jackson St box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.
  11. ↑ "." Kansas box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.
  12. ↑ "." Tennessee Tech box score Retrieved on 21-11-2009.
  13. ↑ "." Central Arkansas box score Retrieved on 24-11-2009.
  14. ↑ "." Oakland box score Retrieved on 30-11-2009.
  15. ↑ "." Arkansas State box score Retrieved on 05-12-2009.
  16. ↑ "." Montana State box score Retrieved on 09-12-2009.
  17. ↑ "." UALR box score Retrieved on 12-12-2009.
  18. ↑ "." UMass box score Retrieved on 19-12-2009.
  19. ↑ "." SEMO box score Retrieved on 22-12-2009.
  20. ↑ "." IUPUI box score Retrieved on 28-12-2009.
  21. ↑ "." Tennessee box score Retrieved on 31-12-2009.
  22. ↑ "." Houston Baptist box score Retrieved on 03-01-2010.
  23. ↑ "." Syracuse box score Retrieved on 06-01-2010.
  24. ↑ "." Southern Miss (A) box score Retrieved on 09-01-2010.
  25. ↑ "." East Carolina box score Retrieved on 13-01-2010.
  26. ↑ "." Rice box score Retrieved on 16-01-2010.
  27. ↑ "." UTEP box score Retrieved on 20-01-2010.
  28. ↑ "." Houston (H) box score Retrieved on 23-01-2010.
  29. ↑ "." Marshall box score Retrieved on 27-01-2010.
  30. ↑ "." SMU (A) box score Retrieved on 30-01-2010.
  31. ↑ "." UAB (H) box score Retrieved on 03-02-2010.
  32. ↑ "." Gonzaga box score Retrieved on 06-02-2010.
  33. ↑ "." UCF box score Retrieved on 10-02-2010.
  34. ↑ "." Tulsa (A) box score Retrieved on 13-02-2010.
  35. ↑ "." Tulane box score Retrieved on 17-02-2010.
  36. ↑ "." SMU (H) box score Retrieved on 20-02-2010.
  37. ↑ "." Houston (A) box score Retrieved on 24-02-2010.
  38. ↑ "." Southern Miss (H) box score. Retrieved on 27-02-2010.
  39. ↑ "." UAB (A) box score. Retrieved on 03-03-2010.
  40. ↑ "." Tulsa (H) box score. Retrieved on 06-03-2010.
  41. ↑ "." Houston (N) box score. Retrieved on 11-03-2010.
  42. ↑ "." St. John's box score. Retrieved on 18-03-2010.
  43. ↑ "." Mississippi box score. Retrieved on 19-03-2010.
  44. ↑ "." 2009–10 Schedule Retrieved on 20-10-2009.
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