Look out college basketball, Memphis isn’t going anywhere. The University of Memphis Tigers surprised everyone Tuesday night as they almost pulled off the biggest upset of the day. After what seemed like a summer of loss and downfall for the program enthusiastic head coach Josh Pastner guided his team to nearly upheaving the number one seed Kansas. Memphis is using the demoralized underdog label, which the greater media had labeled them, as part of their motivational weaponry. Although they did not pull out with a victory or the upset, Memphis fans can look forward to a different year than what was expected. Instead of a rebuilding year, Memphis can look forward to a thrilling year that sheds light on the bright future of Memphis Tigers basketball.
Photo courtesy of Commericial Appeal, Nikki Boertman
The Tigers hit a jackpot this past week when they officially received two letters of intent from Memphis grown student athletes Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford and a letter of intent from top 20 recruit Jelan Kendrick. Head basketball coach Josh Pastner happily stated that “having Chris Crawford and Joe Jackson is humongous for this program.” The signing of Kendrick further demonstrates the effectiveness of Pastner’s recruiting. After a verbal commitment from Hippolyte Tsafack, Memphis now has seven players on the path to becoming Tigers. The Tigers have until November 18 to sign more student athletes, otherwise they will have to wait until the spring signing period. Pastner hopes to add another guard or wing and a big man to this years signing class.
Pastner is working diligently to continue to remake Memphis basketball to his standards. Memphis fans can look forward to a good 2009/2010 season and years to follow as Pastner continues to put an incomparable amount of hard work and devotion into the program.
For more information about the fall signings, check out the Commercial Appeal article here.
