Will Memphis Underclassmen Bail Out by 2013-14?

[max the wonder dog]

Memphis paper speculates on possibility of four underclassmen leaving the team before next season. The consensus in the comments section is "meh." Here's the link:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... er=popular

[GiddyUp]

that is paid site, unable to read.

I saw a sideline that said USC has possible interest in Pastner. From what I could tell since Calipari left, he has a bunch of undisciplined players and haven't seen much of a resemblance to coaching. Heck, Doherty could beat them

[max the wonder dog]

Sorry about the paywall. I subscribe, so I can't tell which of their stories are behind the wall and which aren't. Here's my fair use quote from the story:

"Within the next week or so, Memphis fans should find out about the futures of others like Adonis Thomas, Joe Jackson, Tarik Black and Antonio Barton."

And here's my summary of the story and comments:

Thomas hasn't lived up to expectations. One commenter said he should go ahead and turn pro because he plays worse every year.

Jackson told the reporter that "as of now" he plans to return.

Black and Barton will graduate this summer and could transfer without penalty.

Barton has a child in the Baltimore area, so that's a factor.
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Pastner is a much better recruiter than a coach, but he is getting better as a coach, especially when it comes to managing problematic players. Larry Brown is improving SMU's recruiting faster than Pastner is improving as a coach.

There is some local chatter about interest in Pastner from UCLA as wll as USC. I don't know how much is real and how much is designed to get an extended contract and more money, both of which it looks like are on the way. He's making around 1.7 now.

[PoconoPony]

Question is whether or not any of the Memphis players are sure NBA players. I saw a bunch of good players, but question whether any are ready for the next level at this time.

[max the wonder dog]

Question is whether or not any of the Memphis players are sure NBA players. I saw a bunch of good players, but question whether any are ready for the next level at this time.

The thinking in Memphis is no for this year. Also, Joe Jackson is seen as too small for the NBA and likely to play in Europe, which I guess could happy this year.

BTW, Pastner has agreed in principle to a contract extension. No details yet.