C-USA
Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:06 pmIt looks like winning our first conference title in MANY years will be a difficult task in '05. ESPN.com feels Memphis is a top 10 team and a legit Final Four contender:
10. Memphis
Credentials: PG Darius Washington. SF Rodney Carney. PF Joey Dorsey. A stellar recruiting class led by Shawne Williams, Robert Dozier, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Kareem Cooper. No Sean Banks as a distraction. A weak Conference USA to dominate.
Reason: The Tigers struggled to find their groove early last season, but that shouldn't be an issue this year with Washington more in control, Carney ready to become a leader and a consistent presence from Dorsey and the newcomers. Playing in a watered-down C-USA will help raise Memphis' profile, assuming the Tigers dominate.
Red flag: The Tigers have had hype before, so this could be a little of the "boy who cried wolf," but if Memphis can get its act together early, the Tigers could hang around the top 10 all season.
10. Memphis
Credentials: PG Darius Washington. SF Rodney Carney. PF Joey Dorsey. A stellar recruiting class led by Shawne Williams, Robert Dozier, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Kareem Cooper. No Sean Banks as a distraction. A weak Conference USA to dominate.
Reason: The Tigers struggled to find their groove early last season, but that shouldn't be an issue this year with Washington more in control, Carney ready to become a leader and a consistent presence from Dorsey and the newcomers. Playing in a watered-down C-USA will help raise Memphis' profile, assuming the Tigers dominate.
Red flag: The Tigers have had hype before, so this could be a little of the "boy who cried wolf," but if Memphis can get its act together early, the Tigers could hang around the top 10 all season.