3 Most Interesting Match-ups for the Memphis Tigers

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2148 days ago

With a new court, a new Assistant Coach, and virtually new team, the Memphis Tigers have proven that they want “all the smoke.” Going into Coach Penny Hardaway’s second year as a college basketball coach, he has exceeded expectations. Hardaway has proved his capability to recruit by obtaining the top-ranked recruiting class of 2019-2020. Even though he has proved his recruiting talent, the test still stands on his coaching ability. However, what the Tigers schedule lacks strength, they make up for in entertaining matchups.

Tulane (Dec. 30, 2019)
Although the Tigers dominated the Green Wave twice last season, Tulane has an interesting new addition to the team. Former Memphis Tiger and Kansas Jayhawk KJ Lawson will return to the FedEx Forum. This will be the first time since his exit from the Memphis Basketball program and leak of an explicit snap chat video. The video was of him insulting former coach Tubby Smith. Although the Green Wave is in the process of rebuilding with new coach Ron Hunter, it will be interesting seeing how the Tigers and the crowd reacts to Lawson’s return.

Houston (March 8, 2020)
As the last game of the regular season for the Tigers, they could have a lot depending on this game. After losing 61-58 to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the AAC tournament, the Tigers will be hungry for revenge. It will be interesting to see how to Tigers respond after being tied for first at the AAC media with the Cougars.

Tennessee (December 14, 2019)
Being one of the biggest rivalries in all of Memphis history, the Tigers take on the Tennessee Vol once again. Only this time, at their place. Although Rick Barnes and his squad have been snubbed for the preseason AP Top 25, anything goes in a rivalry game. The match should be one for the books considering who the Vols lost. Admiral Schofield, Grant Williams, Jordan Bone, and Kyle Alexander haha all moved on. Since the last meeting between the two, the tension has risen between Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes and Coach Penny Hardaway. This soap-opera-like rivalry is sure to make for an interesting one at Good Ole’ Rocky Top.

Being ranked in the No. 14 in the AP Preseason Poll, the Memphis Tigers have some high expectations. The Tigers have their first chance to prove they want "all the smoke" November 5. They will take on South Carolina State Bulldogs.