2006 Memphis Tigers Basketball Preview

2006 Memphis Tigers Basketball Predictions

The Memphis Tigers (33- 4 overall and 13- 1 in C- USA) are the best in their conference and are, like last year, groomed to secure a NCAA berth. In 2006, the Tigers made it to the regional finals where they lost to UCLA 50- 45.

Freshman Willie Kemp, perhaps the best high school player in Tennessee, is the only frosh who will start for the Tigers. Along with having a sound shot, he’s an excellent passer and play maker. He takes command of the floor and knows how to run an offense. Sophomore Antonio Anderson (7.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG) will get the start at the shooting position. Sophomore Andre Allen (4.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 3.0 APG) will backup the point.

The front men look to be forward Robert Dozier (5.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.6 APG), guard/forward Chris Douglas-Roberts (8.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 APG) and forward/center Joey Dorsey (6.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.8 APG). Dozier can grab rebbies but must still prove he can score. Douglas-Roberts can command the hole, while Dorsey is a true athlete who must develop his skills.

Coach John Calipari (148- 59 in 6 years) has a young but talented team. Although he’s lost major front and backcourt scoring elements, the coach feels that he has the firepower on-hand to make up for the 43.8 points per game contributed by forwards Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams and guard Darius Washington.

The fact is that Calipari is able to sign upscale recruits, which means his Tigers see less of a fall off when veteran players leave. That will be the case this season. Memphis will dominate the conference and go to the NCAA Tournament. But this year, don’t expect the Tigers to go much further than the second round.

If you want more info on the 2006 Memphis Tigers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Missouri State Bears and Nevada Wolfpack.