The Sweet Profile: Memphis Tigers

TEAM: Memphis Tigers

REGION: South

LAST WEEKEND: Defeated #16 Texas-Arlington, defeated #8 Mississippi State

Next Game: vs Michigan State, 9:40 pm Friday

Memphis got here because of: The emergence of Derrick Rose as the team leader and avoiding the upset bug. Just about everyone is going to focus on the atrocious foul-shooting, but the emerge of the freshmen as the team’s go-to guy in clutch game has been the difference. Starting with 23-point performance in the Tennessee game when no other Tiger could hit a shot to save their life, Rose has been the difference maker. He scored 17 points in both of the Tiger’s
wins last weekend and turned the ball over only twice for the weekend. The Tigers were also able to survive against a Mississippi State team that match-upped against them perfectly.

What the Sweet 16 really means: More than any other team still playing, the Sweet 16 means absolutely nothing to Memphis. Hell, the Elite Eight really means nothing to the Tigers. This team needs to reach the Final Four for Memphis to legitimize it’s dominate over shaky competition over the past three seasons. No Final Four this season, no one is taking Memphis seriously again if they finish 30-2 next season.

Chances to Reach San Antonio: You have to think that it’s the worst of the remaining #1 seeds, not just because they are in the most difficult region remaining, but because they may also have to defeat Texas in Houston. Still, this team only lost one game for a reason and no one seems to think they will be able to score on Michigan State. A wise college basketball writer once told me to never bet against a John Calapari coached team if he has the team thinking no one believes in them or if there is a possible large sum or money or pay increase dependent on a victory. We’ll go with Memphis for at least one more game.