It's the final seconds of the game and the Tigers are down by two points. Who is going to take the shot?
"I always want the ball in my hands to make that shot," Memphis senior Rodney Carney said. "I want to be a difference maker."
During the Tigers' current ten-game win streak, Carney has been making a difference. Since the loss to Texas Jan. 2, Carney has been averaging 27 minutes and 19 points a game. He has also made 35 three-point baskets in the span.
He is arguably playing some of the best ball of his career during the team's run to the NCAA tournament. However, Carney still remains humble with a team-first attitude.
"Listen, any accomplishments I have personally won't matter unless we keep winning. It's all about the team," he said.
Even though he may not be noticing his individual achievements, it still doesn't take away from the record-breaking year he is having.
Carney set the team record for three-pointers made during the Tigers' win over Southern Miss Jan. 21.
His former teammate and friend, Anthony Rice, had held the record, and Carney said Rice was not thrilled to lose his No. 1 ranking.
"Anthony called me before the season laughing and saying I better not make a lot of threes this year," Carney said. "It is an honor to hold the record, but I really don't think about it that much."
With each game he is moving further up the career lists in every category. He has worked his way into the top ten on both the Memphis and Conference USA career scoring lists, and he is one of 30 mid-season finalists for the John Wooden award, given each year to the nation's top player.
The Memphis coaches have noticed his recent play, and they attribute it to his maturity as a senior, stepping up and setting an example.
"He's making better shot selections and using his athletic ability to get the job done," said assistant coach John Robic. "He's playing like a senior should and setting a good tone for these young guys to follow."
Carney relishes the role of being a mentor to the younger players, and they look to him to take the leadership role both on and off the court.
"Rodney is awesome on the court, but he's a great guy too," said freshman guard Chris Douglas-Roberts. "He took me under his wing early on and helped me with everything. He's definitely one of the leaders on this team."
Leaders like this have been a part of Memphis basketball for decades. Names like Wilfong, Finch, Lee, and Hardaway come to mind. Carney understands Tiger basketball history, and he said this year's team has a chance to notch another special place in that storied past.
"It's an honor playing for this team and trying to repeat the success of the past," he said. "Memphis is rich in history and has a great fan base and I'm glad to be playing a role in it all."
The success of this team will have a huge bearing on Carney's place in Tiger basketball history. However, for now, he is just enjoying the ride, and his teammates are following his example.
