Coach Josh Pastner’s team made history, but not the kind they wanted. They are the first Tigers’ team since 2000 to not make the postseason.
Some perspective, 15 years ago interim Memphis basketball coach Johnny Jones led the Tigers to a 15-16 record during his only season at the helm.
That was the last time Memphis failed to qualify for postseason play via the NCAA Tournament or NIT.
That was back when the Tigers were Memphis major basketball team. The Grizzlies were still making hay in Vancouver, Canada.
Former NBA MVP and Tiger standout Derrick Rose was only 11-years-old, and the Gasol brothers would not move to Memphis until Pau Gasol joined the Memphis Grizzlies via a 2001 NBA Draft night trade.
The Tigers’ season officially ended on Sunday night when they were not selected for the NIT. Though there was some disappointment, Tiger fans were probably glad it reached its conclusion.
Memphis finished the season with a disappointing 18-14 record, fifth in the American Athletic Conference standings and a 10-8 record. They also bowed out in the quarterfinals of the AAC Tournament to the Temple Owls, 80-75 on Friday.
Their 18-14 finish broke the Tigers’ streak of 15 consecutive 20-win seasons.
The last time they didn't win 20 games? You guessed it. Johnny Jones’ 1999-00 Tigers.
Yes, expectations were not high going into this season. The four now gone senior guards from last season—Chris Crawford, Michael Dixon Jr., Joe Jackson and Geron Johnson—had a lot to do with that.
The players who replaced them only solidified only reminded fans how much they missed those now graduated guards.
Kedren Johnson looked like an All-SEC point guard in just a handful of games this season, but overall was a disappointment.
Pookie Powell finally started getting some minutes this season, but by late January couldn't get off the bench.
Avery Woodson went cold in the second half of the season shooting wise, after his red-hot start from the three-point line. While he finished the season shooting 38 percent from the three-point line, the Tigers will need his shooting to be more consistent next season.
Markel Crawford is the one guard who one day may blossom into a really good guard. His performances this season, especially on the defensive end is something Tiger fans can hold on to as hope for next season.
One could argue that Pastner should be given a pass, because he didn't have the best backcourt to work with. Although he probably deserves a pass for the season on a whole one can not completely ignore the fact that Pastner brought these players in to play for Memphis in the first place.
Nevertheless, the emphasis on any Tigers success this season was going to be because of their three promising forwards: Shaq Goodwin, Nick King, and Austin Nichols.
Goodwin the elder statesman of the three had a rough start to the season. In fairness to him, he did improve as the season went on, especially with the injuries to Nichols later in the season. He had his moment in the sun, when he hit the game-winner against the UConn Huskies on the road on March 5. Overall, Memphis will hope his senior season is much better.
King on the other hand was touted as one of the Tigers who would break out this season. He failed to do so. Averaging only 7.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, King’s field goal percentage dropped from 52 percent last season to 40 percent this season. His future seems to be as a four, but whether he’ll get another chance next season is up for debate.
Nichols was simply the star of the show this season. His offensive game grew, but it’s his defense this season that really turned him into a star. He could’ve arguably been both the AAC Player of the Year and AAC Defensive Player of the Year if injuries and a poor Tigers record hadn’t got in the way.
One thing is for certain, the Tigers will be a better basketball team next season. They did gain some valuable experience despite their up-and-down season, and with the addition of the Lawson brothers that will only improve their talent level.
However, if the guards don't improve or the right ones aren’t brought in this offseason, then Tiger fans will not see the success they crave until that changes. Big men can only carry a team so far in the college game.
Pastner will also need a strong start next season to avoid the hot seat chatter. If next season’s start resembles the start of this season, calls for Pastner’s job will be at an all-time high.
The NCAA Tournament is reachable for Memphis next season, but right now that won’t take away the sting of one of the more disappointing Tiger basketball seasons in recent memory.
