The Tigers’ backcourt was often labeled the weak-link of the team last season, and some said it lacked depth. One reason was none of Memphis’ point guards had played a minute of Division 1 basketball the previous year.
Freshman Pookie Powell, who sat out the 2013-14 season due to academic eligibility issues, seemed lost at times throughout the season. Turnover troubles and a lack of experience led to Powell being buried in the rotation. Powell averaged just 4.3 points and 2.7 assists. Shortly after the season ended, the University announced Powell would transfer from the program.
D’Marnier Cunningham, who transferred to Memphis from Kaskaskia College, also seemed outmatched and was outmanned almost every time he stepped on the floor for the Tigers because of his lack of size. He averaged 2.8 points and 1.7 assists per game in 2015. As reported by multiple news outlets, Cunningham is also transferring from Memphis.
Junior Kedren Johnson, who transferred from Vanderbilt after being suspended for the 2013-14 season and ultimately dismissed from the school, came to Memphis out of shape and not game ready.
The Tigers’ backcourt struggles ultimately led to them getting knocked out in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament and not being invited to play in either the NCAA tournament or the NIT.
Though Memphis had viable options at the shooting guard position in Markel Crawford (5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game), Trahson Burrell (9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game) and Avery Woodson (7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds), could fill in as a consistent option at point guard. All three players are considered score first options and none have the ball handling skills of a point guard.
Though Cunningham and Powell both elected to transfer after the season, the backcourt’s depth shouldn’t be a problem in 2015-16. Coach Josh Pastner and the Tigers have done an incredible job over the last couple of weeks, adding players to bolster the backcourt.
Jeremiah Martin, a Mitchell High standout and Class A Mr. Basketball winner for the state of Tennessee, signed his Letter of Intent to play for the Tigers next season. Martin gives Memphis much needed depth and a point guard to develop for the future. 247sports.com rated Martin a three-star prospect.
Pastner and his staff were also able to land a commitment from Alabama graduate transfer Ricky Tarrant, after he visited the University over the weekend. In his junior season at Alabama, Tarrant ranked second on the team in scoring last season (13.1 points per game), even though he missed the last 15 games due to a ruptured plantar fascia, and surgery on his left knee.
Before landing at Alabama, Tarrant played his freshman and sophomore at Tulane. In 2012, Tarrant was named the Conference USA freshman of the year and a member of the first team All-C-USA after averaging 14.9 points per game.
Memphis also brings Potomac High (Maryland) standout, Randall Broddie. The 6-foot-2, 165-pound combo guard will most likely serve a similar role as Martin will for the Tigers next season, as a reserve guard that adds depth, but will most likely be developed for the future. Broddie is rated as a three-star prospect by 247sports.com.
Before transferring to Memphis, Johnson led Vanderbilt in scoring (13.5 points per game), assists (3.6 assists per game) and steals (1.0 steals per game) during the 2012-13 season. Johnson, who averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 assists per game last season, played his best basketball in the final stretch of the season. If he devotes his offseason to getting back in shape, Johnson could be a huge weapon for Memphis next season.
Not only will the Tigers have depth at both guard spots, but there should be better talent as well. It is safe to say that with the return of Johnson, Burrell, Crawford and Woodson, as well as the additions of Tarrant, Broddie and Martin, Memphis’s backcourt should be much improved in 2015-16.
Sophomore guard Avery Woodson provided solid three-point shooting for the Blue and Gray in 2015. He led them in three-point percentage at 38 percent. Photo by David Minkin
