The University of Memphis men’s basketball program is in limbo given the uncertain future of coach Josh Pastner and star freshman forward Dedric Lawson. The Daily Helmsman asked its three sports reporters Austin Reynolds, J.T. Mullen and Chip Williams their thoughts on Pastner, the buyout clause, Lawson chances of returning next season and their favorite NCAA tournament moment of all time.
How do you think the Josh Pastner situation will unfold?
AR: I really don't know. Nothing would surprise me anymore. If you asked me a month ago I'd say Pastner was gone, but now that seems less likely. Right now it seems like he'll be here next season.
JM: I think the Pastner situation will unfold in one of two ways. He will return to Memphis for at least one more year because his contract as it stands now, $10.6 million, is just too much to dish out for a him to not coach the team; or Pastner finds another job and he and Memphis strike a deal to pay the difference in salary with his new school's contract. I honestly see no scenario where he is outright fired or just leaves for a lesser job without striking the deal. Right now I'm leaning towards him being back next season.
CW: Ultimately, I feel like Josh Pastner will be the head coach at Memphis next season. The buyout seems to be just too crippling, but there is always the possibility that he could take another job; though even that seems unlikely.
Was it ever realistic to believe Memphis could ever afford to $10.6 million buyout clause?
AR: Memphis can't afford the $10.6 million buyout, but if things continue the way they've been going the last couple of years then the athletic department might have no choice than to find a way to get it done. If missed tournaments and embarrassingly low attendance become the norm then the damage is greater than $10.6 million.
JM: I think the idea makes sense because of the level of boosters Memphis has, but when you think of all the other expenses Memphis has to deal with--Capital Campaign for new football and basketball facilities or a possible conference exit fee if BIG 12 dream becomes reality--the $10.6 million on top of hiring and paying a new coach is just too much when Memphis has other financial priorities.
CW: Buying out the remainder of Josh Pastner's contract was and is realistic, but what it would do to the athletic department financially is simply too crippling. Memphis has deep pocket donors, but asking them for over $10 million at one time on top of needing money to hire a new coach and all of the other expenses that come throughout the season is too much.
How likely it is Dedric Lawson returns to the Tigers next season?
AR: I'd say it's pretty likely. Lawson is still pretty off the radar on DraftExpress and some other NBA Draft websites. Even though it's a weak draft, his stock isn't looking to great right now, for whatever reason. A lot can change between now and when he has to officially declare though.
JM: Lawson hasn't really been on anyone's radar when it comes to the draft, despite his stellar freshman season. I think testing the waters was a great move for him. This way he go tryout for each team, try to turn some heads and if they tell him he isn't ready he can return to school. Because of his lack of athleticism, speed and jumping ability and his turnover troubles, I'm going with him playing at least one more year with the Tigers.
CW: I think it's very likely. Dedric had a great freshman season - better than I think anyone could have realistically expected - but he's still far from being an NBA-ready prospect. That, coupled with the fact that Pastner seemed adamant about Dedric wanting to play with his brother K.J., would lead me to believe that he'll be back next season.
Finally, what's your favorite NCAA Tournament moment?
AR: Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts dunking all over Kevin Love in the 2008 Final Four is still the best. Another favorite is VCU's run from the First Four to the Final Four a few years ago.
JM: My favorite NCAA Tourney moment comes in the 2008 Final Four when former Memphis Tiger Chris Douglas-Roberts rose up over now NBA star Kevin Love and threw down a nasty two-hand jam that knocked Love to the floor. And to add insult to injury, beloved Tiger center Joey Dorsey pointed and laughed at Love while he was on the ground. Memphis steam-rolled a UCLA team made up of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Darren Collision and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
CW: Hands down my favorite NCAA tournament moment was when Chris Douglas-Roberts cut baseline and dunked on Kevin Love during the 2008 Final Four game. That dunked capped off a dominant Memphis win over a UCLA team that featured Love, Russell Westbrook, Arron Afflalo and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner has been coaching the team since the 2009-10 season. The Tigers have missed the postseason each of the last two seasons.
