Today, we’re delving into the Memphis Tigers’ ongoing search for another impact wing player before the season tips off. As many of you already know, there is significant chatter about how the Tigers plan to fill the void left by former player David Jones, who has moved on to the NBA. Various insiders have reported that Memphis is eyeing players like Arthur Kaluma, Glenn Taylor, Keylan Boone, and DeSean Allen-Eikens. However, there has yet to be any significant progress on these names.
The latest buzz is that Kaluma is lowering his asking price, which could put Memphis back in contention. While this is a possibility, it remains uncertain. It’s a situation worth monitoring, but as it stands, the chances are still slim.
Regarding Glenn Taylor, he was initially expected to visit Memphis, but those plans have changed, putting his potential addition in doubt. As for Keylan Boone, there needs to be more certainty about his eligibility due to new rules that might allow players dating back to 2019 an additional year of eligibility. This situation is still evolving, and we’ll see how it unfolds.
So, if the Tigers don’t land another impact wing player, should we consider this a deal-breaker for the upcoming season? In other words, does this mean the team could significantly struggle and possibly miss the NCAA tournament? The answer is no. While adding a key player would undoubtedly strengthen the roster, it’s not a definitive determinant of the season’s success.
The outlook largely depends on how head coach Penny Hardaway and his staff handle the situation. Players like Nicholas Jourdain could step up as the primary wing if no viable addition is made between now and the season opener on November 4, when Memphis faces Missouri. This game will be a rematch from last year when Hardaway was suspended for three games, and Stansbury served as the interim head coach. Memphis won that game 70-55, and this year, the series shifts to Memphis. However, there is still plenty of time for Memphis to add another impact player.
The team might be thin in that position if the gap still needs to be filled. But I would wait to hit the panic button because Penny Hardaway has the experience to adapt, adjust, and mask potential weaknesses. As it stands, the Tigers’ roster includes PJ Haggerty, Colby Rogers, Tyrese Hunter, Baraka Okojie (currently injured), Tyreek Smith, Nicholas Jourdain, Dain Dainja, Moussa Cisse,and Jared Harris, who is the only incoming freshman.
Three open scholarships need to be filled before tip-off in November, and I am confident those spots will be filled adequately before preseason practice begins. Coach Penny Hardaway will find a way to get the roster up to speed, potentially with additions like Johnathan Lawson, Arthur Kaluma, Glenn Taylor, or others.
Someone will step up and join the mix. While the wing position is currently a thin spot and could be a vulnerability against top-tier talent, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker for the season. There’s still time for the Tigers to strengthen their roster, and I believe that Coach Hardaway and his staff will make the right moves.
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