Today’s post kicks off a new series where we provide an early overview of each nonconference opponent on the Memphis Tigers’ 2024-2025 schedule. This series offers an in-depth look at each opponent, focusing on key areas such as a season recap from last year, their head coach, offseason moves, and current roster configuration. Our goal is to give Memphis fans a detailed understanding of what to expect as the Tigers gear up for another exciting season.
We begin with the Memphis Tigers’ first 2024-2025 campaign opponent: the Missouri Tigers. This matchup sets the tone for the season, and there’s plenty to dissect as we take a closer look at what Missouri brings to the table.
Missouri Tigers 2023-2024 Season Recap
After a strong showing the year prior, the Missouri Tigers took a gigantic step back during the 2023-2024 season, where they qualified for the NCAA tournament and won 25 games under head coach Dennis Gates. The departure of their top two scorers to the NBA immediately and profoundly impacted the team’s offensive production. Missouri struggled to find a rhythm on the offensive end without their key playmakers, a stark contrast to the previous season’s success.
During Gates’ first season, Missouri shot over 47 percent from the field, ranking among the most efficient offenses in college basketball. However, that number dipped significantly in the 2023-2024 campaign, falling to 43.9 percent. The team’s three-point shooting also plummeted. Once known as one of the top long-range shooting teams in the nation, the Tigers saw their perimeter game deteriorate, becoming one of the worst in the country from beyond the arc. This decline in shooting efficiency left the Tigers struggling to generate consistent scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Adding to their offensive woes, Missouri was plagued by injuries that hampered what was initially considered a strong roster. Key players expected to step up and fill the scoring void were in and out of the lineup for significant portions of the season due to injuries, leading to performance inconsistencies. As a result, Missouri could not build any momentum, and their record reflected the struggles on the court.
The Tigers ended the season with a dismal 8-24 overall record and failed to secure a single win in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. What had been a promising roster on paper never materialized into the cohesive unit that fans had hoped for, largely due to the combination of injuries and a noticeable drop-off in offensive production.
Current Roster Configuration
Despite the struggles of the 2023-2024 season, Missouri’s top 10 recruiting class from a season ago remained committed to the program, signaling a strong foundation for the future. Head coach Dennis Gates, widely recognized for his recruiting prowess, wasted no time addressing the team’s offensive shortcomings. He turned to the transfer portal and brought in five new players expected to provide a significant spark for the Tigers this season.
Leading the charge is 6’7 wing Jacob Crews, a transfer from UT-Martin who was a standout player last season, averaging 19.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Crews also showcased his shooting ability, connecting on 41% of his three-point attempts. His scoring versatility and size make him a critical addition to Missouri’s lineup.
Joining Crews is Marques Warrick, formerly of Northern Kentucky. Warrick, a star in the Horizon League, averaged 19.9 points per game and will add another dynamic scoring option to Missouri’s backcourt. His offensive firepower should help alleviate some of the scoring burdens that plagued the team last season.
The Tigers also brought in two power-conference starters who can make an immediate impact. Tony Perkins, who averaged 14.0 points and 4.6 assists per game at Iowa, is a strong replacement for the departing Sean East. Perkins’ playmaking ability and experience in a competitive conference will be pivotal to the team’s success. The other power-conference transfer, Mark Mitchell, arrives from Duke. A former five-star prospect, Mitchell averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season. With an expanded role at Missouri, Mitchell could emerge as a breakout star and help propel the team from the bottom of the SEC to a contender in the top half.
Rounding out the transfer class is big man Josh Gray, who spent the last three seasons at South Carolina. Listed at 7 feet tall and 265 pounds, Gray is a physical presence in the paint. He grabbed 375 rebounds during his time with the Gamecocks and led the team with 6.3 boards per game during the 2022-2023 season. Gray’s rebounding and defensive ability will be crucial for Missouri’s interior play.
Thanks to these additions, Missouri was ranked as having the 12th-best transfer portal class. With this revamped roster, the Tigers are poised to rebound from last year’s struggles and potentially make a push into the upper echelon of the SEC.
Closing Statement
This season-opening matchup between Memphis and Missouri on November 4 at FedEx Forum is more than just a fresh start for both programs—it’s a rematch of last year’s contest, where Memphis secured a decisive 70-55 victory in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers of Missouri will undoubtedly have revenge on their minds as they look to avenge that loss and make a statement to start the 2024-2025 campaign.
For Memphis, this game presents an early test against a Missouri team that has reloaded through the transfer portal. With both teams eager to start the season strong, fans can expect a high-energy showdown as the Tigers aim to defend their home court in what promises to be an exciting contest.
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