Three Tigers named to preseason All-C-USA

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

   

David Minkin

Sophomores Tarik Black, left, and Joe Jackson, middle, were named to the Conference USA Preseason All- Conference Second Team on Monday.

University of Memphis sophomores Will Barton, Tarik Black and Joe Jackson were named to 2011-12 preseason All-Conference USA teams, as announced by the league office on Monday. Barton was a preseason All-C-USA first team pick, while Black and Jackson were second team selections.

Last season, Barton led the Tigers in scoring with 12.3 pints per game and was second on the team in rebounding with 4.9 per game. The 6-foot-6 guard also handed out 99 assists and was second on the squad in steals with 54. He shot 42.8 percent from the floor and 69.9 percent from the free throw line. The Baltimore, Md., native was named to the All-Conference USA third team and the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2010-11.

Black, who joined Barton on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team last year, averaged 9.1 and 5 rebounds in his first collegiate season. The Memphis native was the Tigers' third-leading scorer and top rebounder. The 6-foot-8 forward also posted 56 blocked shots and 27 steals, while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor. A co-captain for the Tigers in 2010-11, Black finished the year ranked among C-USA freshmen leaders in scoring (7th), rebounding (4th), field goal percentage (6th) and blocked shots (1st).

Last season, Jackson was the Tigers' second-leading scorer at 9.9 points per game, and was also second on the team with 109 assists. The 6-foot guard collected 35 steals, shot 43.1 percent from the field and hit 72.6 percent of his free throws. The Memphis native saved his best play for the 2011 postseason, averaging 16.5 points and 3 assists in three Conference USA Tournament games and one NCAA Tournament contest. For his outstanding play, Jackson was named the C-USA Tournament MVP.