Tigers air out their problems after 2nd loss to Hoyas

Following their horrible lackluster performance in which they lost to No. 14 Georgetown 70-59, the second time this season, The University of Memphis Tigers basketball team (6-5) and its head coach decided to have a meeting after the game. And this time there was nothing being held back.

"I told our guys that this will be the last time we have be having meetings," said head coach Josh Pastner. "We can talk, talk, talk, but it's got to be about actions. Being 6-5 is not acceptable - it's not acceptable for Tigernation and it's extremely not acceptable for anyone in that room last night."

The Tigers have now lost three of their last six contests, and Pastner remains winless against ranked opponents in his short three-year tenure at the U of M - going 0-for-10. Coincidentally, continuing to not live up to standards may have prompted the meeting, thus making Pastner miss the post game show. Show something he now regrets.

"I want to apologize for not doing the post game show last night," Pastner said. "I'm not a huge meeting guy, but not opposed to them. But guys needed to talk and things needed to be aired out, and with me being the head coach I felt as though I had to be there."

Though Pastner didn't get into specifics about the meeting after the loss to Georgetown, he did say that there would be no more meetings and that jobs have to be done.
"I told my guys that this was the last meeting," Pastner said. "The train's leaving the station after this and that everyone has to step up - coaches included."

One thing that Pastner eluded to that was one of the many reasons the Tigers have been struggling, was the fact that Memphis missed a ton of free throws, layups and wide open shots. But despite the struggles and missed shots, Pastner still proclaims that The U of M has been practicing really well.

"I don't know why we're struggling like this," Pastner said. "The shoot around that we had before the (Georgetown) game was our best one so far this year. But we've got to make those open shots, and we cannot be missing layups - we just can't."

Pastner says he will give the team Friday through Sunday off for the holidays, and they will pick back up with two-a-days beginning Monday after the break. Everything will be considered when trying to turn this once promising former top-10 ranked team around, even if that means using some old tactics that worked in the past to make this team successful again.

"I used the drowning incident around Christmas break last year in fact, Pastner said. "I'm hoping that I don't have to do it again, but I will if I have to. I'll paint myself blue if that's what works. I told the guys that open - we just got to get it done."

Tigers try to rebound this weekend at Louisville

During his press conference with local media on Wednesday after noon, University of Memphis head basketball coach Josh Pastner seemed quite upbeat following a 76-72 loss to now No. 24-ranked Murray State. Given how his players took the loss, combined with the way they played on the court (including their sluggish start), the third-year head coach surprisingly feels that the loss could possibly help the Tigers come Saturday.

"I told anyone who would listen to me, 'Let's get to the end of the year before everyone has all the judgments," Pastner said. "This season is just like last year, and there still are a lot of games to be played - there's a lot of basketball left."

Though Pastner's previous two seasons were indeed similar to this one, this season has something working against it that the former two didn't. . . a very tough schedule. Yes, there's still plenty of basketball left, but fans is this city are uneasy with the recent play of the hometown team.

This team was supposed to be the one mimicking the 2007-'08 squad that ran roughshod through non-conference and conference play, all the way to the national championship game. But unlike that team, this team still has some major flaws and Pastner isn't shying away from the obvious.

"I told people back in the day when I got the job that it was going to take some time," Pastner said. "The previous four years here of that run had never happened before in the history of college basketball. I want us to get back to that level, but I've got to tell everyone that it's not going to happen at the snap of a finger."

Well, with the snap of a finger, some help is just around the corner. Ferrakohn Hall, a junior transfer from Seton Hall and native Memphian who played at White Station, will be available for the first time this season. The 6-foot-9 post player is expected to add toughness, attitude, rebounding and a key lost post game to an already small front line.

"He (Pastner) hasn't spoken to me about how many minutes I will play or anything like that," Hall commented. "But I will key on rebounding because I know that's where we need help the most. I'm all about winning, so whatever it takes for us to win, I'll do it. I'm not expected to grab 20 rebounds or score 30 points, but I just want to contribute to the team the best way possible to help us reach our final destination."

The Tigers know that they have a tough opponent in Louisville. The Cardinals come into Saturday's contest ranked No. 4 in the nation, and they have one of the best coaches in the country in Rick Pitino. But what makes this contest so intriguing is the rivalry being renewed. The Tigers and Cardinals have met on the hardwood 85 times, with Louisville holding a 51-34 edge over Memphis. And not only the fans, but players and coaches as well know how important this game is to both cities.

"One of the reasons we're playing this game is because of the fans," Pastner said. "This was a give-back to the fans because they've been asking to get Louisville back on the schedule and this is a great rivalry.

"I can remember seeing that game where Darius Washington missed those free throws and I felt horrible for the guy. And then you can talk about all the great coaches in this rivalry - Gene Bartow, Dana Kirk, Larry Finch and of course Denny Crum who's in the Hall of Fame. So it's going to be a good basketball game."

Tigers' comback bid falls short to Murray State, 76-72

                       David Minkin

 

Before the tip of the game, things were happening that let you know that the outcome may have been what it was.

In a game where the University of Memphis Tigers basketball team, (5-3) were an 11-point favorite over an undefeated Murray State team, the Tigers came up short in a tough contested battle 76-72.

But the turning point really came when PA announcer Chuck Roberts introduced head coach Josh Pastner as John Calipari - so this was probably deemed to happen for the snake-bitten Tigers who may have been looking forward to their top-25 matchup with hated rival Louisville.

"We came out flat tonight," sophomore guard Will Barton said. "It's my job as a leader to have the guys ready and we didn't come to play in the beginning - I take the blame for this loss because we weren't ready."

Though Barton led all scorers with 27 points to go along with his two assists and four rebounds, it was his teammates that couldn't give him much help to offset the play of Murray State's three point barrage in the first half. The Racers began the game on a 11-2 run sparked by their brilliant outside shooting. They finished the game shooting 45 percent from long range and outshooting the Tigers from the field, going 23-of-53 (45.0 percent) in the process.

"Murray State is a really good team," sophomore guard Joe Jackson said. "We started slow, down like 14-2, and you fight to get back in the game. And in the end they made free throws and that's it."

The Tigers did put on a furious rally in the end, but to no avail. Down by 11 with only a couple of minutes left to play, Pastner employed his team to pressure the Racers. In that time span, the Tigers shaved 10 points off the lead with careless turnovers and the inability to get the ball over halfcourt. Thus setting the stage for an epic comeback. But clutch free throws down the stretch by the Racers combined with Chris Crawford's missed three-pointer at the end that would have sent the game into overtime gave Murray State a win over a ranked opponent.

"They (Murray State) deserved to win tonight, you've got to give them credit," Pastner said. "We talked about three keys going into the game. Take the three out of the game, keep them off the free throw line and we can't let the role players beat us. This loss is sickening, but we have to bounce back and we have another tough game on Saturday."

Your move, Shirley

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

Adam Douglas

 

Two days removed from the firing of head football coach Larry Porter and the announcement of athletic director R.C. Johnson's retirement, what's the next move for The University of Memphis and president Shirley Raines? Tuesday, as promised, The University named a search firm that will head the process of finding a Porter's and Johnson's replacements.

Eastman & Beaudine Management Consultants will team with Dr. Raines and a U of M search committee in finding the best fit for The University's struggling football program. Based out of Plano, Texas, the group is one of the leading collegiate sports search firms in the country.

So since they're such a big deal, does that mean that they know what Memphians want? Will they take what the fans, supporters and students have to say into consideration?

Here are some of the possible candidates that I've heard are being considered as successors to Larry Porter.

Candidate #1: Hugh Freeze

A Memphis native who is well known and respected around the Mid-South, Freeze is in his first year as the head coach at Arkansas State. He has led the Red Wolves to a 9-2 record this season, and after clinching the Sun Belt Conference Championship, the team will be playing in the GoDaddy.com Bowl. If Memphis does decide to make this hire, Freeze may not come cheap. Right now he is making a modest $202,160 annually, but chances are the Tigers won't be able to get Freeze at the same price.

Candidate #2: Houston Nutt

After spending four seasons at the helm of the Ole Miss Rebels football team and compiling a 24-26 record, Houston Nutt resigned at the end of this season. He may prove to be the best fit for a struggling Tigers team that is inept on the offensive side of the ball. But he'll likely come at a hefty price. His current annual salary at Ole Miss is $2.7 million, with a $6 million buyout attached in his contract. So if The U of M really cares about salvaging its football program, will they spare no expense?

Candidate #3: Mike Leach

In nine seasons, compiling an 84-43 record, Mike Leach, the "mad scientist" of Texas Tech's offense, was one of the best coaches in college football. But with all the baggage he brings to the table, are Dr. Raines and the administration ready to bring the circus to town that comes with hiring Leach? He would bring a pass-happy and prolific offense, but his price tag could be the highest of any of the aforementioned candidates.

Many other names have surfaced in The U of M's young search for a new head coach, but I think that Freeze, Nutt and Leach are the top three candidates who would be the best fit. Only time will tell who will emerge as the best man for the job.

And if they can't find anybody, then I'm available – I graduate next month.

 

Porter fired, Johnson to resign

By Adam Douglas

 

Sports Editor

 

Aaron Turner

University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announces his retirement, effective at the end of June 2012, in a press conference on Monday.

 

One day after relieving head coach Larry Porter of his duties as head football coach, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announced his retirement at a press conference Monday in front of friends, fans, administration and supporters. His retirement not immediate, the 70-year-old Johnson will stay at The U of M until the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30, 2012.

"It's been a great ride, but it was just time," Johnson said. "I've been the athletic director here for 16 years. I've run out of ties, and I have no hairpieces left – it's time to move on."

University of Memphis president Shirley Raines, who was also in attendance, said that efforts find a new athletic director and head football coach will be swift and aided by resources outside The University.

"I have decided to use a search firm that specializes in athletics in hiring the next head coach," she said. "The timeline – which I know you all are interested in – is completing the search as soon as possible, but with time for the search firm to vet the candidates."

Johnson will have no input in the hiring of the next head coach.

"I don't want my future to take away from anything we're trying to accomplish," he said. "We've got a lot of things going on and I don't want any distractions."

The Tigers football team posted a 3-21 record in Porter's two years as head coach. The team won just one Conference USA game.

Hiring a new coach is the first step in reversing the Tigers' losing ways and regaining the support of fans and students, Raines said.

 "Obviously we want to win. That will help," she said. "Having a head coach who will be interactive with the students, alumni and fans will be very important to us."

Porter discussed his firing at a press conference held after Raines' and Johnson's remarks on Monday.

"Although I'm very disappointed in the decision of my firing, I understand it and respect it," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity that R.C. (Johnson) and Dr. Raines gave me. I wish I could have taken this program to a higher level."

Throughout the press conference, Porter referred to the football program as "we," and didn't hesitate when doing so.

He said that he'll remain a supporter and fan of Tiger football.

"I say ‘we' because I will forever be a Tiger and forever want to see this program succeed."

Tigers bounce back at home to trounce Jackson State 70-45

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

After two losses in the Maui Invitational that dropped the No. 8-ranked Tigers to No. 21, Memphis was looking to rebound – in every sense of the word – against a Jackson State University team that they were supposed to dominate. Though the Tigers (3-2) won handily, 70-45, there seemed to be a lack of effort from the team Monday night.

"We were lackadaisical in the first half," said head coach Josh Pastner. "I ranted, raved in the locker room but without curse words. I don't know if it was a Maui hangover or what, but we have got to play better against Austin Peay on Saturday. I can tell you that."

The Tigers had only two scorers in double figures.

Sophomore guards Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford led Memphis with 15 points and 14 points, respectively. The main problem still plaguing the Tigers is rebounding. Jackson State outrebounded The U of M 36-29, and converted 90 percent of their free throws, shooting 10 of 11 from the line.

"The biggest thing is that we have got to rebound the ball better," Pastner said. "We do all these drills; we emphasize it. But we'll get it corrected."

The Tigers started the game lethargic and careless, turning the ball over seven times in the first half while scoring only 25 points to JSU's 19.

But the second half was a different story, as The U of M opened with a 15-0 scoring run with Crawford at point guard and Jackson off the ball.

Jackson State was unable to close the gap, and the Tigers won by 25 points.

"I really liked Chris (Crawford) at the point today," Pastner said. "He did some really good things as well as Joe (Jackson) did. Joe had three assists to just one turnover, but he still has to make the right plays and the right passes."

Junior forward Stan Simpson filled in for Tarik Black in the starting lineup. Pastner said that he sat Black in the beginning of the game to keep him out of foul trouble, and possibly motivate him.

Simpson responded by nearly posting a double-double, scoring seven points, snagging 10 rebounds and blocking five JSU shots.

"Coach said that whoever rebounds will play," Simpson said. "And I just figured that if I rebound, then we will be a better team."

The Tigers play Saturday against the Austin Peay Governors. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m at FedExForum.

Tigers take down Vols in double OT thriller, 99-97

By  Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

 

The game was one for the ages. The University of Memphis Tigers (2-1) matched up against the Tennessee Vols in a consolation game and it turned out to be in the Maui Invitational one of the best games thus far. In a game mostly dominated by The U of M, the Vols mounted a comeback only to lose a heartbreaker in double overtime, 99-97.

The game started as the previous two regular season games for the Tigers have, sophomore big man Tarik Black picking up two cheap fouls and heading to the bench. But the deep Tigers bench, led by sophomore Antonio Barton and freshman Adonis Thomas, helped spur the Tigers to a 10-point halftime lead, 55-45. Barton had 17 points in the first half. Thomas had 11.

During the first half, Memphis led by as many as 16. But the Vols stayed relentless and would not give up. By the 4- minute mark of the second half, Tennessee pulled to within four at 77-73. But the Tigers, as they proved multiple times during the game, had an answer. After struggling in the quarterfinals against Michigan, sophomore guard Will Barton swished a go-ahead three pointer to stop the Vols' run and put the Tigers up 80-76. Closing the game out down the stretch proved to be very tough for Memphis, as they allowed the Vols to tie the game at 83 with .5 seconds left on the clock. Once the Tigers inbounded the ball, Thomas heaved a desperation half-court shot towards the basket, but to no avail – and into overtime they went.

The Vols began overtime scoring first with a couple of free throws and then a putback layup by Jeronne Maymon, two of his 32 points. But the Tigers answered with Wesley Witherspoon free throws to cut the lead by the Vols to 87-85. Both teams would trade baskets until Josh Richardson's three-pointer puts the Vols up by two, 91-89. Sophomore guard Chris Crawford answered back with a nifty layup around two defenders to tie the game at 91 and send the game into a second overtime.

With the game tied at 97, Antonio Barton hit a clutch shot, giving the Tigers a 99-97 lead with only .19 seconds left. It would prove to be the game winner. On the ensuing possession, the Vols couldn't get the ball inbounds and Witherspoon stole it with .8 on the clock. A last second try by the Vols fell short and the Tigers escaped with a 99-97 victory. Both Barton brothers finished with a combined 47 points, 17 rebounds and one assist.

The Tigers play Georgetown for the 5th-place finish in the tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.