University Of Memphis Men's Basketball Ncaa Tournament
The University of Memphis Men's Basketball team has been a dominant force in college basketball for decades, with a rich history of success both in their conference and in the NCAA Tournament. The team has seen many talented players come through their program, including several NBA All-Stars such as Derrick Rose and Penny Hardaway. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Memphis Tigers and their performance in the NCAA Tournament.
The History of Memphis Basketball
Memphis basketball has a long, storied history that dates back to 1920. The program has experienced many highs and lows over the years, but has remained a consistent force in the NCAA. The Tigers have won over 1,400 games and have made over 30 NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 1973, legendary coach Gene Bartow led the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Bartow's teams were known for their high-scoring offense and fast-paced style of play. The Tigers would go on to make four NCAA Tournament appearances in Bartow's six seasons as head coach.
The 1980s and 1990s were a period of rebuilding for the Memphis program, but the team bounced back in the early 2000s under head coach John Calipari. Calipari led the Tigers to an impressive run of NCAA Tournament appearances and became one of the most successful coaches in program history.
Recent NCAA Tournament Appearances
The Memphis Tigers have made nine NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004, including two Final Four appearances. The team's most recent NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2019, when they lost to the Michigan State Spartans in the second round.
The Tigers had a strong showing in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, making it to the Round of 32 before losing to the Auburn Tigers. Memphis had a solid season in 2018-2019, finishing with a record of 22-14 overall and 11-7 in the American Athletic Conference.
Outlook for the Future
The future looks bright for the Memphis Tigers, who have a talented and experienced roster returning for the 2021-2022 season. The team will be led by head coach Penny Hardaway, who has quickly established himself as one of the top coaches in the country.
The Tigers have also brought in several talented recruits, including five-star center Jalen Duren and five-star point guard Tyrese Maxey. With a strong core of returning players and talented newcomers, the Tigers are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament in the coming years.
Conclusion
The University of Memphis Men's Basketball team has a rich history of success in the NCAA Tournament, with several deep tournament runs and notable NBA players. The team's recent success, including two Final Four appearances in the last decade, has put Memphis back on the national basketball map. With a talented roster and top-notch coaching staff, the Tigers are a team to watch in the coming years.