University Of Memphis Vs University Of Tennessee Basketball
The University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee are two renowned public universities in Tennessee. Both universities have an athletic program that competes in various sporting events, including basketball. Basketball is a popular sport in Tennessee, and the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee basketball teams are always in the spotlight. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee's basketball teams, their history and rivalry, and their current state.
History of University of Memphis Basketball
The University of Memphis basketball program has a rich history. The program started in 1920 and has been competitive ever since. The Tigers have made 26 NCAA tournament appearances, with the most recent being in 2019. The Tigers were also the National Runner-up in 1973, 1985, and 2008. The program has had several high-profile coaches, including John Calipari, Larry Finch, and Josh Pastner. The program has produced several NBA stars, including Penny Hardaway, Derrick Rose, and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.
History of University of Tennessee Basketball
The University of Tennessee basketball program started in 1908 and has a rich history. The program has made 22 NCAA tournament appearances, with the most recent being in 2019. The Volunteers were the National Runner-up in 2019. The program has produced several NBA stars, including Dale Ellis, Bernard King, and Allan Houston. The program has had several high-profile coaches, including Rick Barnes and Bruce Pearl.
Rivalry
The University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee basketball teams have a long-standing rivalry. The rivalry started in the 1950s and has been intense ever since. The two teams have played each other 31 times, with the University of Tennessee leading the series 15-16. The rivalry has produced several memorable moments, including the 2008 matchup where the University of Memphis defeated the University of Tennessee in a thrilling overtime game.
Current State of University of Memphis Basketball
The University of Memphis basketball program is currently in a rebuilding phase. Penny Hardaway, a former NBA player and Memphis standout, was hired as the head coach in 2018. Hardaway has made significant changes to the program, including recruiting several high-profile players, including James Wiseman, a projected top pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The team struggled in the 2019-2020 season, finishing with a 21-10 record.
Current State of University of Tennessee Basketball
The University of Tennessee basketball program is currently in a good state. The team finished the 2019-2020 season with a 17-14 record and a bid to the NCAA tournament. The team has several high-profile players, including John Fulkerson and Yves Pons. The team is coached by Rick Barnes, who has a successful coaching career and has led the Volunteers to the NCAA tournament several times.
Conclusion
The University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee basketball teams are two of the most popular teams in Tennessee. Both teams have a rich history, with several NCAA tournament appearances and memorable moments. The rivalry between the two teams is intense and has produced several memorable games. The current state of the two teams is different, with the University of Memphis in a rebuilding phase and the University of Tennessee in a good state. Regardless of their current state, the two teams are always exciting to watch and are sure to provide an intense matchup whenever they face each other.
