For Memphis, last season was a year defined by high highs and low lows.
The Tigers boasted one of the most successful non-conference slates in the nation, taking down ranked Texas A&M, Clemson, and Virginia squads in just a nine-day span in December 2023.
Things were looking up for the Tigers, who were looking to make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Those hopes came to a grinding halt in January. Memphis lost four straight conference games that month, including a second-half meltdown to USF at home.
A pedestrian 11-7 record in conference play dampened their chance of receiving an at-large tournament bid. That possibility practically vanished with Memphis’s first-round AAC Tournament loss to Wichita State.
There’s little doubt Memphis is one of the top contenders in the conference this season. The Tigers dropped out of the AP poll after a loss to Mississippi State before climbing back up to No. 21 with a win over No. 16 Ole Miss.
Memphis (10-3) currently holds the best record in the AAC and is one of the most battle-tested teams in the conference. The Tigers have squared off against four ranked opponents this season. They rank first in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll.
The Tigers’ signature win thus far undoubtedly came in a 99-97 overtime thriller against No. 2 UConn in the Maui Invitational, giving the back-to-back national champions its first loss of the season. Memphis later lost 90-76 to No. 4 Auburn in the Maui Invitational Championship.
The Tigers also picked up wins against ranked Clemson and Ole Miss squads – ending the conference slate with an upset win over the Rebels.
Memphis boasts arguably the most formidable guard duo in the AAC.
The Tigers nabbed one of last season’s top freshmen in guard PJ Haggerty, who transferred in from conference foe Tulsa.
The former AAC Freshman of the Year has been the Tigers’ top scoring option, leading the conference with 22.6 points per game while shooting 48% from the floor.
Another portal addition – guard Tyrese Hunter – has proven to be a veteran asset for the Tigers’ offense. The former starter for Iowa State and Texas is averaging 15.9 points per game this season.
Haggerty and Hunter’s work beyond the perimeter is key to Memphis’ scoring offense. The Tigers rank 10th in the nation with a 40.5% 3-point percentage.
Memphis opens conference play on the road against Florida Atlantic on Thursday – a team the Tigers went 1-1 against last season.
The Owls (7-6) look far removed from the team that made the Final Four just two seasons ago as they try to find their footing under first-year coach John Jakus.
The Tigers will also face off against USF twice. The Bulls (7-6) are led by first-year interim head coach Ben Fletcher, who took over the program after the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim in October.
The transfer portal rocked FAU and USF, causing both teams to struggle through non-conference play. Both teams show potential but must win the AAC Tournament this season to make it to the NCAA Tournament.
