Memphis Roar

Demarcus Cousins took the court last night and for the first time something was different. The bright lights were on, the cameras were rolling and the #4 rated prospect in ESPNU’s Top 100 for 2009 had a national television audience tuned in on ESPN2 to watch him take on Derrick Favors and South Atlanta.

“This was my first time to play on ESPN, but it was great…a lot of fun,” said Cousins. “I definitely think it went well.”

After watching Cousins rebound, block shots, dribble on the break in ‘And-1′ fashion, throw down some rim-rocking dunks and shoot it from deep, anyone in attendance at Bartow Arena or tuned in on ESPN2 would have to say that things went really well for Cousins as well.

Despite the fact that the box score appeared as though Favors dominated the game and was the better prospect of the two highly touted big-men, Demarcus Cousins impacted the game in so many ways that cannot be seen on a stat-line. Favors finished with 36 points, 14 rebounds, one blocked shot but turned the ball over  five times. Cousins didn’t throw up Dwight Howard type numbers but controlled the game on both ends and made the game easier for his teammates; finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, five blocked shots and only one turnover.

Surrounded by reporters and media personnel after the game, Cousins said “Memphis, K-State, Washington and some others [...I can't even think right now, but there are some others]” are the schools he is currently considering. To shed more light on this statement, we spoke with Cousins and Otis Hughley, Leflore’s Head Coach, later after the crowd of reporters dissipated. MemphisRoar got a clear indication that Memphis is definitely in the drvier’s seat. That is a big statement for the Tigers who desperately need a big who can be effective offensively, especially if Shawn Taggart does not return next season.

Dan Wolken, a very accurate source for information on the Tigers and their recruiting, also confirmed what we were told. Dan wrote:

“the 6-foot-11 center from Mobile, Ala., said emphatically tonight that Memphis is the leader in his recruitment. His coach at LeFlore High School, Otis Hughley, confirmed that Memphis is leading on Cousins and said he felt the Tigers would be hard to beat at this point in time. “

Coaches on-hand to “show face” included Josh Pastner from Memphis, North Carolina State head coach Sidney Lowe and two others from his coaching staff, UAB head man Mike Davis, and Louisville assistant coach Walter McCarty.

Mike Davis sat at the top of the lower level with 2009 PG prospect Eric Bledsoe (Birmingham, AL) greeting fans, talking on his cell phone and, believe it or not, crossing his fingers. From the mustard on his shirt, it appeared that even tried eating a hotdog and drinking a Pepsi with his fingers crossed (that line was a joke if you couldn’t tell). Cousins has stated several times to the media over the last few days that the whole ordeal with UAB and Davis has been “a big misunderstanding” and that “there is still a possibility of playing for Mike Davis”.

“Coach Davis and I still have the same relationship. I mean, nothing has changed. It was a misunderstanding with the scholarship,” stated Cousins. “I feel like, when you decide where you are going, you decide what coach you want to play for. It’s the coach’s style of play. You play for the coach, not the school. He’s the one in charge.”

Cousins also spoke of how he definitely was going to school, almost got angry when asked about the possibility of going overseas to play and added that his mom would play a big part in his decision. Cousins added, ”We talk about this stuff all the time. She will definitely play a big part.”