With so many topics “in the air” and the abundance of emails in the MemphisRoar inbox, we are starting a new feature here on MemphisRoar. Depending on how often the mail comes in, we will occasionally do a MemphisRoar Mailbox article. Submit your questions to memphisroar@gmail.com.
In this inaugural edition of the MemphisRoar Mailbox, topics will focus mainly on recruiting. So, on to the questions.
How did Matt Pilgrim play against our guys in the pickup games the other night? Any feeling on his visit? - John
Pilgrim played well. In the first game, Pilgrim was on the same team as former Tiger Penny Hardaway, recent transfer Elliot Williams, Clyde Wade and Jeremy Hunt. The faced a team of Andre Allen, Willie Kemp, Roburt Sallie, Pierre Henderson-Niles and Angel Garcia. Showing off a physical presense and athleticism, Pilgrim showed flashes of what he brings to the table. At one point, Pilgrim caught an alleyoop from Penny over Pierre and threw it down with two hands. To finish off the first game, Pilgrim hit the game-winning shot from about 15 feet out. In the second game, Pilgrim’s winning team faced off against a team comprised of players off of MBA Elite from Mississippi. LaQuinton Ross and Deville Smith being the two main cogs, the MBA Elite handed Pilgrim’s team a big fat “L”. As a whole, Matt Pilgrim is a very physical presense with size and athleticism who has a mean streak about him, all things that the Memphis frontline could use at this point. Toughness, rebounding, blocked shots and a “you’re gonna regret coming in here with me” type of attitude is what you will get with Pilgrim.
Stay tuned as we continue to try to reach Pilgrim about how his visit went.
Who else is Pilgrim considering? – unknown
Pilgrim visited Oklahoma State last week and, according to sources close to Pilgrim, really enjoyed it. He has also visited Cincinnati. According to the same sources, the Bearcats are out of the running. The only other schools that Pilgrim is considering would be Maryland and Memphis. At this point, a visit to Maryland has not been scheduled and a decision will likely be made within the next week.
Did Elliot (Williams) play in the pickup games? – Alan
As noted above, yes. Williams played with some of his new teammates for the first time on Sunday evening. Getting off to a slow start, Williams quickly warmed up and showed why he is going to be so important to the Memphis backcourt this season. Hitting some shots and showing his ability to make plays, Williams fit right in for someone who didn’t really know anyone on the floor. His ability to handle the ball and create will be a big key for success this upcoming season.
Where is the video of Adonis Thomas dunking you talked about? – Chase
The video that Chase is referring to was talked about here and to answer the question, it is nowhere yet. The video is being shot at the Top 40 Invitational Elite Camp that started Sunday and will end today at 1:00pm with an all-star game at the Finch Center. Players of note in the camp are Jelan Kendrick, Tarik Black, Adonis Thomas, Jonathan Williams III, Cameron Golden, and Andre Hollins. Once the event is over, MemphisRoar will be bringing you video and scouting reports of the entire event.
Should we forget about Lance (Stephenson)? – unknown
Probably.
Other news and notes:
- Michigan got a verbal from 2010 6′4″ SG Tim Hardaway Jr. With the signing of Hardaway Jr., Michigan now has only one scholarship remaining. So you ask, why is this Memphis related? Michigan is one of the handful of schools that is heavily vying for the services of 2010 SF Casey Prather. With limited room to maneuver and strong relationship built with 2010 SG Trey Zeigler, Michigan’s involvement may be somewhat complicated moving forward.
- Speaking of Casey Prather, he recently took a trip down to Orlando, FL for the Vince Carter Skills Academy. Prather was deemed the camp’s best defender by ESPN’s Paul Biancardi who had this to say:
“Casey Prather…is extremely athletic and has quick hands and feet. Defensively, he sits down low in his stance and takes the challenge seriously of guarding his man one-on-one. When his man attempts to drive the ball, Prather does a great job of holding his ground and leveling off the dribbler…He can defend point guards, shooting guards and small forwards. He’s also big and versatile enough to switch onto almost anyone in screen situations. If you ask him to deny his man the ball, he will do so with a passion which is different than most kids today…there might not be a better wing defender in the 2010 class than Prather.”
Biancardi also talks about 2010 SG prospect Cameron Clark. Read the full report here.
- Two Memphis related prospects stood out at the recent Rivals Future 150 Camp in Birmingham, AL. 2011 SG LeAntwan Luckett (Ridgeland, MS), who plays for the Mississippi Ballerz, really stood out with his ability to slash and get to the basket with a killer first step. Luckett, who will likely be courted by every team in the SEC, is a big time athlete with good size and a good frame. Also, 2011 combo guard Cedrick McAfee (Memphis, TN) showed why he is one of the tops in Memphis for 2011. Showing off an improved handle and ability to knock down shots, McAfee was one of the top performers from the camp.
- According to The Commercial Appeal, the Tiger Scholarship Fund announced on Monday that they received a record-breaking $7 million in donations. The previous record of $6 million was broken despite the downturn in the economy and the tumultuous off-season for the Tigers.
- Non-Tigers Related: In calling some west coast sources earlier in the week to determine the outcome of the Derrick Williams recruitment, it was mentioned several times that 2010 C Josh Smith will verbal to UCLA within the next few weeks.
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