Memphis Roar

For the seventh time in Josh Pastner’s first early signing period as a head coach, the University of Memphis has garnered a commitment from yet another 2010 student-athlete. Memphis Roar was able to confirm that 6′8″ 230-pound power forward Tarik Black from Memphis’ Ridgeway High School has indeed committed to the University of Memphis.

Tarik Black committed to the University of Memphis shortly after returning from his official visit to the University of Florida on Sunday. Black is rated by Scouts, Inc at a 94, coming in at #54 overall in the class of 2010 and the #14 power forward. Here is his most recent evaluation by Scouts, Inc:

“He is one of the most efficient players in this class, regardless of position. Black understands his role on the floor better than most big men and relishes in the fact he can defend, block shots and control the boards.”

Memphis Roar’s Clark Merriam had this to say about Black:

“An inside presence that will never go unnoticed, Black turned heads and grabbed attention with his monstrous blocks and dunks, often providing a much needed spark for his Magic team. Black worked a great deal over the summer on his offense. Inserting an effective hook shot/leaner, Black makes use of his body and is becoming a great all-around power forward. Black also displayed a good awareness on the court, finding the open man, and passing out of double teams down low. One thing Black can continue to improve on is his post-up moves on offense. Black has shown great improvement and can continue to develop on offense.”

With Black’s commitment, the 2010 Memphis class is now made up of seven total players. Black joins local players Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford to go along with national names like Will Barton, Antonio Barton, Jelan Kendrick and Hippolyte Tsafack.

Josh Pastner’s first recruiting class as a head coach is now the hands-down number one recruiting class in the country. Not only is this the best class in the nation for 2010, but it is one of the best classes assembled in the history of college basketball. No other team can lay claim to six 90-or-better rated prospects by Scouts, Inc. Discuss Black’s commitment here.
 

2010  Player Commits (not including Tarik Black)
NAME	POS	HT	WT	SCHOOL	RANK	GRADE	STATUS	NOTES
Will Barton	Shooting Guard	6-6	161	Brewster Academy (NH)	SG #1	97	Signed
Joe Jackson	Point Guard	5-11	175	White Station H.S. (TN)	PG #5	95	Signed
Jelan Kendrick	Shooting Guard	6-5	186	Wheeler H.S. (GA)	SG #4	95	Signed
Chris Crawford	Shooting Guard	6-4	189	Sheffield H.S. (TN)	SG #34	92	Signed
Hippolyte Tsafack	Power Forward	6-8	230	The Miller School (VA)	PF #41	91	Signed
Antonio Barton	Point Guard	6-2	170	Notre Dame Prep (MA)	PG #62	87	Signed

Check out Tarik Black’s highlight footage from the River City Showdown here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7l0B1PAv_E

Here is an interview with Black done over the summer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmpLzTf2U-Y

Pictures of Tarik Black in action can be seen in the River City Showdown tournament picture galleries below.

Photoshoot Album

RCS Day 1 Album

RCS Day 2 Album

RCS Day 3 Album