2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team

American college basketball season March 2026 August 2023 Basketball 2009–10 Memphis Tigers Memphis Tigers 2003-2021 wordmark.svg 250 Conference USA C-USA 24–10 13–3 Josh Pastner (1st year) Glynn Cyprien Jack Murphy Willis Wilson FedExForum NIT Second round The 2009–10 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represented the University of Memphis in the 2009–10 college basketball season, the 89th season of Tiger basketball. The Tigers were coached by first-year head coach Josh Pastner, played their home games at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee and are members of Conference USA. They finished the season 24–10, 13–3 in C-USA play. They were the 2 seed in the 2010 Conference USA men's basketball tournament where they were upset by 7 seed and eventual champion Houston. They failed to be invited to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Instead, the Tigers were invited to the 2010 National Invitation Tournament where they advanced to the second round before losing to the Ole Miss Rebels. Preseason The 2008–09 Memphis Tigers finished the season 33–4 (16–0), as Conference USA regular season and tournament champions. After three early losses, the Tigers went on a 27-game unbeaten streak, finally coming to an end with a season-ending 102–91 loss to the Missouri Tigers in the Sweet 16."." ESPN: Missouri 102, Memphis 91 Retrieved on 18-11-2009. Memphis finished the season ranked 9th in the final Coaches' Poll and 3rd in the AP Poll."." Final Rankings Retrieved on 18-11-2009. A turbulent offseason for the Tigers began with the news of Billy Gillispie's firing at the University of Kentucky. Despite assurances that “Memphis is where I want to coach,”"" Commercial Appeal: John Calipari insists Memphis "is where I want to coach" Retrieved on 05-01-2010. John Calipari resigned as head coach of the Tigers to take the job at Kentucky on March 31, 2009."" ESPN: Calipari taking Kentucky job Retrieved on 05-01-2010. After a week-long coaching search, Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson announced the hiring of former Arizona and Memphis assistant Josh Pastner as head basketball coach."" ESPN: Pastner promoted to head coach Retrieved on 05-01-2010 At 32 years of age, Coach Pastner is the second-youngest men's head basketball coach in the NCAA."" ESPN: Dana O'Neil: Two frenetic days with Josh Pastner Retrieved on 05-01-2010. Calipari's departure resulted in the disintegration of Memphis' recruiting class. Signed recruits DeMarcus Cousins and Darnell Dodson were allowed out of their letters of intent and followed Calipari to Kentucky. Xavier Henry was also allowed to leave, and while briefly considering following Calipari as well, ultimately decided to attend the University of Kansas. Guard Nolan Dennis was also allowed to leave, choosing to attend Baylor University. Of Memphis' original 2009 recruiting class, only JUCO forward Will Coleman decided to honor his commitment to play for the Tigers. Sophomore forward Ángel García lost most of the season with an ACL tear, but made an unexpected debut after only five months of recovery. Despite shooting 52% in 2-point field goals and 41% in 3-point field goals, García saw limited action due to the recovery process. Memphis' roster was also devastated by other departures not directly related to the coaching change. Redshirt freshman C. J. Henry, brother of Xavier Henry, chose to transfer to Kansas to play with his brother after sitting out the season due to an ankle injury. Memphis recruit Latavious Williams decided not to honor his commitment, instead deciding to play professionally in China; ultimately, Williams was drafted into the NBA Development League. On March 31, 2009, freshman sensation Tyreke Evans declared himself eligible for the 2009 NBA draft, ultimately being drafted 4th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Senior forward Shawn Taggart declared for the draft on June 6, 2009, despite having one year of eligibility remaining. Seniors Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier also declared for the draft after their graduation from the University; Chance McGrady, brother of Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady also graduated, but did not declare for the draft. The Tigers began the 2009–10 season on October 16, 2009 with Memphis Madness. Over 18,000 fans attended the free event at FedExForum, with several hundred fans turned away at the door by the Memphis Fire Department for safety reasons. The capacity crowd was the largest to ever witness a Memphis Madness event." https://web.archive.org/web/20110711120054/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/101709aaa.html 2011-07-11 " GoTigersGo.com: Capacity-Filled Crowd At FedExForum Ushers In 2009–10 Campaign Retrieved on 05-01-2010. Departures Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Notes Antonio Anderson 5 G 6' 6" 215 Senior Lynn, Massachusetts 1st all-time in games played (150)4th all-time in steals (213)5th all-time in assists (538)18th all-time in points scored (1,277)45th player to score 1,000+ pointsrecorded 3rd all-time triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists)2nd player to record a triple-double (Penny Hardaway recorded two)1st player with 1,000+ points, 500+ rebounds, and 500+ assists2008 Conference USA men's basketball tournament MVP Robert Dozier 2 F 6' 9" 220 Senior Lithonia, Georgia 3rd all-time in games played (148)5th all-time in blocks (228)6th all-time in rebounds (961)17 career double-doubles14th all-time in points scored (1,381)44th player to score 1,000+ points6th player to record 1,000+ points and 900+ rebounds Tyreke Evans 12 G 6' 6" 195 Freshman Chester, Pennsylvania 1st all-time in steals by a freshman (77)2nd all-time in points scored by a freshman (632)Scored in double figures in 33 games (37 played)1st Memphis player to be named consensus National Freshman of the Year2009 Conference USA men's basketball tournament MVPDrafted 4th overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings C. J. Henry 14 G 6' 3" 195 Freshman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Transferred to Kansas Chance McGrady 10 G 6' 2" 183 Senior Auburndale, Florida Brother of Tracy McGradyOnly player to wear a different number every year (#11, #55, #31, #10) Matt Simpkins 15 F 6' 9" 215 Freshman Sacramento, California Dismissed from team Feb. 6, 2009 Shawn Taggart 0 F 6' 10" 238 Junior Richmond, Virginia 87 career blocks, 7 double-doubles in two seasons at Memphis (transferred from Iowa State) Statistics accurate as of 29 March 2010. Recruiting no no 2008 Will Coleman C Columbus, GA Pacelli HS 6 9 255 14 August 2008 3 4 95 D. J. Stephens SF Killeen, TX Harker Heights HS 6 4 170 25 August 2009 2 3 90 2009 Memphis Basketball Commitments 2009 Memphis Basketball Commits ESPN memphis 350 235 2009-10-13 yes Roster 2009 Memphis Tigers #0C1C8C #FFFFFF #8E9295 #0C1C8C Pierre Henderson-Niles 1 F 6 8 278 SR Memphis, Tennessee USA James Harvey Jr. basketball 2 G 6 2 200 SO Memphis, Tennessee USA Roburt Sallie 3 G 6 5 196 JR Sacramento, California USA Willie Kemp basketball y 5 G 6 2 184 SR Bolivar, Tennessee USA Will Coleman 10 F 6 9 250 SR Columbus, Georgia Wesley Witherspoon y 11 F/G 6 9 210 JR Atlanta, Georgia Drew Barham 12 F/G 6 7 180 SO Cordova, Tennessee y Charles Holt 14 G 6 0 170 SO Jackson, Tennessee Elliot Williams 15 G 6 5 180 JR Memphis, Tennessee y Doneal Mack 20 G 6 5 187 SR Charlotte, North Carolina USA D. J. Stephens y 30 G/F 6 5 170 SO Killeen, Texas Preston Laird basketball 31 G 6 2 182 JR Memphis, Tennessee Malik Thomas 32 G/F 6 4 195 SO Forestville, Maryland Tyler Foster basketball 35 G/F 6 5 185 SO Albany, New York Ángel García basketball, born 1988 41 F 6 11 245 SO Toa Baja, Puerto Rico y Aaron Jacques 54 F 6 6 200 SR Bartlett, Tennessee USA Josh Pastner (Arizona) Glynn Cyprien (Texas-San Antonio) Jack Murphy (Arizona) Willis Wilson (Rice) http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/mem-m-baskbl-mtt.html 2010-04-08 Schedule yes |- !colspan=9| Exhibition Tue, Nov 3 7:00 pm yes LeMoyne-Owen FedExForum Memphis, TN 98–68"." Lemoyne-Owen box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.   Mon, Nov 9 7:00 pm yes Christian Brothers FedExForum Memphis, TN 66–45"." CBU box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009.   |- !colspan=9| Regular Season Fri, Nov 13 8:00 pm yes Jackson State FedExForum Memphis, TN 82–53"." Jackson St box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009. 17,584 1–0 Tue, Nov 17 9:00 pm yes y Kansas 1 Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO Hall of Fame Showcase ESPN 55–57"." Kansas box score Retrieved on 19-11-2009. 12,107 1–1 Fri, Nov 20 7:00 pm yes Tennessee Tech FedExForum Memphis, TN Hall of Fame Showcase 92–59"." Tennessee Tech box score Retrieved on 21-11-2009. 16,707 2–1 Tue, Nov 24 7:00 pm yes Central Arkansas FedExForum Memphis, TN Hall of Fame Showcase WKNO 81–49"." Central Arkansas box score Retrieved on 24-11-2009. 16,612 3–1 Mon, Nov 30 7:00 pm yes Oakland FedExForum Memphis, TN Hall of Fame Showcase WKNO 77–46"." Oakland box score Retrieved on 30-11-2009. 15,689 4–1 Sat, Dec 5 7:00 pm yes Arkansas State FedExForum Memphis, TN WKNO 74–55"." Arkansas State box score Retrieved on 05-12-2009. 16,714 5–1 Wed, Dec 9 7:00 pm yes Montana State FedExForum Memphis, TN WKNO 76–51"." Montana State box score Retrieved on 09-12-2009. 16,077 6–1 Sat, Dec 12 2:00 pm yes y Arkansas-Little Rock Verizon Arena North Little Rock, AR 83–71"." UALR box score Retrieved on 12-12-2009. 5,538 7–1 Sat, Dec 19 5:00 pm yes y Massachusetts TD Garden Boston, MA ESPN2 72–73"." UMass box score Retrieved on 19-12-2009. 8,096 7–2 Tue, Dec 22 12:00 pm yes SEMO FedExForum Memphis, TN 87–57"." SEMO box score Retrieved on 22-12-2009. 16,894 8–2 Mon, Dec 28 12:00 pm yes IUPUI FedExForum Memphis, TN 87–67"." IUPUI box score Retrieved on 28-12-2009. 17,020 9–2 Thu, Dec 31 3:00 pm yes Tennessee 14 FedExForum Memphis, TN ESPN2 59–66"." Tennessee box score Retrieved on 31-12-2009. 17,544 9–3 Sun, Jan 3 2:00 pm yes Houston Baptist FedExForum Memphis, TN 93–52"." Houston Baptist box score Retrieved on 03-01-2010. 16,414 10–3 Wed, Jan 6 6:00 pm yes yes Syracuse 7 Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY ESPN2 57–74"." Syracuse box score Retrieved on 06-01-2010. 17,805 10–4 Sat, Jan 9 7:00 pm no yes Southern Miss Reed Green Coliseum Hattiesburg, MS CSS 59–57"." Southern Miss (A) box score Retrieved on 09-01-2010. 4,029 11–4 1–0 Wed, Jan 13 6:00 pm no East Carolina FedExForum Memphis, TN CSS 77–57"." East Carolina box score Retrieved on 13-01-2010. 15,903 12–4 2–0 Sat, Jan 16 7:00 pm no yes Rice Tudor Fieldhouse Houston, TX CSS 80–68"." Rice box score Retrieved on 16-01-2010. 3,483 13–4 3–0 Wed, Jan 20 7:00 pm no UTEP FedExForum Memphis, TN CBS CS 67–72"." UTEP box score Retrieved on 20-01-2010. 16,709 13–5 3–1 Sat, Jan 23 7:00 pm no Houston FedExForum Memphis, TN ESPN2 92–77"." Houston (H) box score Retrieved on 23-01-2010. 17,452 14–5 4–1 Wed, Jan 27 7:00 pm no yes Marshall Cam Henderson Center Huntington, WV CBS CS 75–72"." Marshall box score Retrieved on 27-01-2010. 7,091 15–5 5–1 Sat, Jan 30 2:00 pm yes SMU Moody Coliseum Dallas, TX 60–70"." SMU (A) box score Retrieved on 30-01-2010. 4,034 15–6 5–2 Wed, Feb 3 7:00 pm no UAB FedExForum Memphis, TN CBS CS 85–75"." UAB (H) box score Retrieved on 03-02-2010. 16,518 16–6 6–2 Sat, Feb 6 3:00 pm yes Gonzaga 17 FedExForum Memphis, TN ESPN2 58–66"." Gonzaga box score Retrieved on 06-02-2010. 17,037 16–7 Wed, Feb 10 6:00 pm no UCF FedExForum Memphis, TN CSS 76–70"." UCF box score Retrieved on 10-02-2010. 16,581 17–7 7–2 Sat, Feb 13 6:00 pm no y Tulsa Reynolds Center Tulsa, OK ESPN2 93–86"." Tulsa (A) box score Retrieved on 13-02-2010. 7,425 18–7 8–2 Wed, Feb 17 6:00 pm no yes Tulane Avron B. Fogelman Arena New Orleans, LA CSS 77–64"." Tulane box score Retrieved on 17-02-2010. 1,783 19–7 9–2 Sat, Feb 20 7:00 pm SMU FedExForum Memphis, TN WKNO 76–63"." SMU (H) box score Retrieved on 20-02-2010. 17,047 20–7 10–2 Wed, Feb 24 7:00 pm y Houston Hofheinz Pavilion Houston, TX 75–92"." Houston (A) box score Retrieved on 24-02-2010. 4,063 20–8 10–3 Sat, Feb 27 7:00 pm Southern Miss FedExForum Memphis, TN CBS CS 76–69"." Southern Miss (H) box score. Retrieved on 27-02-2010. 17,997 21–8 11–3 Wed, Mar 3 8:00 pm y UAB Bartow Arena Birmingham, AL CSS 70–65"." UAB (A) box score. Retrieved on 03-03-2010. 8,411 22–8 12–3 Sat, Mar 6 12:00 pm Tulsa FedExForum Memphis, TN CBS CS 75–53"." Tulsa (H) box score. Retrieved on 06-03-2010. 17,238 23–8 13–3 |- !colspan=9| 2010 Conference USA tournament Thu, Mar 11 12:00 pm yes Houston BOK Center Tulsa, OK Quarterfinals CBS CS 65–66"." Houston (N) box score. Retrieved on 11-03-2010. NA 23–9 |- !colspan=9| 2010 National Invitation Tournament Wed, Mar 17 8:00 pm yes St. John's FedExForum Memphis, TN First round ESPN2 73–71"." St. John's box score. Retrieved on 18-03-2010. 10,231 24–9 Fri, Mar 19 5:30 pm yes yes Mississippi Tad Smith Coliseum Oxford, MS Second round ESPN2 81–90"." Mississippi box score. Retrieved on 19-03-2010. 8,218 24–10 AP Poll Central Time " https://web.archive.org/web/20120722050217/http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/mem-m-baskbl-sched.html 2012-07-22 ." 2009–10 Schedule Retrieved on 20-10-2009. Notes 2 Memphis Category:Memphis Tigers men's basketball seasons Memphis Memphis Memphis Category:2000s in Memphis, Tennessee