Memphis Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 campaign

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 10: Brewton Jr. #5 of the Memphis Tigers walks. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

3. Capitalize on free throw attempts

Speaking of poor shooting, Memphis also struggled at the free throw line. More specifically, the team failed to knock down their foul shot attempts at a consistent rate last season despite reaching the line with regularity. In fact, Memphis ranked fourth in the nation in free throw rate (.436). The issue, though, was with converting on 69.0% of those attempts, a mark that placed the team 290th in the nation (out of 351).

Looking ahead to this season, this will definitely need to be cleaned up. In college basketball, teams can both win and lose games at the free throw line. Considering Memphis is projected to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid this season, they need to be stronger at the charity stripe, especially in close games. If there is one thing to be thankful for, though, it is that Jeremiah Martin, the team’s best player, is quite efficient from the line, shooting 78.4% on 185 FTA last season.

Free throw shooting is also something that can be developed. It is a skill that, with repetition of the right practices, can at least be improved to reasonable standards. Because of this, it is definitely possible that the returning pieces for Memphis are better shooters next season. In addition, high school stats indicate that the incoming recruits can help out a bit at the line as well.