Memphis Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Tigers
Projected Starting Lineup
Damion Baugh | G | 6-foot-3 | 180 lbs | Freshman
The hype is real regarding Damion Baugh. Although the lowest-rated recruit in Memphis’ highly-regarded class, Baugh still arrives as a four-star prospect ranked at No. 115 in the class. He has quickly asserted himself as one of the best players on the roster in early practices and the team’s offseason international trip. He is an explosively athletic guard with the ability to lock down on the defensive end as well. Baugh pushes the pace well offensively and is making a great push for this starting spot. His outstanding rebounding allows Memphis to get out in transition quickly for easy buckets. He was very impressive in the Bahamas and that should carry over into the season.
Boogie Ellis | G | 6-foot-3 | 165 lbs | Freshman
Boogie Ellis is a very complete player. He brings enough size to the backcourt at 6-foot-3, can score at all three levels, and is a tenacious defender as well. Ellis also plays with a great motor as he consistently tracks down loose balls. He is extremely talented and should fit well in Memphis’ up-tempo style this season. Additionally, he should be a solid threat from beyond the arc. Ellis is the third-highest rated freshman on this team at No. 38 in the country and should be poised for a big-time role either as the starting shooting guard or sixth man off the bench. He can fill it and defend.
DJ Jeffries | F | 6-foot-7 | 225 lbs | Freshman
A bit of a matchup nightmare, DJ Jeffries is a superb talent at 6-foot-7 and 225 lbs. He brings great size to the wing and can definitely fill it up in a variety of ways. Jeffries can knock down open threes, take his defender off the dribble, slash to the hoop, or score in post-up situations. Although not a tremendous defender, his versatile offensive game is very tough to stop. He often uses his strength to attack the basket and runs the floor quite well. Jeffries should be a consistent offensive option for the Tigers while rebounding at a high rate. He was ranked as the No. 52 overall prospect in the class.
Precious Achiuwa | F | 6-foot-9 | 225 lbs | Freshman
The second-highest rated player in Memphis’ recruiting class is Precious Achiuwa (No. 15). The 6-foot-9 power forward is a tough physical matchup with excellent athleticism. Although he needs to improve on his consistency, Achiuwa shows flashes of being an absolute star. He finishes at a high rate above the rim and should be a perfect fit in Memphis’ fast-paced scheme considering how well he runs the floor. Achiuwa’s physical and athletic gifts are obvious; that should result in plenty of big-time plays. He did not play on Memphis’ trip to the Bahamas due to a visa issue.
James Wiseman | C | 7-foot-1 | 240 lbs | Freshman
James Wiseman is the top-rated freshman in the country heading into this season. The 7-foot-1 big man is absolutely dominant in the paint and should immediately be one of the toughest players in the country to defend. He boasts a great wingspan, runs the floor exceptionally well, and is a solid leaper. In addition to his physical gifts, Wiseman is polished as a post scorer and rebounds at a high rate. He should also be a solid anchor to Memphis’ defense with his athleticism and shot-blocking. Wiseman will be the Tigers’ best player this season and defenses will have a hard time stopping him. He is an All-American caliber player but did not play on the team’s trip to the Bahamas due to a shoulder injury.