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Memphis Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Tigers

By Lukas Harkins

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 20: Ellis #23 passes. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 20: Ellis #23 passes. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Schedule Breakdown

Memphis’ non-conference schedule is not the most difficult in the country but there are definitely some challenging games. There are some “cupcakes”, but it is important to mention that this team might need some time to gel this season. They can use some lower-level games to gain that fluidity and trust. Of course, the Tigers have already competed together on their offseason trip to the Bahamas, but many of their rotation players had to sit out that tour of contests.

Here are the top battles on Memphis’ non-conference slate:

  • Oregon vs. Memphis on Nov. 12 in Portland
  • Ole Miss at Memphis on Nov. 23
  • NC State vs. Memphis on Nov. 28 in Brooklyn
  • Memphis at UAB on Dec. 7
  • Memphis at Tennessee on Dec. 14
  • Georgia at Memphis on Jan. 4

With regards to conference play, Memphis should be the overwhelming favorite in the AAC. While the league will boast a few solid teams capable of reaching the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers will be vastly superior to all in the talent department. As a result, Memphis should dominate for the majority of league play while bolstering their national ranking and potential Big Dance seed.

Houston, Cincinnati, and Wichita State seem likely to be the biggest threats to the Tigers in the conference. Memphis will play each team in the conference twice except for Temple (H), ECU (H), Tulsa (A), and UCF (A).