Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: 11 high-major teams exceeding expectations so far

By Lukas Harkins

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with fans after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with fans after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: Coach Hardaway of the Tigers speaks. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: Coach Hardaway of the Tigers speaks. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Memphis Tigers

KenPom Rankings Movement: No. 51 -> No. 36

Efficiency Margin Change: +1.85

Many thought that Memphis was one of the most undervalued teams in KenPom’s preseason rankings and that has proven to be true to begin this season. Even though James Wiseman‘s eligiblity has been the headlining story regarding the Tigers thus far this season, it would be a mistake to overlook how the team has performed on the court. Even with an early-season loss to Oregon already on the resume, Memphis has risen significantly across computer metrics thanks to the play of their phenomenal freshmen.

Wiseman is a major reason for this as he has lived up to the hype as the No. 1 overall recruit in the country while playing in Memphis’ first three games. Even when he sat out against Alcorn State, though, the team won by 56 points in an up-tempo game that featured Lester Quinones and Precious Achiuwa both scoring 20+ points. Wiseman will need to be deemed eligible by the NCAA soon in order for Memphis to live up to their potential but the team has exceeded preseason computer rankings to this point in the year.

This is due to the fact that computer systems have a hard time accounting for massive program transitions. And that is exactly what Memphis is going through following the hire of head coach Penny Hardaway and his subsequent landing of the No. 1 overall recruiting class in the country. The program experienced a significant increase in roster talent but very few rotation pieces have collegiate experience. That makes quantifying the potential impact of newcomers very difficult.

Many expected the Memphis would exceed their preseason KenPom ranking of No. 51 and the team has done just that so far. If Wiseman regains eligibility quickly, the Tigers will continue to rise. Coach Hardaway has implemented an exceptionally up-tempo system that fits his talent-rich roster and they have the potential to be very fun to watch.

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