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Memphis Basketball: Moussa Cisse makes Tigers top-25 good for 2020-21

By Tristan Freeman

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: The Memphis Tigers huddle together before a game against the Houston Cougars during a game on February 22, 2020 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Temple 60-59. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: The Memphis Tigers huddle together before a game against the Houston Cougars during a game on February 22, 2020 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Temple 60-59. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Basketball lands a five-star talent in Moussa Cisse late in the Summer. How big of a pickup is this for the Tigers?

One of the last available free agents for the upcoming season has finally made a decision, with five-star center Moussa Cisse electing to play for head coach Penny Hardaway and Memphis Basketball. After reclassifying this offseason to the 2020 class, the 6’10 center had a list of six programs in the running, with the LSU Tigers being viewed as a favorite.

But after putting off his decision a couple of weeks ago, the rumors on social media started that the Memphis Tigers became the new favorites. Who knows what led to a reported change of heart but now it’s official that Coach Hardaway lands another five-star big man for the program, joining James Wiseman and AAC Player of the Year Precious Achiwua.

With both of those players off to the NBA Draft, Memphis was without a true center on the roster for the upcoming season. JUCO newcomer Ahmad Rand and Florida sit-out transfer Isaiah Stokes were candidates but with a talent such a Cisse, who projects to be a dynamic defender and rebounder out the gate at the five-spot, the Tigers now doesn’t have a glaring weakness on the roster.

There’s plenty of returning talent for Memphis, including Lester Quinones, Alex Lomax, DJ Jeffries, and Boogie Ellis. That doesn’t even include offseason transfer pickups Landers Nolley and Deandre Williams, who each averaged over 14 ppg to lead their respective programs. Both of them are current sit-out transfer candidates but each has serious cases to make to get waivers. Between Nolley having to previously sit out due to academic concerns and Williams being part of a problematic program under now-former head coach Walter McCarthy, there’s a reasonable chance at least one of them will be eligible for 2020-21.

If that happens, look for the Tigers to become a co-favorite with Houston to win the American Athletic Conference, with arguably a higher ceiling to succeed in March. They’ll have the size, scoring, depth, and potential to win 20+ games and make the 2021 NCAA Tournament. I also would make the argument that Cisse’s arrival should out them in preseason top-25 consideration.

Next. Top 25 breakout sophomores for 2020-21. dark

Despite the injuries and roster turnover, Memphis still had a quality past season and returns everyone but Achiwua. Once it’s official that either Nolley or Williams gets a waiver to play, expect them to get plenty of votes for an early ranking.