Memphis Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Tigers

Memphis Basketball Key Reserves

The Memphis Tigers will have a number of options to turn to off the bench that cement their status as a team to watch for the 2021-22 season.

Earl Timberlake, Guard

Transferring in from Miami, Earl Timberlake is a high-level defender who projects to be one of the first players off the bench for Penny Hardaway. He struggled with injuries as a freshman for the Hurricanes, but he proved to be an all-around contributor in his time on the floor. Even if he doesn’t provide a notable impact on the offensive side of the ball, Timberlake’s defense should land him a fair amount of minutes.

Alex Lomax, Guard

Lomax is one of the only true point guards on the Memphis roster, which virtually guarantees his presence in the rotation. If Penny Hardaway finds his team lacking in backcourt playmaking, look for the senior guard to break into the starting rotation. It’s entirely possible Lomax begins the year as the starter at the one, although he has primarily come off the bench for his entire collegiate career. He averaged 4.2 assists per game last season and shot the ball with relative efficiency.

Chandler Lawson, Forward

After two years as a rotational forward with Oregon, Chandler Lawson should also see minutes in the Memphis frontcourt. He is a versatile player who can rebound well and guard multiple positions.

Johnathan Lawson, Forward

Freshman Johnathan Lawson joins his older brother Chandler as a potential bench contributor. He is a four-star recruit who will provide wing depth and scoring ability. He may see limited playing time but will have the opportunity to showcase his talents early in the season and potentially carve out a larger role for himself.

Josh Minott, Forward

Minott is a consensus top-50 recruit from Florida. The 6’8″ wing has a ton of upside due to his athleticism and shooting. He also has the guard skills to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. It remains to be seen how Hardaway utilizes him, but he is a very promising player who is definitely being overshadowed by Bates and Duren.

Malcolm Dandridge, Center

Dandridge will be the primary backup option for Jalen Duren at the center position. He has been Memphis’ backup five for the last two seasons, so this is a familiar role for him. Dandridge has proven to be capable enough off the bench, with a basic-yet-efficient post-game. He won’t dominate the paint in the way Duren will, but he will be a serviceable option for around 10-15 minutes per game.

Other Reserves

Guard Tyler Harris has transferred back to Memphis after spending a season with a disastrous Iowa State squad. He has the experience to see the floor, but his lack of size and the presence of better backcourt options put his playing time in jeopardy.

Sam Onu is an incoming freshman center who probably won’t see a ton of floor time this season with Duren and Dandridge taking up the majority of the minutes. Nevertheless, One has the potential to be a dominant paint presence in the future.

Redshirt junior guard Jayden Hardaway has averaged around nine minutes a game in his last two seasons with Memphis, but he stands to see a reduced role this year with more reliable options ahead of him on the depth chart.

John Camden is a three-star forward who looks to be an end-of-the-bench player for his freshman season. Guards Connor Glennon, Tadarius Jacobs, and Nikc Merriweather round out the Memphis roster.