Friday, Oct. 12 John Calipari has one of the most talented teams in the nation, and arguably, the most talented. The gem of the group is freshman Dajuan Wagner, an incredible combination of strength, quickness and leaping ability, who's been groomed for years to be a pro. Wagner is unguardable one-on-one, and, along with Michigan State's Kelvin Torbert, is my pick for Freshman of the Year. While Wagner is great, Calipari is wise enough to know Kelly Wise and Earl Barron will be the difference. Wise is a 6-10, long and strong double-double man who needs only to cut down on turnovers and hit his free throws to be the best big man in Conference USA, and Barron will play in the NBA. Watch for Chris Massie, a 6-8 workhorse who is skilled and can score. Calipari need only decide on his point guard and limit agendas. Cincinnati will challenge, but Memphis will be tough to beat.

10
Memphis
LAST SEASON: 21-15
2001 FINAL RANKING: NR

Why No. 10?
How can anyone not be excited about this team? The Tigers got better throughout the season under John Calipari and return two of the better post players in the country in Kelly Wise and Earl Barron. Now add a big-time talent inside in Chris Massie to go along with Duane Erwin and Modibo Diarra. And we haven't even mentioned DaJuan Wagner yet. He might be the most anticipated newcomer in the last five seasons. Wagner scored 100 points in a game last season in high school and will be used like Allen Iverson. He'll have the ball, just not all the time. Wagner should electrify the crowds at the Pyramid with his dazzling display. Combine Wagner, Antonio Burks and Scooter McFadgon, and the Tigers can play a dizzying style that can mean a Conference USA title, an NCAA Tournament berth and a legitimate shot to make the Final Four. It's not a reach, even though this team doesn't have a ton of experience. The talent is too good not to think they can't be a contender.

Will Rise If ...
The Tigers get point guard Antonio Burks to coexist with DaJuan Wagner. Burks has to be the playmaker and Wagner the combination guard who will likely play an Allen Iverson-type role. If Burks can set up Wagner, play tough, ball-pressure defense then the Tigers can be effective. They've got everything else in place with Scooter McFadgon, Kelly Wise and Earl Barron to win the league.

Will Fall If ...
Chemistry is non-existent. The Tigers can only self-destruct. They need players like McFadgon, Barron and Chris Massie to adjust to their selfless roles. Players like Duane Erwin, Modibu Diarra need to accept that they won't all become stars. If they can do this then they have a chance. If they don't then they're in trouble.

-- Andy Katz, ESPN.com

SCOUTING REPORT: One C-USA coach's take on the Tigers

“

The first goal to beat Memphis is to hope they'll self-destruct. It will be difficult to develop team chemistry and keep that many players happy. You've got to make a decision in terms of pick your poison. Got to contain penetration and speed of DaJuan Wagner and you have to defend them inside-out. You've got let them beat you on the perimeter and take away Earl Barron's left shoulder and left hook and Kelly Wise's inside game. Kelly Wise, Earl Barron, Scooter McFadgon are good players. Got to get back and take away the easy baskets and win the rebounding game. You've got to make them defend and shorten game. You're not going to trade basket for basket. They're not a running team but they're initial push is very good. Keep the game in front of you. ”

2001-02 MEMPHIS ROSTER
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Key 2000-01 Stats
(55) Arthur Barclay	So.	F	6-8/230	Something of a Camden H.S. package deal with Wagner; But he can play up front
(30) Earl Barron	Jr.	C	6-11/230	PTS: 8.3 | REB: 4.7 | FG%: 54.1
(10) Antonio Burks	So.	G	5-10/190	JUCO standout arrives with plenty of game; should see court time at PG
(43) Modibo Diarra	So.	C	6-10/240	PTS: 2.7 | REB: 2.6 | FG%: 50.8
(12) Rashid Dunbar	Fr.	G	6-3/235	Redshirted during 2000-01 season
(11) Duane Erwin	Fr.	F	6-9/230	May find his way into frontcourt rotation before too long
(20) John Grice	Sr.	F	6-6/205	PTS: 4.0 | REB: 1.6 | FG%: 20.7
(4) Chris Massie	Jr.	F	6-9/253	Frontline bully could have as big an impact as any newcomer
(3) Scooter McFadgon	So.	G	6-5/190	PTS: 9.3 | REB: 3.3 | AST: 1.3
(23) Anthony Rice	Fr.	G	6-4/195	Ready to contribute in backcourt, if academics are in order
(4) Nathaniel Root	So.	G	5-11/170	PTS: 2.0 | REB: 0.6 | 3PT%: 29.6
(2) DaJuan Wagner	Fr.	G	6-3/200	If you don't know about "Mr. 100" by now, don't worry, you will soon enough
(45) Kelly Wise	Sr.	F	6-10/217	PTS: 15.3 | REB: 10.1 | FG%: 48.1
Head Coach: John Calipari (21-15, 1 year; Overall: 214-86, 9 years) Assistant Coaches: Tony Barbee, Steve Roccaforte, Derek Kellog Home Court: The Pyramid (20,142); Memphis, Tenn.

2001-02 MEMPHIS SCHEDULE

November 13: Wofford (a) 14: ODU/Sac. St. (b) 18: N'western St. 20: TBD (c) 21: TBD (d) 24: SE Louisiana 28: Christian Brothers

December 1: E. Kentucky 7: at Mississippi 15: Tennessee 20: at Temple 22: Austin Peay 28: Tenn.-Martin

January 2: Arkansas 5: S. Miss. 9: at TCU 12: at Tulane 15: S.Florida 18: at S. Miss. 23: UAB 26: at Houston 30: Louisville

February 2: TCU 4: Tulane 8: at UAB 13: at Charlotte 16: Houston 20: at S. Florida 23: DePaul

March 3: at Cincinnati 6: C-USA Tournament