ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings
9. Memphis
No one ever questioned the Tigers' talent during a yo-yo-like 2010-11 season, but now Josh Pastner's squad touts the main thing it lacked a year ago: experience. Memphis' top three players -- guards Will Barton and Joe Jackson and forward Tarik Black -- are sophomores now, which should lead to more consistency for the Conference USA favorite. Memphis' strength is clearly its backcourt, where Barton, Jackson, Chris Crawford, Antonio Barton and Charles Carmouche form one of the deepest units in the country. But the biggest difference this season will be down low, where Black will be joined by 6-foot-10 junior college transfer Stan Simpson and highly touted freshman Adonis Thomas. A 6-6 small forward, Thomas is a consensus top-10 recruit who is known for his work on the glass. --Jason King
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ESPN Video
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