continued from page 32
Despite the Tigers’ recent success, it has been tough reaching that level of achievement. At the time of his hiring, the graduation rate stood at zero percent, practice facilities were in dire need and there was apathy in the city. “There was so much stuff you were fighting that you didn’t know was there,” he says. Now, the program has graduated 15 players since 2001; 12 of the last 15 seniors have received degrees. Calipari says that when you’re building a program and you’re not a Duke, North Carolina or UCLA, you don’t always have the choices they do. “Right now, we’ve got a group of guys that understand,” he says. And what they understand is that it’s all about the team.
One Nit Championship
Despite losing 50 percent of their scoring and rebounding, Calipari is already excited about what he is seeing in the Tigers. “I’m having a lot of fun with this team right now because they’re competing,” he says. The promising team just added an outstanding recruiting class that features five freshmen, including highly touted Willie Kemp and Pierre Niles. Regardless if you’re a newcomer or returner, everyone has a chance to contribute for this team. “There’s no one I’m going to hold back,” he says. “I’m trying to win.” The most notable change to the Tigers this season is the return of Jeremy Hunt. After being suspended for his wellpublicized off-court troubles, the Craigmont High alum returns for his last season. Fans made it obvious at this season’s Memphis Madness that they were happy to see Hunt return. Calipari was pleased with the reception, as well as what they were saying: “We appreciate that you got your degree and are on the right track, but if you screw up, you’re gone.” Expect to see another up-tempo season for the Tigers. “What I’m trying to instill is that we’re an attacking team,” Calipari says. “We’re trying to teach them to compete and win in everything we do.” Even though the offense puts people in the seats, the defensive presence of last year’s squad is overlooked. Memphis was nationally ranked in field-goal defense, blocks, rebounds and steals. “We were a terrific defensive team, and we were supposedly an offensive team.” The secret for success in the upcoming season is simple, according to Calipari, if the supporting players from last year fill the roles of the departed and if others can accept their roles. “It comes down to supporting players becoming stars, but sometimes a supporting player is just that,” Calipari says. “If you’re a supporting player, you still have to get it done.”
College Record: 341-130 34 | Memphis Sport