Opposition Report: Memphis Tigers (AAC Tournament)

UConn-Memphis, Stats

	UCONN	MEMPHIS	UCONN (conference)	MEMPHIS (conference)
Avg. Poss Length	17.8 seconds (162nd)	15.9 seconds (16th)	18 seconds (5th)	15.7 seconds (fastest)
Points Per Possession	1.09	1.09	1.07	1.08
Points Allowed Per Possession	.95 (25th)	.98 (56th)	.96	1.02
Scoring	72.6 PPG	78.4 PPG	70.7 PPG	75.8 PPG
Scoring Allowed	63.4 PPG	70.4 PPG	63.4 PPG	71.4 PPG
Rebounding	35.6 RPG	37.7 RPG	35.5 RPG	36.2 RPG
Assists	12.5 APG	17.7 APG	12.2 APG	18 APG
FG%	44.6%	48%	43%	48.5%
Opponent FG%	39%	43%	40%	43%
Effective FG%	51%	52.7%	49%	54%
Opponent Effective FG%	44.3%	47.7%	45.2%	47.6%
3P%	38.4% (18.6 attempts)	33.7% (16.1 attempts)	35% (19.2 attempts)	36.3% (16.4 attempts)
FT%	76% (21.6 attempts)	65.5% (23.5 attempts)	77% (22 attempts)	66% (21% attempts)
Point Distribution	48% 2-Pointers 29% 3-Pointers 23% Free Throws	59.5% 2-Pointers 21% 3-Pointers 19.5% Free Throws
Shot Attempt Distribution	55.5% Jump Shots 31.5% Around Basket 6.5% Post-Ups 6.5% Runner	44% Jump Shots 39% Around Basket 11.4% Post-Ups 5.6% Runner
Offense	83% Half Court 17% Transition	76.6% Half-Court 23.4% Transition
Defense	98% Man 2% Zone	91.3% Man 8.7% Zone

 

THE OPPONENT

Memphis enters this game coming off a home win vs. SMU and going 4-2 since losing at UConn in mid-February. The Tigers play one of the fastest tempos in the country, averaging 15.9 seconds per possession, 16th fastest nationally. Stacked with speedy guards and athletic forwards, they leverage their length and athleticism into turnovers, which lead to transition buckets. They’re 8th nationally in steals per game and rank 3rd in transition attempts. They immediately start the break following a missed shot or turnover.

Several Memphis players are capable of leading the break, including Joe Jackson, Michael Dixon, Geron Johnson and Chris Crawford.

Jackson—a 6-1 point guard and former McDonald’s All-American—is Memphis’ primary play starter. He contributes across the board and sets the tempo for the Tigers. Jackson shoots a putrid 27% from 3-point range, but he excels at penetrating the lane and accumulating free throws (5.9 per game). Jackson impacts the game in a multitude of ways, averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG and 4.6 APG.

On the wings are seniors Chris Crawford and Geron Johnson. Crawford is a knockdown 3-point shooter, while Johnson is one of the most explosive and physical drivers in the conference.

On the interior are Shaq Goodwin and Austin Nichols. Goodwin is mobile and explosive in the open court, with a relentless motor on the boards. Nichols is effective on the block—he has a 7-foot wingspan and fluid mobility to accumulate dunks and drop-offs. Nichols averages 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, and he’s literally improving with each game. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 67.7% shooting. Nichols has the size, length and mobility to be a dominant post presence, and he’s hitting his stride at the most opportune time.

Memphis’ offense is predicated on transition, and driving-and-dishing below the foul line. Jackson and Johnson can drive and finish at the basket; Chris Crawford is a catch-and-shoot specialist; and Goodwin and Nichols are excellent in the high-low.

Memphis has capable 3-point shooters, but their game starts inside. 60% of their points come from 2-point range, and they are shooting 33% from 3-point range. Only Crawford and Michael Dixon Jr are reliable 3-point shooters.

Memphis has several looks on defense. They’ve applied full-court pressure, as well as mixing man and zone schemes. They play 91% man/9% zone for the season, but have switched up their looks this season. They played a large amount of zone vs. UConn in the first matchup, but hardly any zone in the second matchup.

This will be a hard-fought game on Memphis’ home floor. The Tigers will be ready. UConn must win the rebounding margin, get back on defense to prevent easy transition buckets, and most importantly limit turnovers. A 40 minute effort is required, with no letdowns. UConn’s must control the ball on offense, and get back on defense to prevent easy buckets in transition.

PREVIOUS MATCHUPS

Video: Steals
— Memphis averages 8.7 steals per game, but has only forced 8 steals in two games vs. UConn
— Memphis had 15 steals in its last game, vs. SMU
— They swarm the ball, and use turnovers to get into transition

Video: High Low (Shaq Goodwin to Austin Nichols)
— Memphis clearly wants to get Austin Nichols the ball on the baseline. They often put Goodwin at the foul line, and let them play high-low. Don’t let Nichols roam behind the baseline.

Video: Cuts vs. UConn
— 11% of Memphis’ offense are cuts. They fill gaps and make plays inside the paint. Fluid and timely rotations are imperative.

Video: 3-Point Shooting vs. Memphis
— UConn shot 42% from 3-point in the first matchup (8-19), and 43% in the second matchup (9-21). Outperformed its 35% average in conference play. Making shots will be a key again.

Video: Transition
— 23.4% of Memphis offense in TRAN; 431 TRAN attempts – 3rd in the country
— Relentless in open court. They push the ball and run the floor. Stacked with athletes, and they speed up the game. Part of the reason why Mem averages 78.4 PPG.

Video: Zone
— Memphis played a handful zone in the first matchup. Not much in second matchup.

KEYS TO WIN

— Protect the basketball (Memphis’ 22.4% turnover percentage is 14th best in country)
— Close out on Chris Crawford (shooting 40% from 3, be there on catch!)
— Keep an eye on Austin Nichols roaming the baseline; take away Goodwin-Nichols high-low
— Close out driving lanes (they want to drive-and-dish)
— Attack offensive glass
— No 2nd chances on offense; Goodwin, Johnson and Nick King are tenacious on the glass
— Can’t give them easy points in transition

STARTERS
PG — Joe Jackson (6-1)
SG — Chris Crawford (6-4)
SF — Geron Johnson (6-3)
PF — Shaq Goodwin (6-8)
C — Austin Nichols (6-10)

RESERVES
G — Michael Dixon Jr (6-1)
F — Nick King (6-7,)
F — David Pellom (6-7)

Joe Jackson (SR) — 14.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.6 APG
PG, 6-1, 174

44% FG, 27% three-point (2,5 attempts)

— Athletic point guard that pushes the tempo and finishes at the basket
— Runs a lot of pick and roll (finds crease then attacks; pulls-up 48% of time, penetrates 36% of time)
— Excellent anticipation and length on defense
— Quick first step; must stay in front of him. If defensive rotations get out of place, Jackson will dish to the open man.
— Poor from 3-point (27%)

Video: Points vs. UConn (11 points, 24 points)
— Gets out in transition
— Can go coast to coast. Get a body on him.

Strengths

Transition (fast and explosive)

Pick and Roll

Pick and Roll Pull-Up Jumper (50% of the time)

Pick and Roll Penetration (37% of the time)

Court Vision

Strong Driver in Either Direction

Right

Left

Mid-Range Jumper

Vulnerable

3-Point Misses

Chris Crawford (SR) — 9 PPG, 4 RPG, 3 APG
SG, 6-4, 220

38% FG, 39% three-point

— 3pt shooter! 178 of 244 shots are 3′s
— 82% of attempts are jump shots
— Better catch and shoot (68% of attempts; shooting 42%)
— Struggles shooting off the dribble (2-25 on the season)
— Only 10% of shots in the paint; strays on perimeter for jump shots

Strengths

Catch and Shoot

Vulnerable

Off the Dribble

Around the Basket (16 attempts)

Geron Johnson (SR) — 9 PPG, 5 RPG, 4 APG
SF, 6-3, 210

41% FG, 27% three-point

— Explosive finisher with strong frame
— Can handle the ball, powerful driver
— Active on offensive glass; must put a body on him and match his physicality
— Shooting 44% around the basket; shooting 25% on jump shots

Strengths

Explosive Finisher

Activity and Energy

Austin Nichols (FR) — 8 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 BPG
PF, 6-8, 210

60% FG

— Long and fluid big man who runs the floor
— Establishes post position. Seals defender very well. Skilled to finish with hook shots and dunks
— 90% of attempts around the basket, converting 60%
— Roams the baseline for easy drop-offs; recipient of the high-low. Get a body on Nichols, he’s quick off the ground and accumulates points on the baseline (view high-low video above)

Video: Austin Nichols

— vs. UConn

— Recent points

Strengths

Posting Up

Video: 18 points vs. Rutgers (8-9 FG)

Vulnerable

Limited range

Shaquille Goodwin (SO) — 12.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG
PF, 6-9, 240

59% FG

— Athletic forward who gets out in transition
— Often plays at the foul line, looking to drop-off down low or kick to shooters
— 87% of shot attempts are in the paint
— Tenacious for put-backs and hustle plays
— Alley-oop target in half court

Strengths

Put-Backs

Transition (explosive)

Cutting

Around the Basket (tenacity and second effort)

Vulnerable

Pick and Pop Struggles

Michael Dixon Jr (SR) — 11.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
G, 6-1, 200

48% FG

— Shooter! 74% of attempts are jump shots
— 46% on all jump shots; capable from 3 (39%)
— Can shoot with feet set or off the dribble
— Experienced (doesn’t turn the ball over much; graduate transfer via Missouri)

Strengths

Shooting

Nick King (FR) — 5 PPG, 3.3 RPG
F, 6-7, 220

53% FG

— Slasher who scores on drop offs, angles, and put-backs
— Can’t let him outwork you, not super skilled
— Not a shooter; good finishing in paint
— 32% of attempts are cuts (converting 62% of cuts)

Strengths

Finishing/Cutting

Crashing Boards

Vulnerable

Poor Jump shot

David Pellom (SR) — 5 PPG, 3.5 RPG
F, 6-7, 225

69% FG

— Post player (96% of shots in paint)
— Active on offensive glass
— High-energy athlete, can’t let him outwork you
— 39% of attempts are cuts (converting 71%)

Strengths

Cutting/Around the Basket (96% of attempts)

Offensive Rebounds

Opposition Report: Memphis Tigers

UConn - Louisville, Stats

	UCONN	LOUISVILLE	UCONN (conference)	LOUISVILLE (conference)
Avg. Poss Length	18 seconds	16.2 seconds
Points Per Possession	1.10 (98th)	1.18 (3rd)	1.11	1.0
Points Allowed Per Possession	.94 (26th)	.90 (5th)	.96	1.12
Scoring	73.6 PPG	81.7 PPG	74.6 PPG	69 PPG
Scoring Allowed	62.8	62 PPG	64 PPG	77.2 PPG
Rebounding	35.8 RPG	37.7 RPG	36.6 RPG	33.5 RPG
Assists	12.7 APG	15.4 APG	12.6 APG	12 APG
FG%	45% FG	48%	44%	41.4%
Opponent FG%	39%	40%	39.5%	40%
Effective FG%	51.5%	54%	49%	54.8%
Opponent Effective FG%	43.8%	44.3%	44.3%	44%
3P%	39% (18.2 attempts)	36.6% (21.5 attempts)	35%	31%
FT%	77% (21.8 attempts)	65.3% (24.3 attempts)	79%	72%
Point Distribution	48% 2-Pointers 29% 3-Pointers 23% Free Throws	51.5% 2-Pointers 29% 3-Pointers 19.5% Free Throws
Shot Attempt Distribution	55% Jump Shots 33% Around Basket 6% Post-Ups 6% Runner	49% Jump Shots 39.5% Around Basket 5% Post-Ups 6.5% Runner
Offense	83% Half Court 17% Transition	81.2% Half-Court 18.8% Transition
Defense	98% Man 2% Zone	76% Man 24% Zone

THE OPPONENT

Memphis enters this game coming off a home win vs. SMU and going 4-2 since losing at UConn in mid-February. The Tigers play one of the fastest tempos in the country, averaging 15.9 seconds per possession, 16th fastest nationally. Stacked with speedy guards and athletic forwards, they leverage their length and athleticism into turnovers, which lead to transition buckets. They’re 8th nationally in steals per game and rank 3rd in transition attempts. They immediately start the break following a missed shot or turnover.

Several Memphis players are capable of leading the break, including Joe Jackson, Michael Dixon, Geron Johnson and Chris Crawford.

Jackson—a 6-1 point guard and former McDonald’s All-American—is Memphis’ primary play starter. He contributes across the board and sets the tempo for the Tigers. Jackson shoots a putrid 27% from 3-point range, but he excels at penetrating the lane and accumulating free throws (5.9 per game). Jackson impacts the game in a multitude of ways, averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG and 4.6 APG.

On the wings are seniors Chris Crawford and Geron Johnson. Crawford is a knockdown 3-point shooter, while Johnson is one of the most explosive and physical drivers in the conference.

On the interior are Shaq Goodwin and Austin Nichols. Goodwin is mobile and explosive in the open court, with a relentless motor on the boards. Nichols is effective on the block—he has a 7-foot wingspan and fluid mobility to accumulate dunks and drop-offs. Nichols averages 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, and he’s literally improving with each game. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 67.7% shooting. Nichols has the size, length and mobility to be a dominant post presence, and he’s hitting his stride at the most opportune time.

Memphis’ offense is predicated on transition, and driving-and-dishing below the foul line. Jackson and Johnson can drive and finish at the basket; Chris Crawford is a catch-and-shoot specialist; and Goodwin and Nichols are excellent in the high-low.

Memphis has capable 3-point shooters, but their game starts inside. 60% of their points come from 2-point range, and they are shooting 33% from 3-point range. Only Crawford and Michael Dixon Jr are reliable 3-point shooters.

Memphis has several looks on defense. They’ve applied full-court pressure, as well as mixing man and zone schemes. They play 91% man/9% zone for the season, but have switched up their looks this season. They played a large amount of zone vs. UConn in the first matchup, but hardly any zone in the second matchup.

This will be a hard-fought game on Memphis’ home floor. The Tigers will be ready. UConn must win the rebounding margin, get back on defense to prevent easy transition buckets, and most importantly limit turnovers. A 40 minute effort is required, with no letdowns. UConn’s must control the ball on offense, and get back on defense to prevent easy buckets in transition.

PREVIOUS MATCHUPS

Video: Steals
— Memphis averages 8.7 steals per game, but has only forced 8 steals in two games vs. UConn
— Memphis had 15 steals in its last game, vs. SMU
— They swarm the ball, and use turnovers to get into transition

Video: High Low (Shaq Goodwin to Austin Nichols)
— Memphis clearly wants to get Austin Nichols the ball on the baseline. They often put Goodwin at the foul line, and let them play high-low. Don’t let Nichols roam behind the baseline.

Video: Cuts vs. UConn
— 11% of Memphis’ offense are cuts. They fill gaps and make plays inside the paint. Fluid and timely rotations are imperative.

Video: 3-Point Shooting vs. Memphis
— UConn shot 42% from 3-point in the first matchup (8-19), and 43% in the second matchup (9-21). Outperformed its 35% average in conference play. Making shots will be a key again.

Video: Transition
— 23.4% of Memphis offense in TRAN; 431 TRAN attempts – 3rd in the country
— Relentless in open court. They push the ball and run the floor. Stacked with athletes, and they speed up the game. Part of the reason why Mem averages 78.4 PPG.

Video: Zone
— Memphis played a handful zone in the first matchup. Not much in second matchup.

KEYS TO WIN

— Protect the basketball (Memphis’ 22.4% turnover percentage is 14th best in country)
— Close out on Chris Crawford (shooting 40% from 3, be there on catch!)
— Keep an eye on Austin Nichols roaming the baseline; take away Goodwin-Nichols high-low
— Close out driving lanes (they want to drive-and-dish)
— Attack offensive glass
— No 2nd chances on offense; Goodwin, Johnson and Nick King are tenacious on the glass
— Can’t give them easy points in transition

STARTERS
PG — Joe Jackson (6-1)
SG — Chris Crawford (6-4)
SF — Geron Johnson (6-3)
PF — Shaq Goodwin (6-8)
C — Austin Nichols (6-10)

RESERVES
G — Michael Dixon Jr (6-1)
F — Nick King (6-7,)
F — David Pellom (6-7)

Joe Jackson (SR) — 14.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.6 APG
PG, 6-1, 174

44% FG, 27% three-point (2,5 attempts)

— Athletic point guard that pushes the tempo and finishes at the basket
— Runs a lot of pick and roll (finds crease then attacks; pulls-up 48% of time, penetrates 36% of time)
— Excellent anticipation and length on defense
— Quick first step; must stay in front of him. If defensive rotations get out of place, Jackson will dish to the open man.
— Poor from 3-point (27%)

Video: Points vs. UConn (11 points, 24 points)
— Gets out in transition
— Can go coast to coast. Get a body on him.

Strengths

Transition (fast and explosive)

Pick and Roll

Pick and Roll Pull-Up Jumper (50% of the time)

Pick and Roll Penetration (37% of the time)

Court Vision

Strong Driver in Either Direction

Right

Left

Mid-Range Jumper

Vulnerable

3-Point Misses

Chris Crawford (SR) — 9 PPG, 4 RPG, 3 APG
SG, 6-4, 220

38% FG, 39% three-point

— 3pt shooter! 178 of 244 shots are 3′s
— 82% of attempts are jump shots
— Better catch and shoot (68% of attempts; shooting 42%)
— Struggles shooting off the dribble (2-25 on the season)
— Only 10% of shots in the paint; strays on perimeter for jump shots

Strengths

Catch and Shoot

Vulnerable

Off the Dribble

Around the Basket (16 attempts)

Geron Johnson (SR) — 9 PPG, 5 RPG, 4 APG
SF, 6-3, 210

41% FG, 27% three-point

— Explosive finisher with strong frame
— Can handle the ball, powerful driver
— Active on offensive glass; must put a body on him and match his physicality
— Shooting 44% around the basket; shooting 25% on jump shots

Strengths

Explosive Finisher

Activity and Energy

Austin Nichols (FR) — 8 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 BPG
PF, 6-8, 210

60% FG

— Long and fluid big man who runs the floor
— Establishes post position. Seals defender very well. Skilled to finish with hook shots and dunks
— 90% of attempts around the basket, converting 60%
— Roams the baseline for easy drop-offs; recipient of the high-low. Get a body on Nichols, he’s quick off the ground and accumulates points on the baseline (view high-low video above)

Video: Austin Nichols

— vs. UConn

— Recent points

Strengths

Posting Up

Video: 18 points vs. Rutgers (8-9 FG)

Vulnerable

Limited range

Shaquille Goodwin (SO) — 12.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG
PF, 6-9, 240

59% FG

— Athletic forward who gets out in transition
— Often plays at the foul line, looking to drop-off down low or kick to shooters
— 87% of shot attempts are in the paint
— Tenacious for put-backs and hustle plays
— Alley-oop target in half court

Strengths

Put-Backs

Transition (explosive)

Cutting

Around the Basket (tenacity and second effort)

Vulnerable

Pick and Pop Struggles

Michael Dixon Jr (SR) — 11.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
G, 6-1, 200

48% FG

— Shooter! 74% of attempts are jump shots
— 46% on all jump shots; capable from 3 (39%)
— Can shoot with feet set or off the dribble
— Experienced (doesn’t turn the ball over much; graduate transfer via Missouri)

Strengths

Shooting

Nick King (FR) — 5 PPG, 3.3 RPG
F, 6-7, 220

53% FG

— Slasher who scores on drop offs, angles, and put-backs
— Can’t let him outwork you, not super skilled
— Not a shooter; good finishing in paint
— 32% of attempts are cuts (converting 62% of cuts)

Strengths

Finishing/Cutting

Crashing Boards

Vulnerable

Poor Jump shot

David Pellom (SR) — 5 PPG, 3.5 RPG
F, 6-7, 225

69% FG

— Post player (96% of shots in paint)
— Active on offensive glass
— High-energy athlete, can’t let him outwork you
— 39% of attempts are cuts (converting 71%)

Strengths

Cutting/Around the Basket (96% of attempts)

Offensive Rebounds