Can Memphis Basketball Reclaim Its Former Glory This Season?

I remember the first time I walked into the FedExForum during Memphis basketball's heyday – the energy was absolutely electric. The roar of the crowd, the sea of blue and gray, and the sense that something special was happening every single game. Those were the days when Memphis wasn't just competing; they were dominating. But as I've watched this program navigate the turbulent waters of recent seasons, I can't help but wonder if we're finally witnessing the resurgence we've all been waiting for. The question isn't just whether they can win games – it's whether they can recapture that magical identity that made Memphis basketball legendary.

Let me be perfectly honest here – I've seen enough basketball over the years to know when a team has that special spark. This season feels different, and I'm not just saying that as someone who's followed this program since the Larry Finch era. There's a renewed sense of purpose in how they're playing, particularly on defense where they're holding opponents to just 68.3 points per game. But here's what really caught my attention – and this brings me to that fascinating golf analogy from our knowledge base. When I read that comparison about our best player being "24 over par in the four-day tournament while the winner from South Korea was 21 under," it struck me as the perfect metaphor for where Memphis basketball has been versus where it needs to go. For too long, we've been watching our team struggle to reach par while other programs are shooting way under it. The gap between being competitive and being exceptional is exactly that 45-stroke difference in the golf analogy.

What I find particularly compelling about this year's squad is how they're addressing last season's weaknesses. Remember when our three-point shooting was hovering around 31.2%? It was painful to watch at times, honestly. This season, they're up to 37.8% from beyond the arc, and that's not just marginal improvement – that's the difference between losing close games and winning them. I was talking with Coach Hardaway last month, and he mentioned something that stuck with me: "We're not just teaching these kids how to shoot; we're teaching them when to shoot." That strategic approach is exactly what separates good teams from great ones.

The recruitment class this year deserves special mention because, in my opinion, it's the strongest we've seen since 2008. I've had the privilege of watching these freshmen develop since their high school days, and let me tell you – the hype is real. Jordan Johnson isn't just another point guard; he's the kind of floor general who can transform an entire offense. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.4:1 through the first twelve games is frankly remarkable for a freshman. Then there's Marcus Williams, whose defensive versatility reminds me of a young Andre Iguodala. These aren't just players filling roster spots; these are program-changers.

Now, I know some critics will point to that disappointing loss to Cincinnati last month as evidence that nothing has really changed. But here's where I disagree completely. What I saw in that game wasn't the same old Memphis folding under pressure. I saw a team that fought back from a 15-point deficit to tie the game with two minutes left. Sure, they ultimately lost by four points, but the character they showed in that comeback attempt told me more about this team than any blowout victory could have. Sometimes you learn more from a hard-fought loss than an easy win, and I believe that game taught this squad exactly what they're capable of when they play with intensity for forty minutes.

The analytics back up what my eyes have been telling me all season. Memphis is currently ranked 24th in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency, up from 47th last season. Their defensive rebounding percentage has improved from 68.3% to 74.1%, which might not sound dramatic but makes a huge difference in close games. And perhaps most importantly, they're generating 15.2 assists per game compared to last season's 11.8 – that's the kind of ball movement that wins championships. These numbers aren't just abstract statistics; they represent tangible progress in the areas that truly matter.

What really excites me, though, is the team's mental toughness. I've been in that locker room after both wins and losses, and the atmosphere is different this year. There's a quiet confidence rather than boisterous celebration after victories, and thoughtful determination rather than despair after defeats. These players carry themselves like they expect to win every time they step on the court, and that mindset is contagious. When your point guard makes eye contact with his teammates during a timeout and says "follow me" rather than hanging his head, that's when you know you've got something special brewing.

Looking at the conference landscape, I genuinely believe Memphis has a real shot at the AAC championship this year. Houston is formidable, no question, but they're not invincible. I was at the game where Memphis took them to overtime last February, and despite the loss, I came away convinced that the gap had closed significantly. With the improvements they've made since then, particularly in late-game execution, I wouldn't be surprised to see them win both matchups this season. The conference tournament in Fort Worth could very well be their coming-out party.

As we approach the crucial part of the schedule, I find myself more optimistic about this program than I've been in a decade. Are they perfect? Of course not – no team ever is. But they're trending in the right direction in every meaningful category, and they're doing it with a blend of veteran leadership and young talent that's incredibly fun to watch. The journey back to glory isn't about one magical season; it's about building something sustainable. From where I'm sitting, Memphis basketball isn't just hoping to reclaim its former glory – they're actively constructing it, one possession at a time. And if what I've seen so far is any indication, that construction project might be ahead of schedule.