Memphis basketball: Starting lineup options for next season

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 15: Penny Hardaway, head coach of the Memphis Tigers talks to his players during a timeout against the UCF Knights during the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament on March 15, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Central Florida 79-55. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /

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RENO, NV – NOVEMBER 16: Rayjon Tucker #3 of the Arkansas Little Rock Trojans looks for an opening in the Nevada Wolf Pack defense to pass the ball at Lawlor Events Center on November 16, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

Plan B scenario

Point Guard: Boogie Ellis
Shooting Guard: Rayjon Tucker
Small Forward: D.J. Jeffries
Power Forward: Trendon Watford
Center: James Wiseman

You can’t always get everything you want, and that’s the case for Memphis in this scenario. Hampton decided to go to Kansas for a clearer shot at playing time and the chance to star on his own team, which is just fine for Memphis.

Ellis, who was a combo guard in high school, can step in and run the point for the Tigers if Hampton goes elsewhere. With Tucker capably manning the two, Memphis has an elite backcourt to play with.

This still leaves Hardaway with a scholarship burning a hole in his pocket, and that would go to power forward Trendon Watford, another top recruit who hasn’t picked his college yet. Watford narrowed his list of schools to five in recent days, with Memphis cracking the list, so don’t be surprised if Hardaway appeals to his desire to play with a bunch of elite athletes.

Adding a guy like Watford at the four would allow Jeffries to play his natural position of small forward, which could allow the Tigers to maximize his skills. With Watford and Wiseman down low, Memphis would have plenty of ways to beat opponents in the post.

This lineup is also very capable of contending for not only the AAC crown but the national championship. Things look very good if you’re a Memphis fan right now.