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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LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 20: Rejean Boogie Ellis (23) JBN Away Team combo/guard (Duke signee) dribbles the ball during The 18th Annual Jordan Brand Classic boys basketball game on April 20, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Plan C scenario

Point Guard: Boogie Ellis
Shooting Guard: Rayjon Tucker
Small Forward: D.J. Jeffries
Power Forward: Kerry Blackshear Jr
Center: James Wiseman

Even if Hardaway can’t convince another blue chip recruit to come to Memphis, they could pursue another interesting option through the grad transfer route. While Memphis has already added one elite grad transfer in Tucker, they could double down by landing the top grad transfer on the market, big man Kerry Blackshear Jr.

Blackshear, who starred at Virginia Tech, is reportedly deciding whether to play another year in college or jump to the NBA. If college is the call, Memphis could offer a tremendous opportunity for Blackshear, who averaged 14.9 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Hokies last season, if he opts to come back to college in pursuit of a national championship.

The good thing about the addition of Blackshear is that he would join Tucker in providing a second experienced starter to the Tigers’ lineup. Duke has shown in recent years that having a class filled with just fantastic freshmen isn’t a guarantee to win a title, while schools like Villanova, North Carolina, and Virginia have proven experience is the key to winning in March Madness.

A guy like Blackshear isn’t as sexy as one of the top uncommitted freshmen, such as Trendon Watford or Achiuwa, but he does have a ton of value thanks to his college experience. That kind of presence is valuable, and it could be the difference between Memphis making a Final Four run or bowing out in the Sweet 16.