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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FORT MYERS, FL – DECEMBER 21: DJ Jeffries #0 of Olive Branch High School in action against Paul VI High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Plan D scenario

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

It’s hard to believe, but the worst case scenario for Memphis is simply that they don’t add anybody to the mix. The Tigers would have to “settle” for a top-5 recruiting class loaded with two five-star prospects, four four-star prospects and an impact grad transfer in Tucker.

Without any additions, the Tigers would have to be slightly creative to fit their talent into the lineup. Memphis’ best lineup would be a version of a three-guard lineup, with Boogie Ellis at the point and Tucker starting as a 6-5 small forward.

That would open a spot in the starting lineup for another one of the Tigers’ fabulous freshmen, shooting guard Lester Quinones, a 6-4 guard from Bradenton, Florida, would help space the floor to create offense inside.

This smaller lineup would see D.J. Jeffries going back to the four, which is fine for a 6-7 guy in college, but the Tigers would probably consider using Malcolm Dandridge at the four on occasion. Dandridge is a 6-foot-8, 200-pound big man, and he is more of a traditional four than Jeffries, who prefers to play as a three.

The worst-case scenario for Memphis is a lineup featured with talented freshmen, a talented grad transfer, and plenty of scoring potential. That group is definitely capable of making a deep March run. Even the worst-case scenario is a dream scenario for Memphis fans who are hungry to return to the Final Four.

Next. Memphis might have the best recruiting class. dark