CAMPUS INSIDERS SPECIAL REPORT – INSIDE MEMPHIS CONT'D
much of the same attention this year. Even in a
All of which has the Tigers poised to upset
big city like Memphis, Nichols is going to stand
Louisville's plans to win an American title this
out, and Pastner is hoping his young big man will
season. With vets in the backcourt and kids up
be able to handle the hype.
front, Pastner knows he is going to be in for quite
"I talk to him a lot, Pastner told reporters a few
"
weeks ago. "It's new for him. He wants to be a
a ride.
By Ken Bikoff for Campus Insiders.
college kid and people see him in the city and
talk to him about, 'Hey, you're gonna lead us to
this, you're gonna lead us here.' Mentally, it's an
adjustment period for him. So it's gonna take
some time.
"
The key for both Goodwin and Nichols will be to
first learn to play alongside one another. Both
will have to make adjustments to their games,
and it usually takes some time for big men to get
comfortable on the court. That will be inevitable.
But if and when the duo figures it out, that's when
things can really get fun for the Tigers.
Memphis loves to push the tempo at every
opportunity, but with two quality power forwards
operating inside, the floor will open for the Tigers'
guards and wings. And if they can knock down
some open threes, take advantage of some
driving lanes and find their bigs with dishes in
the lane, the team is going to be nearly
impossible to contain.
The arrival of super-athletic freshman Kuran
Iverson, who had scouts drooling during his high
school career with his tantalizing mix of size and
quickness, should make Memphis that much
tougher on the defensive end if he makes a quick
transition to the college game.
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the american basketball preview
ISSUE 01
