The Stage is Set for (Memphis) Madness

College Hoops, Home Page, Memphis 2 comments

This has been an exciting few days for the Memphis Tiger family. Here is a quick recap of recent events in the world of Tiger basketball.

Penny Ensures There Will Be Madness

Last week, John’s radio co-host Jason Smith reported that Justin Timberlake would be attending Memphis Madness. That is already really cool. Even though J.T. has been a semi-flaky Memphian, only showing love to his “hometown” occasionally, this is a move that forgives all.

But wait….there’s more! Gotti is a Memphis Madness must. He has performed at multiple Madnesses in the past and is a hometown and crowd favorite. Good move to get him. Also, snagging up-and-comers Moneybagg Yo and Blocboy JB is a solid move by Penny. However, 4 music stars isn’t enough to form a starting lineup. The largest move of the day was snagging a guy who is an A-list international superstar, and who I used to think was lame for his connection to Cal and UK. but who now is awesome in my eyes (funny how that works).

Image result for drake kentucky
Photo: UK Athletics

MORE: The CHIEF’s 2018 Memphis Madness Wish [and Do Not Wish] List

MORE: FIVE [BIG] FACTS — TYLER “MR. FIRST 48” HARRIS

MORE: Five [Big] Facts – Alex “ALo” Lomax

James Wiseman To Use Final Official Visit On Memphis

In what has been a long, eventful recruitment saga, we now have confirmation of what many have suspected would happen all along.

In a late August interview with Evan Daniels of 24/7sports, Wiseman’s mother shared that her son had official visits lined up with Kentucky, Vandy, FSU, and Kansas. Memphis was noticeably missing from this list. She also stated that James’ recruitment was “wide open”. Many suspected that Memphis would be the final of his 5 official visits, and they were correct. Wiseman’s recruitment is seen by most as a two horse race between Memphis and Kentucky.  Wiseman is the number one prospect in the class of 2019 and played for Penny at Memphis East high school where they won a state title. Wiseman is currently at East for his senior season.

The Recruits Keep On Coming

One of the highlights of Penny Hardaway’s short tenure so far has been the fact that Memphis is back to being considered a destination for 4 and 5 star recruits. It has been years since Memphis has had a top recruiting class and in college basketball, talent will help you overwhelm an opponent more times than not.

Rivals’ Isaac Simpson was firing off information yesterday on some of Memphis’ top recruiting targets for the upcoming class. There will be at least four big name prospects from the class of 2019 in the Forum on October 4th, so if you are there, show them some love and help the coaching staff convince these guys to be Tigers!

James Wiseman – C (Memphis,TN)

National Rankings: Rivals #2, 24/7 sports #1, ESPN #1

Jahmius Ramsey – SG (Mansfield, TX)

National Rankings: Rivals #39, 24/7 sports #33, ESPN #28

Boogie Ellis –  CG (San Diego, CA)

National Rankings: Rivals #41, 24/7 sports #35, ESPN #40

DJ Jeffries – SF (Olive Branch, MS)

National Rankings: Rivals #48, 24/7 sports #47, ESPN #21

Follow me @barnburnerbro and for other MEMPHIS content, check out the rest of The BarnBurner HERE.

[banner image: Chris Polk/Getty Images]

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