Tigers picked to finish first in The American's preseason poll

Coaches in The American voted Tigers, Houston to finish first in preseason poll.

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Tigers picked to finish first in The American's preseason poll

Oct 14, 2019 | Men's Basketball

Memphis, Houston share No. 1 spot; Wiseman chosen Preseason Rookie of Year

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The American Athletic Conference coaches are as confident in the 2019-20 version of the University of Memphis men's basketball team as Tigers coach Penny Hardaway.

The Tigers, along with Houston, were picked to finish first in The American in the league's annual preseason poll, while 7-foot-1 center James Wiseman was a unanimous selection as Preseason Rookie of the Year. Voting was conducted by each of the league's 12 head coaches and the results were released at Monday's annual Media Day at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott.

The UofM had the nation's No. 1 class, led by Wiseman, the nation's top-ranked recruit, and forward Precious Achiuwa, a five-star prospect. Memphis' freshman class also includes D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Boogie Ellis, Damion Baugh and Malcolm Dandridge.

Wiseman, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was the only Tiger player chosen to the preseason first team, which included Cincinnati's Jarron Cumberland, the Preseason Player of the Year and last season's league player of the year.

In Hardaway's first season as UofM coach, the Tigers went 22-14 and finished fifth in The American with an 11-7 record. Memphis advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. The Tigers return only three players – Alex Lomax, Tyler Harris and Isaiah Maurice – from last year's team.

Memphis and Houston tied for first in the preseason poll with 113 points each. The preseason tie was a first in league history. Cincinnati (94), Wichita State (88) and USF (79) rounded out the top five.

2019-20 American Athletic Conference Preseason Poll and Honors

T-1	Houston (7)	113
T-1	Memphis (4)	113
3	Cincinnati (1)	94
4	Wichita State	88
5	USF	79
6	UConn	75
7	Temple	72
8	SMU	47
9	UCF	40
10	Tulsa	36
11	ECU	20
12	Tulane	15

Preseason Player of the Year
Jarron Cumberland, Sr., G, Cincinnati

Preseason Rookie of the Year
James Wiseman, Fr., C, Memphis *

Preseason First Team
Jarron Cumberland, Sr., G, Cincinnati *
Quinton Rose, Sr., G, Temple
DeJon Jarreau, R-Jr., G, Houston
James Wiseman, Fr., C, Memphis
Laquincy Rideau, R-Sr., G, USF

Preseason Second Team
Alexis Yetna, Jr., F, USF
Jayden Gardner, So., F, ECU
Nate Pierre-Louis, Jr, G, Temple
Alterique Gilbert, R-Jr., G, UConn
David Collins, Jr., G, USF
Christian Vital, Jr., G, UConn
* unanimous selection