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One team I’d like to see Louisville basketball play from each conference

By Jacob Lane

Dec 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Tigers forward Jimario Rivers (2) defends against Louisville Cardinals guard Quentin Snider (4) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Tigers forward Jimario Rivers (2) defends against Louisville Cardinals guard Quentin Snider (4) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Tigers Head Coach Penny Hardaway talks to his team before their game against the Houston Cougars at the Fertitta Center on Sunday, March 8, 2020.Coug 31
Memphis Tigers Head Coach Penny Hardaway talks to his team before their game against the Houston Cougars at the Fertitta Center on Sunday, March 8, 2020.Coug 31 /

AAC: Memphis State

Memphis loses a lot from Penny Hardaway’s first season. but they still are expected to be one of the most interesting teams in all of college basketball. So why not put ’em on the schedule?

Chris Mack vs. Penny Hardaway gives you all the storylines you really need and it would be a fairly good matchup between two talented but you and inexperienced teams.

It’s been since 2017 that the two former C-USA and Metro rivals last met, with Louisville winning that battle and the prestigious Gotham Classic title, 81-72. A lot has changed on both sides, with David Padgett and Tubby Smith being replaced by Mack and Hardaway and both having completely flipped the rosters (fun fact: Lance Thomas and Malik Williams would be the only two rostered players from that last matchup).

Memphis’ entire team nearly is made up of sophomores, including star Virginia Tech transfer Landers Nolley III, Damion Baugh, Boogie Ellis, Malcolm Dandridge, Lester Quinones, and DJ Jeffries, who was hurt for the majority of last season, but does have  a few elder statesmen in Thomas, Florida transfer Isaiah Stokes, guard Alex Lomax, and a few others.

The roster is nearly exclusively made up of former highly-rated four and five-star players, including incoming five-star freshman big man Moussa Cisse, and it’s what makes this particular team so dangerous.

Seeing that type of talent early would be a great test for Louisville and  a true barometer of their development to this point. Play it in Nashville. Play it in Lexington. Play it wherever, but I think everyone can say that we need more matchups with Memphis State.

Plus, it’s an excuse to watch this over and over again.

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