Will The Memphis Experiment Work?

So I’m sitting here watching the Memphis Tigers struggle in the first round of the NCAA tournament and can only think one thing: this team needs help.

The Tigers eventually held off an upset bid from 15th-seeded Cal State Northridge, but I doubt that any Tiger fan came away from this game excited about the next few weeks.

But don’t worry, Memphis fans. Help is on the way.

John Calipari has lassoed in the undisputed number one recruiting class in the nation for 2009. Somehow, he landed the top shooting guard in the country (Xavier Henry), the top big man in the country (DeMarcus Cousins), and is reportedly close to gaining a commitment from the top point guard in the country (John Wall).

All three players are considered “one and done,” meaning they would like to only play one season of college basketball before heading to the NBA. It’s a little bit of a recruiting experiment for Calipari because most “one and done” players don’t like to share the spotlight (or the basketball).

The key for Memphis next season will be Wall. He’s built like Magic Johnson, and doesn’t need to score to control the game. Will he be able to keep everyone happy?

Calipari must be careful. If all three of these players start looking out for themselves instead of the team, next season might become a certified train wreck.

But if he gets Wall, Henry, and Cousins to all gel, I bet that Memphis won’t have to worry about teams like Cal State Northridge in 2010.