Memphis guard Dug McDaniel is making waves in college basketball, ranking among the top players in Division I. He currently stands out as one of only two players in his conference to be among the top three in assists per game (APG) with an impressive 5.3, steals per game (SPG) at 2.2, and free throw percentage (FT%) at 89.7%. The only other player to achieve this is SMU’s Boopie Miller.
This season, Memphis has seen a remarkable shift in their roster dynamics, joining Baylor and Miami as one of only three Division I teams with no returning players. Notably, Memphis and Southern Miss are also leading the pack with a remarkable 14 or more transfers this season.
Individually, McDaniel is part of an elite group of just six players across Division I who have recorded at least 175 points, 60 assists, and 25 steals this season, showcasing his multifaceted contributions on the court. Teammate Julius Thedford has recently made headlines as well, averaging 9.0 rebounds per game over his last two outings since returning from injury, leading the Tigers with an overall average of 6.0 rebounds per game, with significant contributions in seven of the nine games played this season.
Another standout for Memphis is Curtis Givens III, who has become the first Tiger to score 18 or more points in consecutive games off the bench since Landers Nolley II in December 2020. Meanwhile, the team has proven its strength on the boards, achieving at least nine offensive rebounds in 26 consecutive games, a streak only trailing behind St. John’s for the longest in Division I history.
Defensively, Memphis excels by limiting opponents to under 30% shooting from beyond the arc in seven games this season, currently ranking second in the American Conference. Additionally, they have maintained a streak of having at least one player score 15 points in 54 consecutive games, demonstrating their offensive consistency.
Looking ahead, Memphis is set to face North Texas on December 31 at FedExForum in an American Conference showdown. The Tigers are coming off a decisive 88-67 victory over Alabama State, where McDaniel led the team with 23 points. Memphis has a proud history against North Texas, holding an 18-7 advantage in their all-time series, with a strong home record of 11-3 against the Mean Green.
This matchup not only marks a continuation of a rich rivalry dating back to 1959 but also represents a key opportunity for Memphis to build momentum and start their league play with a victory. Under the leadership of head coach Penny Hardaway, the Tigers have an impressive 100-17 record at FedExForum, making the home court a fortress for the team. Memphis aims to extend its winning streak in New Year’s openers and maintain its strong performance throughout the season as they aspire to compete at the highest level in the conference.