Memphis has wrapped up its exhibition play in the Dominican Republic.
On the trip, the team went 2-1 and showed flashes of what’s ahead for this season.
While Memphis’ portal additions are getting most of the fans’ attention, the Tigers still have talented freshmen on their roster.
How did they perform on the trip, and can any of them earn a spot in the rotation?
Ashton Hardaway
Ashton Hardaway, Penny Hardaway’s second son, is coming into his freshman season as a former top 100 recruit known for his shooting ability.
During the games in the Dominican Republic, he exuded confidence from beyond the arc. Though he faced challenges in the first game, he quickly rebounded in the second, impressively shooting 50% from three-point range.
He notably made a crucial three-pointer, propelling the Tigers into a 92-90 lead with only 20 seconds left in regulation. In Sunday’s game, he showcased his shooting ability again by sinking 3 three-pointers in the first quarter.
If he can maintain this level of play, he is sure to become a key player off the bench and provide crucial scoring.
Carl Cherenfant
Carl Cherenfant is a former top 100 recruit known for his defensive skills, high effort and raw offensive abilities.
He was one of Memphis’ standout players during its trip in the Dominican Republic. While his impact wasn’t always reflected in the stat sheet, he made valuable contributions to the team.
In the first game, Cherenfant scored 10 points on an efficient 5-7 shooting from the field and grabbed 3 rebounds in just 16 minutes of play. In the following two games, he scored 9 points and secured 2 rebounds in each game, showing some consistency in his performance.
However, Cherenfant’s true value goes beyond the box score. His defensive prowess, hustle and determination on the court make him a key asset to the team.
Those intangibles were on full display in the Dominican Republic and could help him play a big role for this year’s team.
JJ Taylor
During play in the Dominican Republic, JJ Taylor saw action in small bursts. Taylor has stuck with the Tigers despite uncertainty surrounding his former teammate and close friend Mikey Williams’ status.
He made most of his extended playing time in the Tigers’ third and final exhibition game, scoring 22 points.
While he may not play a huge role next year, the potential is definitely there for Taylor as he seems to have a natural feel for the game.
