Over the years, the University of Memphis’ basketball program has established itself as a premier program in the sport. From electric moments to unforgettable players, the Tigers have a storied history.
As we look back on this history, a question stands out: who are the top ten Memphis basketball teams of all time? This list is the start of our “Top Ten” series, where we provide our opinions on topics associated with Tigers hoops. Let’s dive in.
Number One: 2007-08 Team
The 2007-08 Memphis Tigers were undoubtedly the best team in program history. Coached by John Calipari, the Tigers made it to the national championship game before subsequently losing to Kansas in overtime. The team went 38-2 on the season and spent five weeks at the AP #1 spot and the entire season in the AP top 5 rankings. They won the CUSA regular season and conference tournament. With Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey, and Antonio Anderson leading the way, this Memphis team cemented themselves as Tiger legends.
Number Two: 1972-73 Team
The 1972-73 Tigers were the first Memphis team to make it to the national championship. The team lost to a Bill Walton-led UCLA team, who were at the peak of their dynasty in college basketball during this time. Coached by Gene Bartow and led by Larry Finch, Larry Kenon, and Ronnie Robinson, the Tigers finished 24-6 on the season. The Tigers, who won the MVC regular season title, spent nine weeks in the AP poll and peaked at a #10 ranking.
Number Three: 1984-85 Team
Memphis was one of the premier programs in college basketball in the early 1980s, and the 1984-85 team was arguably the best of the bunch. The Tigers went 31-4 with a Final Four appearance and spent the entire season in the AP top ten while peaking at a #3 ranking. They won the Metro conference tournament and regular season titles. The team was coached by Dana Kirk and featured players like Keith Lee, Andre Turner, and William Bedford.
Number Four: 2005-06 Team
The 2005-06 Memphis team could finish much higher on this list if they didn’t play their worst game of the season in the Elite Eight against UCLA. Despite this, this Tigers team finished 33-4 and won the CUSA regular season and conference tournament titles. They spent most of the season in the AP Top 5, peaking at #3. Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams, Darius Washington, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Antonio Anderson were the key players on this squad that John Calipari coached.
Number Five: 2006-07 Team
Memphis followed their impressive 2005-06 campaign with another outstanding season. The Tigers went 33-4 and made it to the Elite Eight. Additionally, they also won the CUSA regular season and conference tournament titles. They spent all season in the AP Poll and peaked at a #5 ranking. The team was led by Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jeremy Hunt, Robert Dozier, Joey Dorsey, and Antonio Anderson and coached by Calipari.
Number Six: 1991-92 Team
The 1991-92 season was an interesting one for Memphis. Despite making it to the Elite Eight, the Tigers were never ranked in the AP Poll and finished 23-11. The team got beat by Cincinnati four times that season, including in the NCAA Tournament. They were coached by Larry Finch and led by Penny Hardaway, David Vaugh, Tony Madlock, and Anthony Douglass.
Number Seven: 1982-83 Team
In 1982-83, the Tigers spent most of the season in the top ten of the AP poll and even peaked at #1. Led by Dana Kirk, Memphis made it to the Sweet 16. The team featured players like Keith Lee, Bobby Parks, Andre Turner, Phillip Haynes, and Derrick Phillips.
Number Eight: 1981-82 Team
The 1981-82 team went 24-5 in the regular season and ended up as a two-seed in the NCAA tournament. They spent five weeks in the AP poll and peaked at a #9 ranking while winning the Metro regular season and tournament titles. Head coach Dana Kirk led his team to the Sweet 16. Keith Lee, Bobby Parks, Otis Jackson, Phillip Haybes, and Derrick Phillips played critical roles for Memphis.
Number Nine: 1983-84 Team
It was another successful season for a Dana Kirk Memphis team in 1983-84 when the Tigers finished 26-7 and appeared in the Sweet 16. They spent the entire regular season in the AP poll and peaked at #4. They also won both the Metro regular season and conference tournament titles. Altogether, Keith Lee, Phillip Haynes, Andre Turner, William Bedford, and Bobby Parks led the way for Memphis.
Number Ten: 2008-09 Team
John Calipari’s 2008-09 squad finished the regular season with a 33-4 record and went undefeated in conference play. The Tigers spent most of the season in the AP poll. Furthermore, they finished the regular season ranked #3 in the nation. They also won the CUSA regular season and conference titles. Memphis, however, would lose in the Sweet 16. This season, Tyreke Evans, Robert Dozier, Shawn Taggart, and Antonio Anderson were big for Memphis.
