Photo by Britney McIntosh / The Commerical Appeal
The Tigers are hoping Emmanuel Negedu will follow assistant coach Josh Pastner from Arizona to Memphis. The native of Nigeria is the only top-50 recruit unsigned for next season.
Emmanuel Negedu is the only top-50 player in the class of 2008 who does not know where he'll play college basketball next season.
The University of Memphis hopes to make that decision a bit easier for him this weekend.
Negedu, a 6-6 power forward and native of Nigeria, arrived on Thursday for his final college visit after stops at Indiana, Georgia Tech and Tennessee. He said he was looking forward to seeing how Memphis stacks up against his other options.
"It's going pretty good; I get to see every school I want to go to," Negedu told reporters at Memphis International Airport. "I'm going through the process to know where I want to make my decision, to look for what I want, what I don't want, to check it out. It's going pretty good for me."
Last fall, Negedu signed with Arizona, in large part due to the efforts of assistant coach Josh Pastner. After numerous staff changes at Arizona, including Pastner's departure to Memphis, Negedu asked to be released from his letter of intent.
Arizona granted that release last month, and Memphis immediately jumped into his recruitment.
"(Arizona) is a great school, but everything changed and Josh came here," Negedu said. "We had a good relationship and everything. I'm just taking a chance, take my visit and see how it goes. After that, I'll make my decision where I want to go."
Memphis certainly could use a player like Negedu next season. With the loss of leading rebounder Joey Dorsey, physical presence in the frontcourt is the Tigers' biggest question mark next season. Negedu is a self-described banger who said he wants to play in a fast-paced system.
"I love going up and down the court," he said. "I just want to run and play hard and bring a lot of energy to the game."
Negedu, who has never been to Memphis before Thursday, said he has played at various events and camps with incoming freshmen Angel Garcia, Matt Simpkins and Tyreke Evans. Other than that, he said he doesn't know much about the Tigers' program.
"I'm just down here to see what they've got," Negedu said. "I've got my own questions to ask them. I'll go through the process, see if I like the environment, the school, academically, everything, to see how that goes."
Negedu, who played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire the last four years, said he'll likely make a decision next week. He said playing for a contending team would be a factor in his decision.
"Memphis had a great season last year; right now, they've got to come hard every night to play because everybody comes at them," Negedu said. "Every game against Memphis is a championship game for every team. So coming down here, I know this team is a great team...I want to be on a team that wants to win because I want to win. Everybody wants to win."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 135
BigOrangeJeff writes:
U of M recruit?
volguy writes:
Never been to Memphis before? What a lucky guy!
billnewton#588776 writes:
Sounds like he's Memphis bound to me. he's in awe. Big mistake!
TopTenn writes:
Negedu don't fall for Cal's BS.
volwalk writes:
After reading some of Negedu's quotes, I would be surprised if he signs with Memphis. Unless he is promised the world, starting time, clothes, cars and etc. Negedu should be signing with the Vols next week. Its a much better fit: learning from Pearl, playing with Tyler and Chism...this kid will probably play about 20 to 25 minutes a game next season, be a part of another SEC championship team and possible a Final Four run. Oh yea, did I mention that he would be playing in front of 23,000 Rocky Top Rowdies on national TV almost every night. Come on Negedu, sign with THE BIG ORANGE!
murrayvol writes:
Memo to Cal: Make sure the Homies take Mr. Negedu on a late night foray through the Hood when things are heating up. If he survives, that should seal the deal.
Hope I'm wrong but I think he'll have a tough time turning Pastner down. That in spite of the fact that UT is a much better fit.
threehundredbowler writes:
we could surely use this guy.Come to Bid Orange Country young man,but only if you can stay clean and focused.
b_neas writes:
He will get more PT at Memphis but with CDR and Rose gone UT will have a much better season next year. Anyone who watched Memphis play last year could see the team revolved around those two. Not to mention playing against better competition night in and night out at UT will make him a better player at the next level. I guess it depends on whether he wants to be a star with a lot of PT and exposure or on a good team (10 deep) and play 20-25 mins a game.
TopTenn writes:
Negedu is leaning to the Vols. He said he knew nothing about Memphis. I believe Bruce has locked him up to sign next week.Pastner impact may not be as great as we think. Pastner wants to return to Arizona one day and don't want the appearance of stealing players.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Memphis High isn't anything special....
volwalk writes:
The question is does Negedu want to be a big fish in a small pond (Memphis and CUSA) or does he want to be a Big Fish in a Big Pond ( Tenn and the SEC). Hopefully, he wants to be a part of the latter.
txvolsfan writes:
I was reading this article on Commercial Appeal website. Right above this story was caption, "#2 city in America for violent crimes" right behind Detroit!!!
I pointed it out to there readers, pretty funny stuff.
Great place to go to school
Come to Knoxville, it's safer
GO VOLS!!!!
PaulTheVol writes:
If you have ever seen Memphis' basketball facilities you would know why they are so successful recruiting. The player's apartments, practice facility, weight room, dining room, etc. look like they belong in the NBA. Basically you go to Memphis and live the life of an NBA player, except for that pesky class attendance thing. Overall there is no comparison between UT's facilities and Memphis, but at the basketball level Memphis offers these guys a sweet lifestyle.
overatedvols writes:
Whew..the insults are rolling into today. Or should I say the jealousy of Memphis basketball is very evident today.
I had honestly thought it was pretty much a done deal, he was coming to Memphis, but after reading the story i'm not so sure. We'll have to wait and see.
After reading the posts here it's evident again that so many that post here are delusional about Vol basketball. A program that's never advanced past the final 16.
Volwalk your post pretty much sums up Volitis. This is the disease that strikes that makes people look past reality and see things in a fantasy state. In looking at your post let's see what all you said..unless he's been promised a bunch of illegal things from memphis such as car, clothes etc....he's coming to knoxville, playing with Chism and Tyler will be much better for him, Be a part of another SEC championship and play on national television almost every night, A possible final 4 run..whew that post pretty much sums of the delusional state that exists here. I can't wait to watch UT on national tv every night, as they win the SEC and storm thru the conference Tourney, all on national tv..almost every night. I'm anxiously awaiting the final 4 run. It seems they will be blowing past that sweet 16 barrier this year and straight into the final 4..impressive!
Rckydx seems to have the inside scoop. Pastner wants to return to Ariz. one day. You must be friends with him to know this sort of info. He just left there to come to Mem..wow.. i'm impressed with your knowledge. Also you say not to fall for Cal's BS... so he should fall for Pearls then huh?
Not sure where he'll go but i'm sure if he chooses Memphis then he wasn't really that good.
Did anybody see the NBA game last night. Yes, the Lakers held a 24 point lead and let it slip away. You see this type of thing does happen to the best. Maybe you should bash Phil Jackson today. Wonder if he should have used some timeouts???
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
He's going to Memphis. Once again, he seems like a good kid, but no one should flip out when he heads down to Tigerland.
We have JP Prince and Orlando Woolridge to play wing already and Tyler Smith will be putting in some time at the three when we go big. {Zurick or Brian Williams at the 5, Wayne at the 4, Tyler Smith at the 3, JP Prince/Scotty Hopson at 2 and Bobby Maze/JP Prince at the 1.}
This was not a straight up choice with Josh there not to mention the guarantee of playing time. Again, would love him to come here, but I won't be losing sleep if/when he choses the Tigers.
TommyJack writes:
Being as objective as possible, I really can't see why a kid would choose Calipari over Pearl.
Memphis over Knoxville. Flat, ulgy country-side over E. Tenn., Commuter school environment over a beautiful campus. High crime over medium crime.
Beats me.
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Overated, how can you talk so much when your team lost at home to to the Vols and then lost in the championship game the way they did?
Both, by the way, happened in the two biggest moments of this Basketball Season in terms of both ratings and buzz around the country.
If anything you should be avoiding confrontation with this board as you have not a single leg to stand on.
I'm assuming this kid is going to your school and that you'll talk some trash. But even then, you'll have no real ammo. Both schools have great recruits coming in.
If this year, when the Vols have the Tigers at home with the more seasoned team, your team wins then absolutely I get you coming back and talking some serious trash.
But for now, seriously, you've got nada.
volboy81#211803 writes:
if someone would choose Memphis over Tennessee...Memphis over Knoxville...west Tennessee over east Tennessee, he might not be the brightest star in the sky anyway!. I sure hope he IS smart!
TopTenn writes:
Negedu said he will not be playing for Choke U.
overatedvols writes:
UT_LAW, good post. Still, if he chooses Memphis I won't be talking trash. Don't do it. Too much of it goes on from Vol people. I'm sure i'd bring up all the comments about why he wouldn't go to Memphis. If he chooses Tenn. Just watch... trash talk for months about it.
Volboy, Rckydx.. Bad case of Volitis... i'd get to the dr. asap.
GreerVol22 writes:
should be about 90 degrees there today and the aromatic flavor that is the dying infrastructure of Memphis will hang around his head like a bad immunity idol.
overatedvols writes:
Seems we've had to deprogram Negedu after his visit to Knoxville. When he arrived at the airport he didn't get off the plane. Univ. officials began to get concerned and asked the airline what happened and they said he was still in his seat waiting on his bulletproof vest. Seems he was told by the Vol people not to get off the plane unless they had him a bulletproof vest ready. As he finally walked into the airport he smailed and said... Finally.. i've arrived in cess pool city limits. When everybody frowned he didn't understand. It seems the Vol people told him that was our nickname. When he got in the car to head over to the university he asked if they would be going thru Thugville. Said he wanted to get some pics. He said the Vol people had told him Memphis was world famous for it's Thugville section. He also requested a special tv for his hotel room, one that didn't broadcast episodes of Cops and the First 48 hours only. Seems he had been told that this is all we get on our tv's. The last straw was when he requested to go by the Plush club. Seems he was told that he would be required to visit the club weekly if he attended Memphis.
Thanks Vols. We owe you one.
volwalk writes:
Over,
Don't forget about the 23,000 Rocky Top Rowdies--It will become a reality for you...when you'll come to visit TBA and take your yearly spanking from the VOLS!
GO VOLS!
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Over,
That's the funniest post on this entire site today.
Well done sir.
overatedvols writes:
Just heard on the radio that Negedu has been asking univ. officials and coach Cal what plans UT had for the Univ. of Memphis. When they wanted to know why he would ask such a thing he said that he was told in Knoxville that UT owned Memphis.
You've definitely corrupted the guy. If he does choose UT we'll know why.
mjohnsonvols writes:
Once again overetard what did you win that TN did not? Nothing! So we will go to head to head what happen in that thing you call a basketball arena? Let me help you again moron you lost for the second straight year. You call us Thugville but yet you have a guy that beats his girl and the team gets in a fight with the fans at UAB.
You can have the punk we will still beat you with or without b/c you play weak competition in the conference USA.
volwalk writes:
Don't love on him too much UT_LAW; he will turn on his broken record about how runner up is better than Champion. Plus all the would'ves, could,ves and should'ves.
overatedvols writes:
Mjohnson, I didn't call you Thugville. Once again, the required IQ score to post on the board is at least a 5 or it should be. Maybe the paper should have a quick test when you sign up. What state is Knoxville in? What country is Tenn. in? Who won the civil war? Who is the current president? If you have 2 Vol basketball players and 3 Vol football players, how many athletes do you have? (trick question, the answer is 0) They could probably weed out quite a few on this board.
MidTennVol writes:
This guy will be wearing orange this fall, I GUARANTEE it -- all the way from Denmark.
Our system is built for him and he knows he'll start. And the fact that he even mentions academics means he'll be a Vol.
Just an opinion -- from a Memphis State alum ('82) and die-hard Vol.
overatedvols writes:
Ah Denmark.. traitor. How could you???
tigerman writes:
GreerVol22 -- Dying infrastructure? And you're talking about Memphis? Have you even BEEN to Memphis before? Yeah, Knoxville has nice hills, I'll give you that, but with the hills come the hillbillies, who are so backward they have to believe everything about the "big city" is bad, bad, bad. Oh yeah, and the jacked-up pickup trucks with confederate flag license plates, and of course the orange T in the rear window -- pure Knoxville.
And someone said why would Negedu play for Calipari when he could play for Pearl? Well, let's see, a Final Four, three consecutive Elite Eights, probably the best sports arena in the country, a coach who has the vision to create relationships with China and who wouldn't be caught dead in an orange blazer. And let's add the opportunity to live in a REAL city instead of a redneck college town.
TRU_TENN_MEM_FAN writes:
I'm a big time Vols football fan and a huge Memphis basketball fan. Both schools are what they are and outside of the women, Vols basketball stinks. I've lived in both cities and love each one for what they offer but if this kid wants to be a basketball star he should go to Memphis. If he desires to put on pads he should go to Tenn. I live in Chicago now and I was proud of both of my home state's schools. Knox, Football is KING, but on Beale its basketball!!! Always been that way and always will!!! CONGRATS!!!!LADY VOLS!!!!THE BEST PROGRAM IN HISTORY
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Tiger,
I've been to both. I prefer Knoxville and UT, although on balance I usually prefer college towns, but think Memphis is a fine place. Also, I'm from NY so if Knoxville had the stuff you're talking about, it would've turned me off. It doesn't have what you described. That to me, would indicate that you've never been there.
You make a couple of good points on Calipari, he's been to two final fours, although only one at Memphis the location in question. And your facilites are nice, but no better than UT now that they have Pratt Pavilion and the other improvements. But that isn't the determining factor on this recruit.
If/when the young man commits to Memphis, as I expect and most UT fans should, the more important relationship in that decision is with Josh Pastner not Coach Calipari. Also playing time (since Memphis has a need there) as UT has a number of other very talented players at his position.
For the record, most players, like most fans and most objective commentators, actually like the Orange Blazer since it shows spirit in the institution that you are representing and the team you are coaching. Coach Pearl is an absolute class act and any attack on him by you is both baseless and sad.
And if you honestly think that the tie breaker for this young man is that he gives a damn that the school has a relationship with China you are probably smoking something illegal.
Hunter writes:
Overrated,
I can appreciate classic sarcasm when I see it. Good form!
tigerman writes:
UTlaw-- For the most part, I think your post is a good one. But Cal's building a relationship with China does matter to the basketball program. I'm not trying to be rude, but did you hear about how he took C USA players to China to play China's national team? The significance of this is big for Memphis basketball because China does produce some great b'ball players. Sure, it won't happen this next season, but eventually it will pay dividends. I think anyone would have to admit that is "recruiting outside the box."
And, yes, I have been to Knoxville. I've lived here for five years because this is where my job took me. I will concede it has its nice points (the climate is better than Memphis) but overall I much prefer a bigger city. And contrary to what someone else posted, there is a lot more to Memphis than the crime rate. And I am sorry, but I have seen more confederate flags here than I ever did in Memphis.
And to brownsvill Vol -- OK, now Nashville is not a real city either? And if the brownsvill in your screen name refers to Brownsville, TN, then I can see why you relate so well to Knoxville.
As to Coach Pearl having class, we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one. I don't see it.
TopTenn writes:
Tru Tenn Mem........you can't be serious. The UT basketball program does not stink. It is a program rising since the hiring of Bruce Pearl. The Vols will have several players in the NBA soon. Besides Pearl develops and improves players while Cal players seldom improve.
tigerman writes:
mjohnsonvols: Forgot to address what you said to overrated: What did Memphis win that Tennessee didn't? A Final Four berth. We didn't get blown out by 19 points in the Sweet Sixteen. (In fact, our total combined losses didn't reach 19 points.) We lost in the champsionship game to another great team that outplayed us at the end. As far as I'm concerned the Vols were overrated all season. They had some really, really good games (Memphis), but when they were bad, they were really bad.
I think that when we get into tournament time, that's when you see who deserved their ranking, who was overrated, and who was underrated. Memphis and the other Final Four teams deserved the rankings they had all year; Tennessee was overrated.
overatedvols writes:
UT_LAW, where did you come from? So nice to see some posts from a UT fan that doesn't see the world through orange eyes only. For the most part your posts are accurate and honest. It's pretty rare to find that on this board. Normally it's the same theme. UT is totally wonderful and Memphis is totally 'not' wonderful. I have to agree with Tigerman on the Pearl issue though. I don't see him as 'nothing but a class act'. Not at all. The man has never seen a microphone he doesn't like and he's a bit full of it at times or maybe I should say a bit full of himself at times. Honestly he can be quite annoying at times to me. Still, i'm not a UT fan so we all see things differently.
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Tiger,
I am happy to concede that having his team play China could help with his recruiting--in China--but my contention was that it had nothing to do with the decision of this particular recruit.
My exact words being the slightly impolite:
"If you honestly think that the tie breaker for this young man is that he gives a damn that the school has a relationship with China you are probably smoking something illegal."
So yes, going to China could help Memphis in recruiting there. But given that China only allowed Yao Ming to go straight to the NBA, as they have with most of their transplants, I am skeptical.
Coach Pearl took his team to Central Europe last year and that trip could help the Vols with recruiting there. But given the same NBA situation with most European players, I am skeptical of that as well.
I'm not sure I would classify either move as either outside the box or more likely to succeed in terms of recruiting. The experience is better for having ones team play against top competition rather than for recruiting purposes. You can argue Europe vs. China in terms of who has the better competition, but I doubt the majority of those who read and post on this page have a solid understanding of that issue.
On the Confederate Flag point: there are just as many cars with the Confederate Flag on the back of them in Central New York as there are in Knoxville. Both of which is ironic because both were on the side of the Union during the Civil War. Nevertheless, many people in different parts of the country put it on their car because they see it as a symbol of states rights and many others like it because it pisses people off.
As for Coach Pearl vs. Coach Calipari of course we're going to disagree. We're fans of our team and archrivals with the other. No matter how hard one looks, it is often difficult to find the good in ones archrival.
But I do hope that you and everyone else here has a good weekend.
b_neas writes:
If Pearl was the Memphis coach and winning there he would not be annoying to you at all. I can see why other schools see it as annoying but UT fans after suffering through years of average coaches that never spoke a word to anyone, see it as great. His constantly looking for a microphone sells the program, as seen by the sellout crowds and from his solid recruiting classes.
overatedvols writes:
I'll agree with you b_nease.
Tiger, don't mess with my friend brownie. He's an A-Ok guy.
tigerman writes:
brownsvillevol -- Nashville and Memphis are both cities. To say they are not is ridiculous. I'm not even going to discuss it again. And how do you you know how many times I've been to Memphis? I lived there most of my life.
I don't think Pearl has class because in an interview he had before the Memphis-UCLA game in which the analyst asked him what advice he would give UCLA in playing Memphis, Pearl talked about what a great job he and his team did against both Memphis and against Florida (the previous season). His point was that he beat two championship-level teams. Never once in that interview did he give credit to the other coaches or their teams. IMO it just made him look like a jerk. I mean, there he was, after his team had been throttled by L'Ville in the Sweet 16, bragging about how good he was. Most coaches in that situation would have given their advice and would have added some nice comments about Memphis and Florida. After all, at the time of that interview, Memphis was preparing to play in the Final Four, and last year's Florida team had won the NC. And Pearl was watching it all from the stands. That's what I mean when I say he has no class.
b_neas writes:
Never has Pearl ever said "he" was good. He was obviously doing this to promote the program. He knew many young kids and recruits were watching and he wanted to make sure they knew his team had beat these two teams and were on a level playing field with them. Stop looking for something to hate.
b_neas writes:
As for the "most coaches" comment. I think its obvious to see Pearl is not like most coaches. But that does not mean he does not have class. He praises the other team always in his post game comments. See below:
after a win
COACH PEARL: Just congratulations to American University. They represented themselves and the patriot league extremely well.
They made shots, particularly Carr was just spectacular. They played with great energy. Particularly on the offensive boards where we knew they really run to the boards and they bothered us early. With their offensive rebounding.
But, I thought we were able to turn them over. And I think our press was particularly effective and without pressure defense, we would have been in perhaps more of a similar situation to what Duke was in last night. Going up against a great team, very well coached, very well spaced, but it was nine assists and 22 turnovers, I think, I think that was probably a big difference, as well as these three guys sitting to my left.
after a loss
Every team tries to find an identity. Sometime this year we’re going to play with passion and have poise. I thought tonight Kentucky was the more passionate team. I knew coming in that they were playing with great confidence. They have played four of the top six or seven teams in the SEC. They are right there kind of holding serve. They are doing what they have to do on the road and giving themselves a chance to win on the road. Coach Gillispie has done a really good job of getting down to it now. I think he has the roles defined and I think getting (Jodie) Meeks and (Derrick) Jasper back are really, really key. It puts two more really good basketball players on the floor. They handle the ball better, they didn’t turn it over. From our standpoint it is difficult to imagine Tennessee not coming to Rupp with that passion and poise but it has been a difficult stretch for us. I think the Thursday-Saturday-Tuesday schedule showed a little bit.”
sure sounds like a classless guy to me!
TommyJack writes:
iam4ua 4:11p "Calipari is a class act". Now there's one you don't often hear.
overatedvols writes:
Tigerman, I saw that interview also. I had the same reaction..what a jerk. I can't remember if it was just before the final 4 game or the evening of the actual championship game. They interviewed Pearl and he seemed to only want to keep pointing out that he had beaten Memphis and that he had beaten Florida last year and then he pointed out that he had not only won the memphis game this year but that he won the game the year before also. My opinion was ..what an arrogant jerk. He won those games but both years but he's attending the final 4 as a spectator. He must not be doing something right. Instead of talking about what the reporter was asking he was steering it over to point out his wins. I remember thinking.. Tenn. you can have this guy and good luck.
b_nease, you can say he was doing this for 'recruiting???' sorry, good excuse. I'd say he would have made himself look much better by giving the other team credit instead of trying to boast about his team. it was a classless move. Also you posted comments he made after losing or nearly losing to teams he should have beaten easily. It could be viewed as a way out of an embarrasment..talking about how well coached the other team was or how well they played. Giving them credit for being so tough.(interpretation we got beat or almost beat and so let's make this teams peformance sound really good). Just depends on how you look at it.
b_neas writes:
I guess it does depend on how you look at things. Maybe one day you will see things the right way, my way. lol
memphistenn2117 writes:
Lets Review:
Has Tennessee ever made it past the sweet sixteen? NO
-Memphis has been to multiple sweet sixteens and beyond.
Does anyone think about basketball when they talk about Tennessee? NO
-Memphis is a top 10 basketball program
Does any african american want to go live with a bunch of inbred hicks? NO
-Memphis may have crime, but we do not have fat slobs with beer bellies hanging out of our pants.
Does Tennessee have any basketball tradition or any notable professional basketball players? NO (allen houston doesn't count)
In the end, Memphis choking a national title away is wat better than never even sniffing the elite eight, much less the final four. Go play for your precious SEC title, cause reality is that there wasn't a great SEC basketball team last season. Want an example....go look at the tournament bracket last year.
Arkansas: got killed
Tennessee: lucky to have made it past Butler.
Vandy: haha, Siena beat them and it wasn't even close
MS St.: still can't make it past the second round
Kentucky: bye bye first round
Georgia: bye bye first round
Looks like a great conference to me.
UTVols1698 writes:
Why do so many people get on a UT website and bash UT. I have never been on the UK message boards or the Memphis ones except to read what their fans think of their chances of landing Recurits. UK for Hopson and Memphis for Negedu.
Now for what i really wanted to get to watch this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gW9fE0EsBbc
at the 1:50 mark of the video Negedu dunks standing still off one leg... it is SICK. This guy can bang!
TopTenn writes:
memphistenn2117........you! you! you ! Board of Regents SOB!
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