Time To Try Something New
I know the fans won't see it this way, but this is an indictment of the coaching staff in a way. This young man was recruited with promises of going to the NBA by now. Instead he is wondering if he's going to get any playing time at all . Based on comments made by his father. Who seems to be very much involved in his son's career. They expected more from his stay in Memphis than they got. This young man hasn't turned out as expected, so the team is moving on without him. I know he's only one player, but I think he is an example of others. He is the third player on the team that played for the championship squad to leave. The franchise player Derrick Rose was expected to leave, but I don't think he was ready either. Those that have stayed around, are exercising every option they can to test the waters. It would seem those veteran players would be chomping at the bit to get back and capitalize on their seniority. Instead they're jumping ship and starting from scratch on new teams. Instead of building om what should be a solid foundation. They're trying to exhibit their wares somewhere else.
posted by Common at
7:16 PM
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Memphis Tigers' guard Doneal Mack to transfer
By Dan Wolken
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Originally published 05:24 p.m., June 12, 2008
Doneal Mack, a backup guard at the University of Memphis the past two seasons, has decided to transfer, according to his father, Greg Mack.
Memphis Tigers' guard Doneal Mack will leave the team after two years.
“Next year is his junior year and we just feel like it’s time to move on,” Greg Mack said today by phone. “We’re not getting the positive feedback that we expect to get from the Tiger coaches, and it’s time to move on.”
Playing time was the primary issue for the 6-5 lefty from Charlotte, N.C., who averaged 12.5 minutes for the Tigers last season during their run to the national championship game. A former top-50 recruit, Mack initially signed with Florida but landed at Memphis late in the summer of 2006 after he was denied admission to Florida.
Mack showed promise as a freshman, shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line in the last half of the season. But his production and playing time decreased as a sophomore, and he shot just 36.3 percent.
The Memphis coaching staff had implored Mack to hit the weight room and gain strength and would not make any guarantees about his role next season.
“You were at the games; you know (the playing time) went down from his freshman year to his sophomore year,” Greg Mack said. “We need to know what we’re up against, and we’re not getting answers. The kid wants to play and without those answers, we can’t go into next year guessing.”
Greg Mack mentioned Clemson, Wake Forest and LSU as possible destinations for his son.
“Right now we’re just waiting on a release letter, and the kid had a great time at Memphis,” he said. “I enjoyed it. Coach Cal and the staff were wonderful, but the reality is, it’s time. The kid’s a junior and two years is over, and I want to make sure he’s got the best opportunity to display his talent.”
In all fairness to the coach, they may have some unrealistic expectations.
Former Tiger Mack headed to UNO
The Commercial Appeal
Thursday, July 3, 2008
University of New Orleans men's basketball coach Joe Pasternack announced Wednesday that former University of Memphis reserve Doneal Mack has transferred to the Sun Belt Conference school.
Mack, who led the Tigers in 3-point field goals made (66) and attempted (182) last season, has enrolled in summer classes at New Orleans. Because of NCAA transfer rules, he will not be eligible to play for the Privateers until the 2009-10 season.
"Doneal will be a tremendous impact player on our program," said Pasternack, who led UNO to 19 wins in his first season in 2007-08. "He is a great athlete and an unbelievable shooter. He will help us in practice this year, and people should really look forward to seeing him at Lakefront Arena in the years to come."
Mack, who will have two years of eligibility at UNO, played in 74 games and started five in his two seasons with the Tigers.
He averaged 6.9 points in 12.5 minutes per game as a sophomore, down from 7.1 and 14.2 in his freshman season. Mack received little playing time in the NCAA Tournament as the UofM advanced to the championship game.
When Mack decided to transfer last month, his father, Greg, mentioned major-conference schools Clemson, Wake Forest and LSU as possible destinations.
Doneal Mack wants to return to University of Memphis
Tigers would welcome back guard who transferred last month to New Orleans
By Dan Wolken (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Doneal Mack, who transferred from the University of Memphis basketball team last month, is working to reconcile with Tigers coach John Calipari and return to the program, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told The Commercial Appeal on Tuesday.
Doneal Mack is looking to return to the University of Memphis after transferring to the University of New Orleans.
The news was also reported by ESPN.com’s Andy Katz, citing an e-mail from John Jordan, Mack’s former coach at Statesville Christian High in North Carolina.
Mack’s return could be complicated by the fact that he enrolled in summer classes at New Orleans last week, but the NCAA handbook allows for student-athletes to return to their original schools without penalty if they don’t “engage in other countable athletically related activities … at the second institution beyond a 14 consecutive-day period.”
In other words, assuming Calipari welcomes Mack back to Memphis – and all indications are that he will, according to the sources – he will be eligible to play for the Tigers next season.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Calipari declined comment.
Mack averaged 12.5 minutes per game for the Tigers last season but left initially because of playing time concerns.
It's official: Doneal Mack is back with the Tigers
Doneal Mack is returning to the University of Memphis, Tiger coach John Calipari announced today, three days after sources told The Commercial Appeal that the rising junior guard was interested in coming back less than a month after announcing his intention to transfer. Mack had enrolled in summer school at the University of New Orleans, but withdrew after one week of classes.
“I’m happy for Doneal, and I’m proud of our university for allowing him to return,” Calipari said in a press release. “When working with kids, they sometimes make illogical decisions. Once again, our administration steps up and does the right thing by letting this young man return and attend this great university.”
Last season, Mack played in 39 games and averaged 6.9 points, making him the team's third-leading returning scorer behind seniors Robert Dozier and Antonio Anderson. He shot 36.3 percent from the arc and hit a team-best 66 3-pointers but saw his playing time diminish as the Tigers advanced through the NCAA Tournament.
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