Caleb Mills, G
Coming off the bench for Hardaway, the former Houston and Florida State guard has been the key sixth man and the perfect rational pieces for this Tigers backcourt averaging 7.9 PPG and 0.9 TOPG. Some expected more production from Mills when brought in this offseason off a career-year with the Seminoles, but for this talented and crowded Memphis contingent he’s been the right addition.
After back-to-back losses against Villanova and Ole Miss to stumble the Tigers, it was Mills helping to stabilize the regime with 17 points and two assists in a bounce back win over VCU. Four days later in an upset of then No. 21 Texas A&M, Mills 13 points off the bench were bested only by Jones and Quinerly as the Tigers dug out an 81-75 road win.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin, F
Initially starting the season suspended with Kansas State for unknown reasons, Tomlin transferred to Memphis on Dec. 19 and made his debut against Vanderbilt just before Christmas. On Dec. 30 against Austin Peay, Tomlin announced himself to the Tigers fans with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds to help take down the Governors 81-70.
Following three seasons as one of the country’s top JUCO prospects, Tomlin’s emergence last year helped the Wildcats to an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Now, in just six appearances off the bench for Memphis, he’s already the team’s third-leading scorer averaging a DI career-high of 10.8 PPG.
Jonathan Pierre, F
A former Division II National Champion at Nova Southeastern, Pierre was one of this past offseason’s most coveted DII recruits with offers and interest from all across the country. Deciding to join Memphis, Pierre’s impact has been minimal, averaging just 1.1 PPG with nine appearances for Hardaway this season highlighted by a season-high six points over Alabama State.
However, Pierre is highly talented but young and his addition this past offseason speaks to the continued growth of this Memphis program. A year on the bench learning from the Tigers staff will prove invaluable to Pierre’s development with 2-3 years of eligibility remaining. Expect him to be a starter or role player next season, as some of Memphis’ veteran transfer talent moves on from college basketball in the offseason.
