Memphis will be Without 2 Starters vs. NC State

NC State is a 1.5-point favorite over #16 Memphis today, but that is in large part to who the Tigers are missing.

Memphis will be without superstar Freshman James Wiseman, who is serving a 12-game suspension due to recruiting violations. In his first three games, Wiseman was averaging a double-double of 19.7 points and 10.7 rebounds.

They will also be without starting Freshman Guard Lester Quinones, with a broken bone in his shooting hand. Quinones has played in all 6 games, averaging 10.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.

Wiseman and Quinones are 2 of the 7 members of Memphis’ #1 2019 recruiting class. The Tigers officially boast the youngest roster in the nation. Their starting 5 players entering the season were all Freshman.

That means that while two pieces are missing, the Tigers are still loaded with young talent.

Forward Precious Achiuwa (6’9″) was the other 5-star prospect in the recruiting class besides Wiseman, and he’s living up to the hype. Through 6 games, Achiuwa is averaging 15 points and 8.3 boards.

Freshman Forward D.J. Jefferies (6’7″) is averaging 14 points and 3.8 rebounds.