No it’s not over.
Contrary to popular belief, the Josh Pastner era did not end after the University of Memphis’ loss to East Carolina 84-83 Sunday afternoon at FedExForum.
Two days later, the Tigers put on an offensive show, led by senior forward Shaq Goodwin’s career high 35 points, against the University of Central Florida to earn its first true road win of the season, 97-86.
I’ll admit it’s weird writing this column considering Pastner has the fourth most wins, as a coach, in Memphis basketball history. However, the Pastner era seems closer to its end than to its beginning. Memphis is 13-7 this season and has a 4-3 conference record in a subpar American. Also Pastner’s teams are 5-24 against the Associated Press Top 25, and haven’t advanced past the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, in four attempts.
In addition, the Tigers will probably miss the big dance for the second consecutive season, unless they win the American Athletic Conference Tournament. As farfetched as it sounds, it cannot be ruled out given the quality of teams in the American. Especially since nationally ranked SMU is ineligible for the postseason.
Goodwin said the team is aware of the negativity currently surrounding the program, but they try not to dwell on it.
“They come to me (the freshmen) and we talk about it all the time,” Goodwin said. “That’s gonna be there. Especially when you lose games you’re not supposed to lose. Whatever the case may be, it’s gonna be there. You’ve got to stick with what we have going on, and not the negativity. It’s easy to fall towards that.”
Of course, Pastner had some initial success, that’s why –whether you agreed with the decision or not – athletic director Tom Bowen and former University president Shirley Raines gave Pastner a contract extension in 2013.
Although instead of Tiger basketball program achieving further success under Pastner, it’s gone downhill. The average attendance has dropped from 16,121 two years ago to 11,534 this season. The fan base has tuned out, I think the players and the team deserves more support, personally, but it’s another sign the end could be near.
Recruiting, one of the staples of Pastner’s tenure at Memphis, also looks bleak, given the Tigers have two recruits lined up for next season, Jimario Rivers from Southwest Community College and point guard Charlie Moore from Morgan Park High School in Chicago.
Most importantly, the winning for has stopped. The Tigers, under Pastner, are 31-21 in their last 52 games. That is not good enough. Not for a basketball program that aspires to be in the top 25 on a yearly basis. Memphis doesn’t have a single signature victory in the past two seasons. An argument can be made the best victory Memphis has in that stretch is a loss to then-No. 8 Oklahoma at the beginning of the season.
Pastner, who is scheduled to earn $2.65 million per year until 2020, should have more wins in the last two seasons. He’s being paid like an elite coach; it’s only fair to hold him to a standard in which all the elite coaches are held to in college basketball.
Yes, the defenses for Pastner are dwindling. Nevertheless, one defense is Memphis didn’t quit against UCF following the embarrassing loss to ECU. That’s why I can’t say it’s over, because the team, led by Shaq Goodwin, Dedric Lawson and Ricky Tarrant, hasn’t “quit” on Pastner.
In fairness to Pastner, he still believes in his team and understands that the results haven’t been where he liked them to be. At his press conference Thursday ahead of the SMU game Pastner said he’s still committed to the program.
“I’ve given all of my energy and I will continue to give all of my energy to Memphis,” Pastner said. “And continue to do the best I can and that we can to make the university and their city proud of their program. Doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some ups and downs along the way. No one wants to win more than I do. I can assure you that.”
Pastner later admitted in his press conference actions speak louder than words. Ultimately, it comes down to winning unless Memphis and Pastner pile up the wins like it once did, the Pastner era could soon be used in the past tense.
University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner has been coaching the Tigers since 2009. However, the Tigers have failed to make the postseason in the past two years, after making it each of the first five years of Pastner's career at Memphis.
