This season will be a turning point in Memphis basketball for many reasons. After this last season we have seen changes that many of us thought would never happen. These changes have only added to a mountain of questions in the back of our minds as a new basketball season inches closer. If we are all going to be honest we have to admit that we thought that the recruiting class of Coach Cal was a lock for the final for if not the championship game especially if Tyreke Evans would have stayed for another season. Our optimism was not shaken by Evans departure for the NBA and many of us were still seeing visions of nets falling even as Coach Cal walked out of the arena for the last time but after watching blue chip recruit after blue chip recruit leave for Kentucky, Kansas, and other places unknown that optimism started to fade as less positive thoughts filled many heads. 

So what are questions that need to be answered this year?

Question number one-

Can a first year coach keep the fire in this program? I think that Coach Pastner can continue the winning tradition that Coach Cal has started. Coach Pastner spent several years working under Cal soaking in every aspect of the program both good and bad at the same time making mental notes of what changes he would make once he was given the opportunity. I think that this team can use his fire and youth as a driving point. 

Question 2

Will the blue chips ever return? I think this is the most important question in every fans mind. It is one thing to coach a team that is already stocked but it is another thing to do the shopping that stocks those shelves. As it stands right now the answer is no for the simple reason that we have lost one of the best recruiting classes that has ever been seen in college basketball history. We no longer carry that proven stamp of approval that says come here you will win and you will go pro. It is sad to say but the second part of that statement is at the heart of many kids college choice these days.  These kids for the most part are not looking at what the school or the town has to offer they are looking at one simple fact can this guy get me to the pros and if so how long will it take. Coach Cal had a laundry list of proven NBA talent and with every Derrick Rose that he produces that is one less phone call he has to make to convince the nation's best to follow him in to the unknown. Coach Pastner is known as a good recruiter but he now has to build a reputation as a guy that can model your game for the pros. 

Question 3

 Will Memphis once again think about wearing those FedEx color way jerseys that they chose to closet last year on FedEx night? I think the simple answer here is let's hope not. I personally don't like it when teams change their uniforms for no real reason. I think that the colors of the school have meaning and to change them for a promotion night is just wrong. I am all for a patch on the jersey or some new paint on the floor but orange and purple unis for Memphis is just wrong. 

These are just a small list of questions that are on my mind as the basketball season approaches. I am sure we all will have more questions and articles to answer them as tip off nears