THE GOOD NEWS
John Calipari has a new contract and continues to vacuum talent to his campus. The latest, McDonald's All-American guard Tyreke Evans, could replace NBA-bound Derrick Rose in the starting lineup. The Tigers most likely return six players who played significant roles in the 2007-08 season and appear to be headed toward another strong recruiting class.

THE BAD NEWS
They lose their best rebounder and post defender in center Joey Dorsey and junior wing Chris Douglas-Roberts along with Rose, to the NBA Draft. Doneal Mack also left as a transfer.

KEY RETURNEES
Guard Antonio Anderson, forward Robert Dozier, center/forward Shawn Taggart, guard Willie Kemp, guard/forward Jeff Robinson.

ROSTER REPORT

--After earning first-team All-American and C-USA player of the year honors and playing well in the postseason, Douglas-Roberts entered the NBA draft. With his combination of height (6-foot-7), wing span, scoring potential, ability to score in traffic and strong intangibles, he is widely regarded as a first-round selection and a possible top-20 pick. NBA Draft analysts insist he plays an old-school game with his ability to score off the drive and pull-up jumpers they wonder if his ability to hit so many unorthodox shots will transfer to the next level. While he's improved as a 3-point shooter he still has a lot to prove from the perimeter at the next level.

--No single player did more to improve his draft stock in the postseason that Rose. He came to Memphis as one of the nation's top prep players and coach John Calipari knew he might only last one season in college but in the NCAA Tournament, Rose put the Tigers in a position to contend for the top spot in the NBA Draft. Rose was already regarded as a savvy, intelligent player with good skills and instincts but he improved in many areas over the course of the season, including his assist-turnover ratio. He's often been compared to NBA standout Jason Kidd for his ability to create points for his teammates and himself. He still has a lot to prove in terms of decision-making, playing under control, cutting back on turnovers and shooting from the perimeter but NBA draft analysts believe he is ready for the next step.

--With the loss of Rose, Douglas-Roberts and Dorsey, Dozier becomes Memphis' top returning scorer and rebounder with 9.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Dozier has always been a player who fit in as a piece in the overall puzzle and has never had to carry a big role. He must add more size, strength and maturity to go to the next level. The same can be said of Taggart, who brings good ball skills and versatility for a 6-foot-10 sophomore but must get stronger and more physical down low.

--Anderson has spent most of his college career as a "glue" player, developing a reputation as a strong defender and capable scorer and ballhandler but with 8.6 points per game in 2007-08 he's never had to carry a big scoring load and will likely have to improve his overall offensive game to give the Tigers what they need.

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