Memphis Tigers to Face Colorado State in NCAA Tournament Without Key Guard Tyrese Hunter
The Memphis Tigers, poised to embark on their journey through the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, will confront an immediate challenge as they enter the bracket without a pivotal member of their roster: guard Tyrese Hunter. Hunter has officially confirmed his absence from the lineup for the opening round of the tournament, and potentially beyond, as the fifth-seeded Tigers prepare to clash with the twelfth-seeded Colorado State Rams in a highly anticipated West Region first-round matchup. The game is scheduled as part of the exhilarating March Madness action on Friday.
Speaking candidly at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Hunter addressed the media on Thursday, stating, "I can honestly say I’m not playing tomorrow." His words, reported by The Commercial Appeal, a part of the USA TODAY Network, confirmed the looming absence that has cast a shadow over the Tigers’ preparations.
Hunter sustained a left foot injury during the second half of the Tigers’ hard-fought American Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament semifinal victory over Tulane. This injury sidelined him for the championship game against Alabama-Birmingham, where reserve guard Baraka Okojie stepped into the starting role in his absence.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway had remained tight-lipped about Hunter’s availability in the lead-up to the NCAA Tournament, refraining from definitively ruling him out of Friday’s game. However, the confirmation from Hunter himself has now clarified the situation. Adding to the Tigers’ backcourt concerns is the continued absence of backup point guard Dante Harris, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. While Harris’s return for the game against Colorado State remains a possibility, his status remains uncertain.
Earlier in the week, Coach Hardaway had characterized Hunter’s situation as "in a little more difficult situation than Dante," hinting at the severity of Hunter’s injury. During Thursday’s press conference, Hardaway revealed that Harris had begun running drills but remained unsure whether he would be cleared to play in the first-round contest.
Tyrese Hunter’s journey to Memphis began this season after spending two years with the Texas Longhorns. Prior to his time in Texas, Hunter had made a name for himself at Iowa State, where he earned the prestigious Big 12 Freshman of the Year award during the 2021-22 season. This year, he has been a significant contributor for the Tigers, averaging 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Notably, he has displayed remarkable accuracy from beyond the arc, shooting 40.1% from 3-point range. Hunter’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Tigers, who will need to find ways to compensate for his scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions.
Despite their higher seeding as a No. 5, Memphis enters Friday’s matchup against No. 12 Colorado State as the underdog. This reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Tigers’ roster and the Rams’ potential to pull off an upset. The weight of expectations may be slightly lessened, but the Tigers will have to play exceptional basketball to live up to their potential, especially with the injury concerns that surround the squad.
It is worth noting that the Tigers have achieved considerable success under Coach Penny Hardaway this season, securing both the AAC regular-season and tournament championships for the first time under his leadership. The coach will have to use every ounce of skill he possesses to come up with an effective game plan. The squad must also lean on the leadership of their veteran players to help calm the nerves of some of the younger players, who will likely play extended minutes because of the injuries to key players.
The loss of Tyrese Hunter throws a wrench into Memphis’s plans and forces them to make adjustments on the fly. It also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make a difference. Baraka Okojie, who started in Hunter’s place in the AAC championship game, will likely see an increased role. Other players like Jahvon Quinerly and David Jones will need to elevate their games to help fill the void left by Hunter’s absence. The Tigers’ depth will be tested, and their ability to adapt to adversity will be crucial to their success.
Colorado State, on the other hand, will undoubtedly look to capitalize on Hunter’s absence. The Rams are a talented team with a balanced attack, and they will be eager to exploit any weaknesses in the Memphis lineup. They will likely focus on containing the Tigers’ other key players and forcing them into difficult shots.
The game promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams vying for a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. For Memphis, it will be a test of their resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. For Colorado State, it will be an opportunity to prove themselves on the national stage and potentially pull off a significant upset.
The Tigers will need to rely on their defensive intensity and their ability to control the pace of the game. They will also need to find ways to generate offense without Hunter’s scoring prowess. The contributions of players like David Jones, Jahvon Quinerly, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin will be crucial.
The coaching staff will also need to make smart adjustments throughout the game, adapting to Colorado State’s game plan and finding ways to exploit their weaknesses. Communication and teamwork will be essential, especially with a depleted roster.
Ultimately, the outcome of the game will depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively and who can rise to the occasion in the face of pressure. It will be a battle of wills, and the team that demonstrates the most grit and determination will likely emerge victorious.
The absence of Tyrese Hunter is a significant blow to the Memphis Tigers, but it is not insurmountable. With a collective effort, a strong defensive performance, and clutch play from their remaining players, the Tigers can still overcome the challenge and advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
