Memphis women’s basketball refuses to let COVID keep them from success in 2020
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BVM) – Following a disappointing 14-17 season, the University of Memphis women’s basketball team went into their offseason ready to rebuild, retool and re-establish themselves as a team to watch in the American Athletic Conference.
Over the last six months, Tigers’ head coach Melissa McFerrin has been working with her coaching staff trying to find the best way to keep her players not only motivated, but healthy.
“We are still limited to being in close proximity to each other than on the court and being outdoors,” McFerrin said. “We’re adjusting and doing the best that we can. What we’ve found is that our video sessions have to be shorter and more focused on certain points because it’s harder to hold our players’ attention.”
McFerrin herself has become much more careful about her surroundings and is doing all that she can to ensure her own health.
“I am the queen of Clorox wipes,” McFerrin said. “My hands are so chapped because I live with that stuff on me.”
McFerrin is not the only person trying to keep clean, as the NCAA and other divisions of college athletics have decided to postpone some, if not all, of their sports in hopes to prevent any potential outbreaks. In fact, the University of Memphis has not been exempted from this, as they have already had to postpone their volleyball, rugby and soccer seasons until the spring. This comes after they canceled all of their spring sports earlier this year as well.
The Tigers for now look like they have bypassed postponement and are slated to begin their season Nov. 25 against a yet to be determined opponent. The unpredictability of this season has not been lost on players, as they try their best to have optimism for the season but remain careful at the same time.
One of the players who has been the biggest supporter of the season returning is sophomore guard Madison Griggs who, as a freshman, established herself as an up and coming powerhouse in the AAC. Last season, Griggs broke the AAC freshman single-season record for 3-pointers made with 96. That mark also broke the University of Memphis single-season 3point record for both men’s and women’s hoops. Not only that, but she was ranked seventh in the nation in 3-pointers made.
These marks are made more impressive when factoring in that she made just 13 starts in her inaugural season as a Tiger. Coach McFerrin named Griggs as a player who had become more of a vocal leader since the return of practices and an athlete she has a lot of expectations for.
“Madison has been much more vocal than she has been in the past,” McFerrin said. “I think that has really helped. She’s one of those players who know the system, like their teammates and are in a position where they can influence them positively.”
Griggs herself has seen her growth over the last year, which she says will help her to achieve her goals during such an unprecedented year.
“I’m way more prepared than I was last year,” Griggs said. “I’m grateful for the experience last year and I feel like I’m two, three times more experienced than last year already.”
Tigers senior forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu has also been adamant about playing this season, but for different reasons. As a senior, Mendjiadeu has a lot less time than Griggs to carve out her own path, especially with her hopes to be drafted into the WNBA.
“My biggest motivation right now is getting drafted,” Mendjiadeu said. “ I know it is a big goal, but I feel that I can reach that.”
As a junior transfer last season, Mendjiadeu had an early impact despite having to get accustomed to her new surroundings. She started all 31 games and was second on the team in scoring with an average of 12.2 points but led the team in rebounds (8.6) and blocks for the year (27). Even with all of those being good numbers, Mendjiadeu understands that she still has work to do if she wants to make it to the next level.
“I couldn’t go back home, so I was in Florida during the off-season,” Mendjiadeu said. “I was fortunate to have a friend who played basketball before who helped me train. She told me that if I didn’t prepare, I wouldn’t be ready for practice, so I stayed in the gym. I didn’t have time to sleep.”
McFerrin has taken note of how hard Mendjiadeu has been working and sees her as a player to look up to on the team.
“Dulcy is the greatest example there is of leading by example with her effort level,” McFerrin said.
What has helped Mendjiadeu maintain that work ethic is from what she grew up learning in her native country, Cameroon. Whereas some players would be discouraged by the world’s travel restrictions and not being able to see her family, she is strengthened by it and just views COVID as a mere obstacle on her quest towards her goal.
“In Cameroon, they cannot really stop what they are doing,” Medjiadeu said. “Over there if they don’t work, then they won’t eat. I’ve seen worse than COVID, so I’m not scared of it. I had no doubts about playing. I came [to America] to be successful and my family back home is what motivates me.”
The AAC has yet to announce the Tigers schedule or whether or not they can have fans, but at least for right now, neither are the team’s top priority.
With two months to prepare, McFerrin knows that it is a relief to have confirmation of play, but it is on them to ensure that they are ready for it.
“We know we’re going to have a season, but we know we’re going to have a season if we do everything right,” McFerrin said. “So, we’re focused on doing everything right as it relates to COVID and now we’re just focused on getting our bodies ready.”
