The American Digital Network's Mike O'Donnell goes in-depth on the matchups and players to watch in the 2018 Aaron's American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship.
Also be sure to follow the Championship on Twitter (
@American_MBB) for in-game video thoughts and analysis from O'Donnell as the games are playing out.
CHAMPIONSHIP
#1 Cincinnati vs. #3 Houston (3:30 pm ET)
Cincinnati Scouting Report
Attack the rim
The frontcourt of Houston has been prone to foul trouble in the last 2 games. Clark, Scott, Evans, and Washington should be thinking 2 things every possession. Straight line drives to the rim and crash the offensive glass. Collecting east points from free throws allows you to set up your press and demoralizes any Houston Cougar run.
Pick your poison
Houston is led by one of the best combo’s in the conference… Rob Gray Jr. and Devin Davis. When they score in double figures they can beat anyone in the country. The Bearcats cannot let Davis AND Gray Jr. go off. It’s almost impossible to defend both of them perfectly, but if you can force Davis or Gray Jr. into single digits in the scoring column you will be really good shape come crunch time.
Key Player
The Problem… Gary Clark. American Conference player of the year AND Defensive player of the year! Clark could have himself a monster game on the glass if he’s patient. He may not get any clean looks early due to SMU’s zone, but he could have 20 points on offensive rebounds alone if he’s playing aggressive… and he always does.
Houston Scouting Report
Defend without fouling
The Cougars sent Wichita State to the line for a total of 28 free throws. The Bearcats are the only team in conference that attack the glass better than the Shockers. Davis, Zanna, and Grant need to wall up and defend without picking up early fouls.
Look for the Iso
The guards and SMU and Memphis had great success breaking down the backcourt of Cincinnati off the dribble. The Bearcats know exactly what your motion offense and set plays are going to be. That’s their mantra and they are excellent at staying true to the scouting report. But, it seems the 1 on 1 dribble drive attacks are a bit of a weakness in the defensive armor of Cincinnati. Brooks, Gray Jr., and Robinson should stay laser focused in attack mode.
Key Player
Rob Gray Jr. The best scorer in the country that you don’t know enough about. My favorite thing about his game is that he’s a multi-dimensional scorer. Great 3-point shooter, smooth 15-foot dribble jumper, and a strong finisher around the rim. Any area inside of 30ft I like to call “The Gray” area, because there is virtually no place inside of that area that Rob Gray Jr. can’t hurt opposing team defenses.
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SEMIFINALS
#1 Cincinnati vs. #5 Memphis (1:00 pm ET)
Cincinnati Scouting Report
Open 3-point shots will be there
Memphis has the worst 3FG% defense in the American conference. They have a tendency to gamble for steals which leads to open shooters and they make it a priority to protect the paint. Interior defense is the Tiger’s strength. The deeper you can get in the lane with the intention to kick out for open 3’s the better. Evans, Cumberland, Washington, Broome, and even Clark could all have big nights from the 3-point line.
Under pressure
With Jeremiah Martin out the majority of the point guard duties have fallen to Kareem Brewton Jr. Brewton is a super player but depth at that position is questionable. This will be the 3 game in 3 days for the Tigers and Brewton has had to log heavy minutes. Some full court press action, without fouling, could blow this game wide open.
Key Player
The Problem… Gary Clark. American Conference player of the year AND Defensive player of the year! Clark could have himself a monster game on the glass if he’s patient. He may not get any clean looks early due to SMU’s zone, but he could have 20 points on offensive rebounds alone if he’s playing aggressive… and he always does.
Memphis Scouting Report
Attack!!
The one the SMU did really well that seemed to hurt Cincinnati on defense was the 1 on 1 dribble drive. The Mustangs guards were able to get deep into the lane off dribble penetration through counter moves and ball fakes. 1 on 1 perimeter defense could be a defect in the Bearcats defense. Brewton, Nickelberry, and Martin should stay locked into dribble drive attack mode.
Prepare for a battle in the paint
Relentless physicality is the name of the game for the Bearcats. They are first in the conference in blocks and 2
nd in rebounding margin. Parks, Davenport, Rivers, and even Nickelberry have to pump fake every shot attempt around the rim and not shy away from contact.
Key Player
The hero! Kareem Brewton Jr. takes his game winning heroics into a huge semifinal matchup with Cincinnati. He is the engine of this team now with Jeremiah Martin out for the season. He has a scorers first mentality but it’s starting to become apparent that he can run the show as well. For this game in particular, I wouldn’t mind of Brewton had more assists than points. The Bearcats are going to come with a ton of ball pressure in an effort to disrupt Brewton’s game. Brewton needs to be a point guard today, not just
a guard.
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#2 Wichita State vs. #3 Houston (3:30 pm ET)
Wichita State Scouting Report
Close out on 3-point shooters
The the soft area of the Shockers defense is the way they guard the 3pt line. The Shockers are 2
nd to last in the American Conference in 3FG% Defense. They gave up too many 3’s in their win over Temple. That should be looked at carefully because Houston is the 2
nd best 3-point team in the conference. The Shockers cannot have a repeat performance from last night and expect to come out victorious.
Feed the big boys!
Houston does not have a legitimate post presence. They win games off great offense and perimeter ball pressure. I would try and be patient in the halfcourt, work the shot clock, and go inside early and often. Morris and McDuffie could have a field day with great patience. If the double team comes?... perfect, that means Shamet, Frankamp, or Reaves are open… and I’ll take those odds any day of the week.
Key Player
Landry Shamet is a pro. He’s one of the 5 best point guards in the country for good reason. Stats aside, he might have the highest basketball IQ in the conference. He is coming off a 24-point performance and appears to be playing his best hoops of the year just when you need him to. Shamet was not himself in the loss at Houston. Expect the savvy point guard to have some extra edge in his game tonight.
Houston Scouting Report
Active hands
In Houston’s huge home win over the Shockers a few weeks ago, the Cougars were able to dismantle the Shockers guards through a ridiculous amount of ball pressure. Houston wanted it more. That was evident. Houston has the speed and guard depth to repeat the pressure and energy. Force the Wichita State guards into spaces they hate going… backwards.
Drive to pass
Gray, Robinson, and Brooks could have high assists games if they attack the rim to pass. The Shockers are one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to protecting the rim. BUT, they will over-help at times. That leaves open shooters in the corners and wings. Every Houston Cougar player capable of knocking down 3’s needs to have their hands and feet ready on any attack dribble toward the rim.
Key Player
Rob Gray Jr. The best scorer in the country that you don’t know enough about. My favorite thing about his game is that he’s a multi-dimensional scorer. Great 3-point shooter, smooth 15-foot dribble jumper, and a strong finisher around the rim. Any area inside of 30ft I like to call “The Gray” area, because there is virtually no place inside of that area that Rob Gray Jr. can’t hurt opposing team defenses.
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QUARTERFINALS
#1 Cincinnati vs. #9 SMU (12:00 pm ET)
Cincinnati Scouting Report
Guard the 3-point line
Even without preseason player of the year Shake Milton the Mustangs are still a very dangerous offensive team. McMurray and Ben Emelogu are capable of hitting 5 3-pointers on any given night. They hit 10 3-balls in yesterdays’ win vs UConn and most of those came late in the shot clock. The Bearcats better be ready to guard for the entirety of the shot clock.
Crash the Glass
Because SMU is undersized and forced to play mainly zone (due to multiple season ending injuries) they are ranked 11 out of 12 American teams in total rebounds per game. That’s something that Coach Cronin will want to exploit on both ends of the floor. 2
nd chance points will be an important stat to follow if you are a Cincinnati fan.
Key Player
The Problem… Gary Clark. American Conference player of the year AND Defensive player of the year! Clark could have himself a monster game on the glass if he’s patient. He may not get any clean looks early due to SMU’s zone, but he could have 20 points on offensive rebounds alone if he’s playing aggressive… and he always does.
SMU Scouting Report
All 5 must box out!
Cincinnati averages 13 offensive rebounds per game… making them the 15
th best offensive rebounding team in the nation. SMU has to play zone due to size and lack of depth. The Mustangs cannot rebound a spot. Each player has to find a man and box out like your life depended on it.
Patience patience patience
This Mustang team has been devastated by injuries. But the loss to Pre Season Player of the Year Shake Milton hurts the most. With the loss of Milton and a depleted roster the Mustangs have to play slow ball. Which means zone defense and massive amounts of patience on offense. Expect the Mustangs to work the shot clock down to the final 5 seconds on almost every offensive possession. Points in the pain will be near impossible to come by… be ready to knock down the 3-ball!
Key Player
Jamal McMurray has been playing out of his mind. He’s streaky, but that can be a good thing in conference tournament settings. McMurray is averaging 18ppg since Milton’s injury. If McMurray can get hot, stay slightly under control, the Mustangs can still play with anyone.
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#4 Tulsa vs. #5 Memphis (2:00 pm ET)
Tulsa Scouting Report
Transition Defense
Sprinting back on defense is a huge key when facing the Memphis Tigers. Brewton Jr. and Davenport are dynamic in the open floor and thrive off getting east fastbreak buckets. Any missed shot, FT, or live ball turnover must be treated with a massive sense of urgency.
Share the wealth
Tulsa has won 8 out of their last 9 games for many reasons, but, the most important one has been their balanced scoring attack. In conference play, 4 Golden Hurricanes are averaging double figures in scoring (Etou, Henderson, Taplin, & Igbanu). It’s never just one guy that gets the cooking done for Tulsa… the recipe for success is baked in collaboration on the offensive end. Don’t mess up the flow of the kitchen.
Key Player
Junior Etou has been a monster this season. 2
nd team all-conference and for good reason. He’s first on the team in scoring and rebounding. Leads the American Conference in double doubles and the only player in the American Conference who ranks in the top 5 in scoring and rebounding. A special talent.
Memphis Scouting Report
Gang rebound
Tulsa has outrebounded their opponents 7 out of the last 9 games. During that stretch The Golden Hurricane have been holding teams to 31 rebounds per game. That’s pretty tough folks. Memphis has the athletes to compete on the glass with Tulsa but it HAS to be a priority every single possession.
Next man up
Jeremiah Martin is out for the year and its hard to think about replacing a top score in the league and one of the best on ball defenders. But you can’t dwell on it and you can’t just have one guys step up and fill that void. It has to be a collective effort.
Key Player
Kyvon Davenport had a massive game last night with 27 points. He was big time. But I still feel that Kareem Brewton Jr. is the engine now with Jeremiah Martin out for the season. Last night he was really solid in setting up the offense. He turned it over a few times in transition but overall ran the show well. He has a scorers first mentality but it’s starting to become apparent that he can run the show as well. Brewton dished out a smooth 7 assists in the win.
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#2 Wichita State vs. #7 Temple (7:00 pm ET)
Wichita State Scouting Report
Close out on 3-point shooters
The only soft area of the Shockers defense is the way they guard the 3pt line. The Shockers are 2
nd to last in the American Conference in 3FG% Defense. That should be a major point of emphasis in this game because the Owls will have 4 players on the court at all times that are capable from the 3-point line.
Pound the glass!
Temple is the worst rebounding team in the American. Morris and McDuffie could have a field day if they make it a point to crash the glass on every shot (and they usually do). Sometimes in conference tournaments, especially on neutral courts, shots just don’t fall like they normally do. Find ways to manufacture points around the rim through offensive rebounding. It’s a great way to fix any shooting woes. Those rebounds will be there.
Key Player
Landry Shamet is a pro. NBA scouts love the fact that he’s a tall and savvy point guard that can knock down the 3-ball. He’s one of the 5 best point guards in the country for good reason. Stats aside, he might have the highest basketball IQ in the conference. Shamet won’t wow you with a highlight reel dunk… he’ll just win games instead.
Temple Scouting Report
Don’t gamble on defense
One of the best things that the Shockers do on offense is they make defenses pay when they gamble for steals. You cannot beat the Shockers by pressure. Too many shooters and ball-handlers to worry about. Keep it simple, play hard, and be ready for multiple ballscreens in each possession.
Share the Wealth
Quinton Rose is 7
th in the American in scoring and is already a 20-point threat when he laces them up. But, the Owls are at their best when they have at least 3 players scoring in double figures. Rose, Alston, Enechioyna, and Pierre-Louis all scored in double figures
Key Player
Quinton Rose is the best quiet scorer in the conference. He is one of those guys that seems to get 15, 5, & 5 every night without breaking a sweat. When Rose is playing well there is a VERY good chance the Owls are playing well.
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FIRST ROUND
#8 UConn vs. #9 SMU (12:00 pm ET)
SMU Scouting Report
Patience patience patience
This Mustang team has been devastated by injuries. SMU have played the last 9 games with only 7 scholarship players or fewer. But the loss to Pre Season Player of the Year Shake Milton hurts the most. He can single handedly beat anyone in the conference. With the loss of Milton and a depleted roster the Mustangs have to play slow ball. Which means zone defense and massive amounts of patience on offense. Expect the Mustangs to work the shot clock down to the final 5 seconds on almost every offensive possession.
Get back on D!
Transition Defense will be huge for SMU in this matchup vs UCONN. Last time they played the Huskies, they gave up 21 points in transition off 10 turnovers. If the Mustangs can force UCONN to play in the halfcourt and not turn it into a footrace they will be in a great position come crunch time.
Key Player
Ethan Chagrois may be on the All-Rookie team and a player a I believe will be a force in the American Conference in years to come, but there is another Mustang player that needs to have a big game. Jamal McMurray. He’s streaky, but that can be a good thing in conference tournament settings. McMurray is averaging 18ppg since Milton’s injury. If McMurray can get hot, stay slightly under control, the Mustangs can still play with anyone.
UCONN Scouting Report
Run Huskies run!
I believe the UConn are at their best when 2
nd team All-Conference pick Jalen Adams is leading the break. They have the athletes and speed to push the tempo against a SMU team that wants to play at a slower pace. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a little full court press to stir things up early.
Shooters be ready!
SMU’s zone defense is susceptible to open 3-pointers. Last game vs SMU the Huskies hit 9 trey balls. Ball movement and dribble penetration in the gaps will open up shots beyond the arc. But you can’t fall in love with the deep ball. That’s what SMU wants!
Key Player
Jalen Adams of course! He leads the Huskies in scoring, assist, and 3
rd in rebounding. It’s really hard to stop Adams when he is dialed in. I would expect a big assist game from Adams in the game. His penetration ability vs the SMU zone will be counted on heavily.
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#5 Memphis vs. #12 USF (2:00 pm ET)
USF Scouting Report
Clean that glass!
Don’t look now but the USF Bulls are winners of 2 in a row! Their success over the last 2 games has all been about rebounding and hustle. The Bulls won the rebounding battle in their last 2 wins over Memphis and SMU. In fact… USF is 8-4 when they win the rebounding battle. The Bulls have the size and athleticism to rebound with anyone in the American Conference.
Sharing is caring
In their last win vs SMU the Bulls had 18 assists on 24 made baskets. Between Banks, Collins, and Samuel you will find plenty of shooting to go around. It’s been there all season and now the ball movement and dribble penetration is finding it’s rhythm. Perfect timing… conference tournaments are all about rhythm.
Key Player
Freshman David Collins is special. That was a huge get for Coach Brian Gregory and his staff. Collins was voted to the American All-Freshman team and deservedly so. He is second among American Conference freshman in scoring, 1
st in assists, and tied for 1
st in steals. He has had an enormous impact on the Bulls season.
Memphis Scouting Report
Next man up
Jeremiah Martin is out for the year and its hard to think about replacing a top scoere in the league and one of the best on ball defenders. But you can’t dwell on it and you can’t just have one guys step up and fill that void. It has to be a collective effort. The Bulls broke the Tigers 4 game winning streak last week in a game that saw the Tigers seem out of sync. Memphis can and should bounce back from that loss with a defensive effort fueled by a bit of revenge.
Guard the 3-point line
USF has been extremely consistent from the 3-point line the last 2 games. Memphis must be ready to wall up dribble penetration from the Bull’s 4 guard lineup. I would want to keep any extra eye on help side defense in this game.
Key Player
Kareem Brewton Jr. bounced back nicely from his 1-10 shooting performance vs USF. He went 10-15 on his way to 22 points in the Senior night win vs ECU. Brewton is being asked to fill in the starting point guard duties of injured Jeremiah Martin. He has a scorers first mentality but it’s starting to become apparent that he can run the show as well. Brewton dished out a smooth 7 assists in the win.
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#7 Temple vs. #10 Tulane (7:00 pm ET)
Tulane Scouting Report
Priority #1… Rebound!
The Owls are last in rebounding margin. So Tulane must take advantage of that statistic. Samir Sehic should make it a point to own the glass on the defensive end. On the other end, Frazier should crash the glass on every shot for offensive rebounds and tip dunks. Easy buckets will be there if you put in the work.
Get to the rim
Tulane and Temple split their matchups in the conference regular season. Both game were a battle and we should expect nothing less. The Owls are very good defensively… 2
nd in FG% Defense and 3
rd in steals. With the Owls defending the perimeter so well it will be paramount that the Green Wave find ways to attack the rim for layups or free throws.
Key Player
Melvin Frazier had himself a season. American Athletic Conference’s Most Improved Player and 2
nd Team All-Conference. Frazier is that dangerous combination of freaky athletic and gifted shooter. Oh, he’s pretty efficient too… Frazier has the 3
rd best FG% in the entire American Conference.
Temple Scouting Report
Defend to score
Temple has the guard speed to disrupt The Green Wave’s halfcourt offense with ball pressure. If the Owls can force live ball turnovers and protect the paint on dribble drives they will be successful. Rose and Alston need to have huge defensive games.
Share the Wealth
Quinton Rose is 7
th in the American in scoring and is already a 20 point threat when he laces them up. But, the Owls are at their best when they have at least 3 players scoring in double figures. Rose, Alston, Enechioyna, and Pierre-Louis all scored in double figures
Key Player
Quinton Rose is the best quiet scorer in the conference. He is one of those guys that seems to get 15, 5, & 5 every night without breaking a sweat. When Rose is playing well there is a VERY good chance the Owls are playing well.
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#6 UCF vs. #11 ECU (9:00 pm ET)
ECU Scouting Report
Defend to score
Even without rim protecting center Tacko Fall, the Knights are still one the nation’s best haflcourt defensive teams. They are holding conference opponents to under 61ppg. So you won’t beat them in a low scoring slug fest. He Pirates guards must create havoc on the defensive end in hopes of opening the game up in a fast break. The more the Pirates can run, the better situation they will find themselves in.
Don’t fall in love the 3-ball
ECU has phenomenal guards. Barkley, Tyson, Fleming and Freshman of the Year Shawn Williams. They all have 2 things in common. The are dynamic at attacking the basket… and they have a tendency to shoot too many 3-pointers. The Pirates shoot only 30% from the 3-point line as a team. You can’t fall into the trap of shooting deep 3-balls… that’s what the Knights want you to do. ECU should attack the rim early and often!
Key Player
BJ Tyson has been a mainstay in the American Conference. He is the 2nd all-time leading scorer in conference history due his knack for being multidimensional. Tyson has to play big as the senior leader.
UCF Scouting Report
Own the Glass
The Pirates have some of the best guards in the conference… and they shoot a ton of jumpshots. With every shot there needs to be a box out by all 5 on the floor for the Knights. Limiting ECU to one shot per possession will frustrate the Pirates. ECU wants to play fast and loose, don’t let them, grind out possessions by eliminating all 2
nd change opportunities.
Execute order 66
Ok Star Wars fans, that one was for you. If you know, you are one with the force, if you don’t know I beg you to forgive me and keep reading. Scoring has been the main frustration all year for UCF. But, the Knights are 11-1 this year when scoring at least 66 points. That’s the magic number. You find those points by valuing each possession, confidently knocking down open 3’s, and getting to the free throw line.
Key Player
AJ Davis has completely revitalized his game as of late. In Davis’s last 7 games he is averaging 18.9pts and shooting a blistering 58% from the 3-point line. The 5
th year senior is not known for being a dangerous 3-ball shooter, but the crafty lefty is hot and showing no signs of cooling off.