AAC Preview: Get to Know the Players and Coaches Who Will Lead the League This Season

Memphis Hopes Consistency and Accountability will Power Team to Success

Earlier this year, the Memphis Tigers squad participated in a military-style training program to build leadership and communication skills.  “It introduced us to intense and adverse conditions entirely away from the game of basketball,” said Associate Head Coach Danielle O’ Banion. “It really helped our team understand how vital efficient communication is and how important it is to be very good teammates to each other.” O’Banion says they have been using the lessons from the training every practice to bring more consistency and to better hold each other accountable.  The team is focused on a top-four finish in the AAC and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Leaders
O’Banion says the clear leaders on the team are Cheyenne Creighton and Brea Elmore.  Both of them have “developed a real voice on our team so instead of just leading by example, they are holding each other and their teammates accountable.  It is fun to watch that and hear that grow.”

The players are practicing hard, which is great to see in October, O’Banion said.  She cited Breigha Wilder-Cochran as someone who is “training with a high sense of urgency right now.”

Players to Watch
Cheyenne Creighton — Forward, Senior, All-AAC 3^rd team last season, 12^th in scoring, 10^th in rebounding, 5^th in field goal percentage and 3^rd in offensive rebounding last season

Brea Elmore — Guard, Senior, All-AAC 3^rd team last season, 16^th in scoring, 7^th in steals and 3pt percentage, 2016 American All-Academic Team

Breigha Wilder-Cochran — Guard, RS Senior, 9^th in steals, Has seen action in 86 games, making 57 starts … averaging 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists

First Regular Season Game: November 10 at Tennessee State University