Memphis, Tn. – University of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson announced late last night that the school has hired former Stony Brook men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell to replace the departing John Calipari.

“This was a great opportunity to land a young head coach who exudes energy and passion,” Johnson said in a phone conversation. “I actually happened to catch one of the Stony Brook Basketball games late this season, and his unbelievable ability to rally his players with his clapping was amazing. I can’t wait for him to be clapping on the sidelines of the FedEx Forum.”

Pikiell led the Seawolves to their best ever season as a Division I program and had just recently signed a five year contract extension to stay at Stony Brook. But that deal was littered with opportunities for Pikiell to leave Long Island for a job at a bigger school.

“I loved my time here at Stony Brook,” Pikiell said. “I loved the atmosphere, but I could not pass up this chance to take over a national powerhouse.”

With Calipari jumping to Kentucky, two of his top recruits, Xavier Henry and DeMarcus Cousins, will no longer be attending the school in the fall. It is believed that Pikiell will be bringing point guards Bryan Dougher and Chris Martin to lead his new team.

Sources inside the basketball program have said that 6-9, 330 pound Desmond Adedeji has been working out hard early in the off-season in preparation for his move to point guard. Adedeji hopes to lose about 100 pounds over the summer.

Assistant Coach Jay Young expressed the team’s new philosophy in the wake of the departing players. “We plan on being the biggest team in the America East. With Des at the one, Tommy (Brenton, 6-5) at the two-guard, Danny Carter (6-9) at the three, and Goba (6-9) and Dallis (Joyner, 6-8) in the front court, we should be able to pound teams in the post.”

“Although we may have trouble with Binghamton’s three-guard offense,” he said. “It’s a work in progress.”