IRVING, Texas – The first American Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week honor of 2026-27 went to senior Jayden Reid from the Memphis men's basketball program, the conference office announced Monday.
Memphis Tigers guard Jayden Reid scored 32 points, recorded seven assists and three steals, and made two free throws with five seconds remaining to lift Memphis to an 89–88 victory over the VCU Rams on Saturday.
Jayden Reid dominated with 26 points as Memphis opened its season with an 80-76 upset win over No. 18 Iowa State on Monday in Sioux Falls, S.D. Reid's 3-pointer with 38 seconds left gave the Tigers breathing room at 78-73, and Memphis held on from there.
There’s no questioning that last season was the worst for Memphis basketball under the leadership of Penny Hardaway. The Tigers have had a few underwhelming finishes in recent years, but last season really stood out.