Memphis freshman Sameh Azab announces leukemia diagnosis

Memphis center Karim Sameh Azab announced he is undergoing treatment for acute leukemia:

Sameh Azab began his previously unspecified medical treatment in early April. Recently hired Tigers coach Penny Hardaway voiced his support for the towering center in a statement from the program, saying, "Karim has my full support and the support of our whole team. While we appreciate the support of the Tiger family in this matter, we would also like to protect the privacy of Karim and his family."

At 6-foot-11 and nearly 300 lbs, Sameh Azab cuts one of the more imposing figures in the American Athletic Conference. The Giza, Egypt native appeared in 15 games as a freshman, averaging one point, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in very limited minutes due to a preseason ankle injury; former Tigers coach Tubby Smith indicated that if not for his injuries, Sameh Azab was in line to start last season.