It’s not about just NBA and college basketball in Memphis. We have some major talent in the Shelby County metro area, evident in the schools that are playing this season, and a number of them (boys and girls) ranked in the top 10 in the state. (Side note: It is a shame that the Shelby County Schools are not having their winter season in any sport.)

There seems to be a revolving door in the Memphis Tigers’ football program. Kenneth Gainwell announced he will be entering the NFL draft (expected); Calvin Austin III is returning (which had been hoped for); some players entering the transfer portal, and some being picked up out of the portal. The movements likely will continue.

Memphis basketball? A brutal slog of a return after three weeks off (thanks to the opponents’ COVID-19 issues).

Ja Morant magically appeared in the starting lineup Jan. 16, much to the joy of the Grizzlies and their fans. He clearly is a strong-willed player (returning after 18 days, when the ankle sprain recovery schedule was three to five weeks), but the team’s physical therapy staff must be congratulated. Give them a raise.

OK, Tigers fans will be allowed back at FedExForum (20% capacity) beginning Jan. 21, a Thursday night game against Wichita State. You know why?

Because people are wearing their masks.

Keep it up, because we also want to get into the arena for Grizzlies games (they haven’t announced anything yet).

Wear those masks!

Stay in the action by following the Daily Memphian Sports Facebook page. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our sports coverage.

Grizzlies have not announced if they will do the same.

Phinehas Johnson was one of the biggest, most upbeat Memphis Tigers fans in the universe. He died last week. In the wake of yet another discouraging loss, can he teach us something about how to persevere? By Geoff Calkins

Governor’s new executive order also applies to wrestling matches. By John Varlas

Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield added a transfer this week with excellent quickness and a low center of gravity. Happily, it’s a dog. By Geoff Calkins

Grayson Allen and Ja Morant came up clutch inside the final minute to seal the win in a nationally televised game.  By Drew Hill

It would have been sweeter if 18,000 Memphians had been jammed into FedExForum. But Ja Morant made sure this MLK Day game ended with a win.  By Geoff Calkins

Gainwell is projected as a top-five running back prospect in the April 29-May 1, 2021 draft. By Steven Johnson

Season-high 21 turnovers and missed chances sink Tigers in 58-57 loss. Related articles:  New Year, same Tigers: Memphis’ struggles persist and Box score: Tulsa 58, Memphis 57 By Danielle Lerner

Morant, frustrated by his ankle injury, was buoyed by his teammates and their play. By Drew Hill

Morant looked to be in good form with 17 points and six assists after 18 days out of action with an ankle sprain. By Drew Hill

If you see some of the old Memphis Grizzlies in the Tennessee Titans, that's not an accident. The offensive coordinator is native Memphian Arthur Smith.  By Geoff Calkins

A key defensive player, Carter is the second big name to leave the Tigers within the past week. By Steven Johnson

.....