The transfer portal, aka the vortex of student-athletes ...

The glow of the Memphis Tigers’ NIT championship didn’t last long before names started dropping from the roster. Boogie Ellis, DJ Jeffries and so on. (The football team has had to endure this as well.)

The thing is, there are more than a thousand names in the portal, coming and going like so many bees. Coach Penny Hardaway got his own transfer acquisition – Davion Warren, from Hampton University.

The Grizzlies got to sleep in their own beds for a few days, and then embarked on a four-game road trip. At least they’re all in one time zone.

We have your high school spring sports covered, and Memphis football. The Tigers’ spring game is April 16. The news release indicated tailgating begins at 3 p.m. 

Wait a minute. Tailgating?

Socially distanced, of course (cars can park every other spot). But the fact that tailgating will be allowed for the first time in a year has to be one of the most encouraging, happy fan news in a long, long time.

Let’s continue this progress. Wear your masks, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Get vaccinated.

We’re not free yet. – Sports editor Elaine Sung

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Mere days after the Tigers won the NIT, Ellis, Baugh and Jeffries have decided to leave.

Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries and Damion Baugh all have entered the transfer portal. That’s not great — but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.  By Geoff Calkins

The departures actually are not surprising, and Hardaway gets to dig through the portal for the Tigers’ needs.  By Danielle Lerner

Hampton senior guard Davion Warren announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in a tweet Saturday.  By Danielle Lerner

Davion Warren is used to coming from behind, but now he gets to benefit from Penny Hardaway’s tutelage. By Danielle Lerner

Moussa Cisse, the AAC Freshman of the Year, announced his decision in an Instagram post on Tuesday.  By Danielle Lerner

Junior shortstop Galvin Sims Jr. has plenty of pop at the plate and a flashy game that has attracted plenty of interest. By John Varlas

The decision by Thomas Pickens and JJ Russell to come back is one reason the Memphis defense is so confident heading into the fall. By Steven Johnson

As much as his outside shot and above-the-rim defense is needed, his self-aware humor is missed. By Chris Herrington

The forward, who says his return is coming by the end of the month, says he has been “following the plan.” By Drew Hill

Katrina Merriweather looks like a perfect fit as the new coach. Here’s hoping she returns the program to relevance. Related story: Memphis’ new women’s basketball coach lauded as ‘proven winner’ and a ‘star’ By Geoff Calkins

The team has met Katrina Merriweather, and one player already has deemed her “the true definition of Black Girl Magic.” Related story: Calkins: Katrina Merriweather will make women’s basketball at Memphis matter once again By Danielle Lerner

Memphis took advantage of the absence of 76ers star Joel Embiid, and Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 17 points. Related story: Box score: Grizzlies 116, 76ers 100 By Drew Hill

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