Nike is bringing a Ja 2 pop-up truck to Memphis and hosting a community block party in coming days.

Memphis Tigers basketball coach Penny Hardaway addressed forward Tyreek Smith’s return and presented an injury report prior to the Tigers’ preseason game against Alabama.

Chris Herrington’s four next-day reactions to the Grizzlies’ 126-124 opening win Wednesday over the Utah Jazz. The four involve Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Jay Huff and Marcus Smart.

Upadhyaya, Bonner and Martin break down Memphis basketball’s Tyreek Smith saga, look ahead to the preseason charity exhibition against No. 2 Alabama and discuss the possibility of Memphis football reaching the AAC title game.

Now a legitimate All-America candidate, linebacker Chandler Martin’s experience as a 6-year-old in Georgia helped him become an instant leader for the Tigers. 

The Dragons take over the second spot while the Cougars move up to third after last week’s victory over Lausanne. Unbeaten Covington remains on top.

Santi Aldama said he wasn’t worried about a contract extension. He backed up his words with his actions after a Grizzlies win on Wednesday. 

Related content:

Morant, Aldama, Bane all top 20 points in Grizzlies win over Jazz

Box score: Grizzlies 126, Jazz 124

Ja Morant had 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in his return to power the Memphis Grizzlies over the Utah Jazz. Santi Aldama led with 27 points, followed by Desmond Bane with 24.

This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City.

Undefeated Collierville visits the second-place Tigers in a key 8-6A contest.

“Being a kid from Memphis and obviously playing there, doing what I do now on the training and coaching side, I’ve essentially sat in every (type of) seat one can sit in at FedExForum,” Draper said. “My friends say it’s the Infinity Gauntlet.”

The Trojans defeated Goodpasture in a Tuesday night elimination game, and now will play for their first D2-A title against Battle Ground Academy on Thursday.

Related content:

Houston, Collierville fall in Class AAA volleyball; defending champ Briarcrest eliminated

Wednesday was a day of frustration for Shelby County volleyball powers. Houston High won in state soccer action, while Collierville, Lakeland Prep, and Brighton were knocked out of the girls state soccer tournament.

This is the new world of college basketball. It’s a free-for-all. And if coaches are to flourish in this climate, they have to figure out a way to navigate and master it.

Related content:

Former Tiger to be ESPN+ color analyst for Tigers men’s basketball home games

FedEx exec Richard Smith says this is a critical moment for Downtown Memphis — and the Grizzlies, FedExForum and Beale Street may be the key.

Richard Smith was as surprised as anyone when Fred Smith, his father, decided the family would give $50 million to help renovate the stadium. Here’s Smith on crime, Ja Morant, conference realignment and how that gift came to be.

Led by Breya Dawson, the Briarcrest Saints oust Nashville Father Ryan in Division 2-AA. Houston, Collierville and Northpoint also pick up wins at state. 

Local coaches pointed out that the change prompts fundamental concerns about equity for girls sports.

Related content:

State girls soccer preview: Six teams will be in title contention this week

Highland Hundred president Phil Glass said $4,000 has already been raised in Jackson Hughey’s memory. 

Drew Hill provides the latest on the injury to Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and why he believes Memphis’ caution with the big man is warranted. 

Tyreek Smith’s return comes two days after reports surfaced that he had left the program in search of other opportunities.

Related story: 

Tyreek Smith’s mentor: Promises made to Smith haven’t yet ‘been fulfilled’

Charles Snider, Catherine Bowie lead this year’s honorees of outstanding Memphis-area high school golfers.

This season has the potential to be a redemption song for both Ja Morant and his team, and those stories are very much entwined.

Collierville and Houston (AAA), Lakeland Prep (A), and ECS, Lausanne and St. George’s (D2-A) will represent Memphis at the state tournament starting Wednesday.

Nora Newhouse of Houston High and Arlington’s Clark Wade remain the leaders with the top girls and boys 5K times.