Twenty-seven years and two state girls soccer titles later, the veteran St. Agnes coach is closing one chapter of a life well-lived.

Tomlin made his Memphis debut Saturday in the Tigers’ 77-75 win over Vanderbilt. Just four minutes into the game, he caught a pass on the right wing, squared up his shoulders and drilled a 3-pointer; it was pure pandemonium at FedExForum.

It was not pretty, doggone it, but Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Penny Hardaway and the No. 23 Memphis Tigers escaped with a win over Vanderbilt two days before Christmas.

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined for 87 points on Saturday. It is the third straight game they have each scored 20 or more points. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 125, Hawks 119

NBA box score for Saturday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks. 

The Tigers picked up the narrow victory over the Commodores behind David Jones’ 28 points and nine rebounds.

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Nae’Qwan Tomlin ‘comfortable’ in Tigers debut

Box score: Memphis 77, Vanderbilt 75

NCAA men’s basketball box score for Saturday’s game between the Memphis Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores played at FedExForum.

Memphis’ matchup with Vanderbilt Saturday marks the first of 16-straight games versus unranked opponents for the Tigers who will need to maintain their recent level of focus to avoid unnecessary slip-ups.

Tomlin averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks and started all 36 games for a Kansas State team that finished 26-10 and made a run to the Elite Eight in 2022-23.

The Grizzlies’ points per 100 possessions before Morant’s return were dead last in the NBA. In his two games back, they’re now the sixth-best offense. 

Ja Morant was back at FedExForum Thursday. But you know what else was back? Fun! It suddenly seems like a whole new season for the Grizzlies. And in this season, the Grizzlies are a perfect 2-0.

In Ja Morant’s return game, it was all three of Memphis stars who pushed the Grizzlies to a win. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 116, Pacers 103

Grizzlies Insider: Ja Morant shares thoughts on home return, Pacers matchup

‘What crime did he commit?’: Tee Morant talks Ja’s return on NBA XM radio

The Memphis Grizzlies played the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway spoke to reporters about the statuses of Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Jaykwon Walton and other topics Thursday after Memphis’ Tiger Toy Drive.

Tee Morant shared how he believes people should view his son, Ja, with the show hosts.

Cooper Haynes and Carlyn Burdette were chosen after strong performances last week.

The Brothers are relying on Keeper Jackson to step it up this season, and so far, he’s delivering the goods.

Ja Morant said playing in FedExForum is like playing in front of family and he can’t wait to feel the love from Memphis fans again.

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Ja Morant’s return game against the Pelicans and what his presence means for the rest of the season. 

Standouts from Hillcrest, Hamilton lead the way this week.

Memphis City Council approved the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium ownership transfer but with the caveat that the U of M, the City and Fred Jones would continue to negotiate.

Keonde Henry is just the 11th four-star recruit in program history to sign with the Tigers, according to 247Sports.

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Memphis Tigers football recruiting tracker: Class of 2024 signees

Tigers Football Insider: Who will be the breakout transfer for Memphis next season?

Greg Gaston, Tim Buckley and Parth Upadhyaya discuss the blowout win over Virginia on Tuesday night. On the football side, Frank Bonner II joins for recruiting talk on the first day of the NCAA’s December early signing period.

Depending on the ruling, the focus could shift to plaintiff Joshua Holloway’s team to show Morant can be held liable.

Head coach Ryan Silverfield and his staff have landed some quality names during this transfer recruiting cycle.