Six Memphis Grizzlies have their college team playing in the NCAA Tournament this week. 

Grizzlies vs. Thunder wasn’t the playoff-race battle once expected. Instead, it was a tantalizing preview of coming attractions, with potential lessons for Memphis’ future.

The University of Memphis is close to finalizing a contract extension with football head coach Ryan Silverfield, athletic director Laird Veatch said Monday.

Standouts from Arlington, CBHS, Collierville, FACS, Houston, MUS, St. Benedict and Tipton-Rosemark are up for consideration. 

“I decided to make a business decision for myself,” Pierre told The Daily Memphian. “I need to choose the right situation for me. So it was kinda really like a no-brainer for me.”

The University of Memphis informed NIT officials that it would decline a bid if one was offered.

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Memphis’ Jonathan Pierre plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

“Memphis basketball was left out again on Selection Sunday. It better not happen next year. Not if Memphis basketball is going to continue to be a dominant force in this city — or if Penny Hardaway is going to continue as the head coach.”

What you need to know about the eight teams coming to FedExForum for the 2024 NCAA Tournament games.

Houston, Longwood, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Clemson, New Mexico, Baylor and Colgate are the eight teams that will play Friday in NCAA Tournament first-round games at FedExForum.

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Meet Memphis’ eight NCAA Tournament teams

Former Tiger and Olive Branch wing DJ Jeffries is likely headed to the NCAA Tournament with Mississippi State. Can the Bulldogs be a blueprint for building a roster at Memphis?

Here is the box score for the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum Saturday, March 16.

Desmond Bane returned to the Memphis Grizzlies’ lineup on Saturday night, March 16, after a more than two-month absence due to an ankle sprain.

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Box score: Thunder 118, Grizzlies 112

The Roadrunners can’t get anything going as Falcons repeat.

A furious rally was not enough as Aloca repeats a Class 2A state championship win.

Roadunners smother Creek Wood in a dominating Class 3A semifinal.

Desmond Bane, out since Jan. 12 with a grade 3 ankle sprain, is expected to return to action Saturday night against Oklahoma City.

Red Devils pull away in the second half to oust Whites Creek.

A Marc Gasol documentary screening, pregame party and musical tributes round out the events for Gasol’s jersey retirement celebrations. 

Cavaliers storm back to earn a spot in 4A title game.

Trying times at home and an early exit from the AAC Tournament leaves Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway hurting.

Fashion-plate Brian Carter leads the way with 23 points as Roadrunners leave no room for doubt against David Crockett.

“I’m just making that (clear) right now,” U of M basketball coach Penny Hardaway said. “I’ll talk to the (University of Memphis) administration, but I’m not looking to play in no more NITs, man — I’m sorry.”

Worrick Uhlhorn scored both goals in season-opening victory over University School of Jackson.

Memphis falls behind by 14 points and rallies to take the lead, before falling to Wichita State and ending the Tigers AAC Tournament.

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Box score: Wichita State 71, Memphis 65

NCAA men’s basketball box score for the second round of the American Athletic Conference tournament game between the Memphis Tigers and Wichita State Shockers in Fort Worth, Texas.