Box score from Memphis season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

The Tigers handled business as expected and should take a step up in competition when they travel to Arkansas State at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9.

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Box Score: Memphis 56, Bethune-Cookman 14

With SMU now leaving for the ACC, the hits keep coming for the AAC. How will the Tigers respond to the latest round of conference realignment movement?

Wes Smith’s death was reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and by TCU360.com and confirmed by the Fort Worth Police Department. A motive is unknown.

The University of Memphis’ celebration of the first Black student-athletes to compete in each sport will start Saturday when five are honored during the football season opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

The Memphis head coach took time out of what’s been a busy offseason for the Tigers to inaugurate the outdoor, technicolor basketball court at the newly renovated Tom Lee Park.

The Memphis Tigers open the season against an FCS opponent that posted a 2-9 record last season, so there shouldn’t be any problems putting away Bethune-Cookman early. 

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Tigers kick off yearlong recognition of first Black student-athletes

The United States and Jaren Jackson Jr. rallied late to beat Montenegro at the FIBA World Cup. Next up is a rebounding test against former Grizzlies teammate Jonas Valanciunas. 

Memphis University School’s Makhi Shaw scored twice and was part of a strong defensive effort in a victory over Melrose.

The Grizzlies started making preseason roster moves on Thursday by signing draft pick GG Jackson II to a two-way deal and adding veteran guard Shaq Harrison ahead of preseason camp. 

The Grizzlies will play their first 25 games without Ja Morant, but staying afloat is certainly achievable. 

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Preseason roster movement: Grizzlies sign GG Jackson II, Shaquille Harrison

The Jaguars are off to a flying start in Class 5A behind their talented sophomore quarterback.

Dragons become the third team in as many weeks to hold the No. 2 spot; MUS continues to climb, as does Southwind.

“If Williams doesn’t care ‘at all’ about his image, even as his own freedom is in jeopardy, do we really think he’s going to care about doing what’s best for a Tiger team that aspires to make a championship run next season?”

Joe Cooper, the stepson of former Memphis forward Rodney Newsom, has walked on with the Tigers.

“I like to think of our team and particularly our defense as sort of a representation of the City of Memphis,” Matt Barnes said.

City rivals Germantown and Houston meet to begin 8-6A league play.

The United States has cruised at the FIBA World Cup so far, but that could soon change. Next up for Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Americans are two games against NBA-level centers. 

The two-time state runner-up Houston Mustangs are off to another terrific start in 2023.

For the first Memphis football Tigers Talk, Frank Bonner II and John Martin discuss the ceiling and floor of this year’s team while sharing who they believe will be the biggest playmaker this season. 

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Tigers Football Insider: Defensive Coordinator expects defense to be gritty

While there were some obvious answers to the depth chart that any media member or knowledgeable fan could have figured out, the Tigers did offer a surprise or two in its release.

His curation with producer Timbaland will include a new single with singer Nelly Furtado. 

The Redbirds are back at AutoZone Park where they last split a mid-August series 3-3 with league-leading Norfolk (76-49).