For decades, now, University of Memphis fans have dreamed of making it into a power conference. Is that dream now officially dead? If so, what does the future hold?

At one point earlier this summer, a source said, “It’s on him if he wants to come back.”

Memphis is a long way from home. But, “I’m ready to go. I want to get some minutes and help the team win. That’s really what it’s all about,” Aldama said.

The rebranded Memphis Touchdown Club will open the year on Aug. 1, with Mississippi State coach Mike Leach headlining the program. 

Kenny Lofton Jr. tried to carry them to the finish, but the Grizzlies lost a tight game to the Spurs in their summer league closer.

Around 75 women participated in the clinic to tour the facility and learn more about the football program, players and coaches.

Eastern Conference front-runners will go head-to-head Saturday at AutoZone Park. Tickets are on sale for as low as $3. And Memphis-based rapper Al Kapone will conduct the ceremonial pregame guitar smash.

Here’s an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses and what they might be able to contribute to the rotation and bench.

No, the Grizzlies’ undrafted signee is not the son of the major league baseball player. Junior’s dad works at an oil refinery in Texas, and he is his son’s biggest role model. 

Memphis nearly had the chance to play for their second summer league title in three seasons, but a loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday finally put them out of reach. 

The Grizzlies came up short against the Boston Celtics, dashing their chances at playing for the summer league championship. 

Senior led the state with 10 interceptions in 2021, but he’ll also see increased offensive duties this season, because as his coach said: “When the ball is in his hands, good things happen.”

Matt Terhune couldn’t get himself to pick up his pencil and start a new art project. Until he saw a photo of Morant with 2-year-old daughter Kaari. What followed is a story about Twitter, art, basketball and — this is the important part — love.

Third-year coach Ryan Silverfield is “safe and secure” in his job, according to the annual college football rankings by CBS. 

From nervous freshman to highly recruited senior, Glenn has grown by leaps and bounds on the field and physically.

The 20-year-old Williams spent last season becoming a professional. He hopes this summer league experience can elevate him the way it did for Desmond Bane.

The Tigers ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing yards, total yards allowed and time of possession. 

The Grizzlies took care of business in a blowout win over the Nets on Tuesday in Las Vegas Summer League play. 

Morant’s extension means he’ll be here when the Grizzlies and the city and county negotiate the guts of a new FedExForum lease. All of which makes him the most important Grizzly at the most important moment in the city’s NBA history. Just another reason to thank Ja.

It isn’t just about summer league games; the Grizzlies provided some interesting developments as well. 

In an ideal season, these are the performances that will lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament. 

Santi Aldama scored 22 to lead all scorers in the Grizzlies’ victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the lowest-scoring game of summer league so far this year. 

LaRavia splashed a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. scored a game-high 18 points in Memphis’ loss to the Clippers in Las Vegas Summer League. 

Ja Morant didn’t just sign a rich new contract to stay with the Grizzlies. He committed to Memphis as “home.” That’s a credit to him and to the Grizzlies front office. Here’s how that came to pass.

Ziaire Williams continued his strong start to summer league play and David Roddy scored 16 points in a Grizzlies win.