In his first game back from his knee injury, Morant said “the remarks from the fans actually hurt.”

Dec. 20, 2021: The Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Grizzlies at FedExForum. 

Related article:

Thunder get revenge, spoil Ja Morant’s return to Grizz

Ja Morant scored 16 points in his return, but the Memphis offense didn’t do enough to take care of business against one of the Western Conference’s worst teams.

University of Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch played in Hawaii 27 years ago, and he knows the temptations. “Bowl games are a lot more fun when you win them.”

The Daily Memphian spoke to five coaches who addressed what Hardaway’s responsibilities were, and what they tell their own players.

Standouts from CBHS, Cordova, Fayette Academy, St. Benedict and Whitehaven up for consideration this week. Voting ends Thursday, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m.

Standouts from Fayette Academy, Hutchison, Lewisburg, St. Agnes and White Station up for consideration this week.

If Tennessee remains unwilling to reschedule, Hardaway hopes the Tigers can pick up a big game with another school.

The point guard could make his return on Monday night against Oklahoma City. 

History could be made in an otherwise mediocre season, depending on the Hawai’i Bowl.

Dec. 19, 2021: The Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Related article:

Trail Blazers end Grizzlies’ five-game winning streak

Dillon Brooks scored a career-high 37 points, but it was a cold-shooting night from the other Grizzlies. 

Related article:

Ja Morant back on Grizzlies sideline, testing out knee

Coach Taylor Jenkins would not set a firm date for a Ja Morant return, but said the point guard is ‘really close.’

‘The Memphis-Tennessee game was canceled because too many Tigers players were unvaccinated. That’s an indictment of Penny Hardaway’s leadership.’

Related articles:

Tyler Harris, Landers Nolley tested positive, leading to Tigers’ cancellation

Tigers’ game against Alabama State canceled

Coach Penny Hardaway, who previously said that 90% of the Tigers were vaccinated, “probably just misspoke on that” figure.

The University of Memphis had to cancel its second straight basketball game due to COVID-19 protocols in the program

University of Tennessee coach Rick Barnes seemed pretty adamant that the two in-state rivals wouldn’t be rescheduling a game for this season. So where does that leave University of Memphis basketball?

The Memphis-Tennessee series ended in dismal fashion when Saturday’s game at Bridgestone Arena was canceled because of COVID-19. It’s an ending nobody wanted. But that won’t stop fans from both sides from arguing about it until the end of time. 

The University of Memphis Tigers’ basketball game vs. No. 18 Tennessee has been canceled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Memphis program.

Dec. 17, 2021: The Grizzlies defeat the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Related story:

Grizzlies handle business against short-handed Kings

There were questions about whether the game would be played at all, but once it started, Dillon Brooks and De’Anthony Melton led the charge.

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Box score: Grizzlies 124, Kings 105

Here are The Daily Memphian girls and boys cross-country runners of the year, along with coaches of the year and all-metro teams for the 2021 season. 

Saturday’s matchup between Memphis and Tennessee puts a spotlight on a player many believed should have ended up with the Tigers.

Coming off a stunning upset of Alabama, the Tigers have to contend with a top defense and an offense that likes to share the ball.