One of the Tigers’ best defensive players is returning for next season

Consider the damage: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Justise Winslow, Xavier Tillman, De’Anthony Melton and Grayson Allen are all out, either with injuries or due to safety protocols.

A West Tennessee mall Santa named Gill Kiper died of a massive heart attack on Christmas Eve. But before you dismiss this as the most 2020 story ever, you should know it has joyous parts, too.

One of the league’s elite, the Celtics dominated, and the Grizzlies’ injury report expanded to include Grayson Allen.

Will Army or West Virginia prevail in a matchup of two of the country’s best defenses?

Daily Memphian Grizzlies beat writer Drew Hill and columnist Chris Herrington discuss Anderson’s impact moving forward and how much the Morant injury will mean to Memphis over the course of the regular season.

There are signs the new scheme could breed confidence and consistency with time. 

It wasn’t Penny Hardaway’s new “lion set” offense that carried Memphis to a win over South Florida. It was Alex Lomax’s Tiger pride. 

The Tigers finally wore down USF with athleticism and quickness.

Related Story: Calkins: With disaster looming, Alex Lomax saved the day

Related Story: Memphis’ ‘lion’ offense off to a modest, not roaring, start

Wanting to honor the bowl’s history, organizers have tried for decades to get the service academy.

Memphis Country Club in 2016 purchased the New Olivet Baptist Church property and other properties, got the city to close a street bisecting the 4.1 acres, and now has unveiled plans to expand its tennis and pickle ball courts.

The Grizzlies are now without three starters as the regular season ramps up. 

Regardless of how long the point guard is out because of his ankle injury, the season is not lost.

When the guard left the court in a wheelchair Monday night, Grizzlies fans reacted with all the horror you’d expect.

Brandon Clarke played the hero with the go-ahead basket in overtime, and Kyle Anderson had another impressive game.

Related story: Calkins: Ja Morant in a wheelchair? NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Related story: Ja Morant leaves Grizzlies game in wheelchair after turning ankle

Related story: Twitter reacts to Ja’s injury

Ja Morant left the Grizzlies game in a wheelchair with a sprained ankle. The tweets say it all.

Ja Morant was unable to put weight on his left ankle after landing awkwardly in the second quarter Monday night. 

Perception indeed might be reality when it comes to the Grizzlies’ attacking point guard and whether he gets the calls.

An extended break gave the Tigers a chance to install the scheme and reinforce a positive mental approach. 

If the Tigers can get a few seniors to return, the sky is the limit thanks to a strong incoming class and transfers from Power Five programs. 

Don’t stress about 0-2. Just enjoy Ja Morant’s magic as we await the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. and for the Memphis Grizzlies bench to step up.

Coach Penny Hardaway said, “I’m going to make the adjustments on the rotations, man, and just keep a big on the floor at all times, keep a true big on the floor at all times.” The problem is: Who?