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Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
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3601 Offline
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Post: #1
Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/201...the-court/

Editorial: Grizzlies’ Impact Goes Beyond the Court
Print | Front Page | Email this story | Comments (0)

You used to hear it about Tigers basketball.

These days, you hear it more about the Memphis Grizzlies. It goes something like this:

“Nothing brings Memphians together like the Grizzlies.” Or, “Memphians have their differences, but they come together for the Grizzlies.”

(With some on-court improvement for the University of Memphis next season, perhaps we’ll include the Grizzlies and the Tigers together in the adage.)


It’s a platitude many of us use to begin describing a deceptively complex city and culture.

There’s even been some pushback on the idea in recent years.

Critics say it’s an oversimplification that conveniently forgets one key fact: The basketball games that temporarily consume our attention are entertainment. They shouldn’t be used as a barometer of progress on the serious challenges Memphis continues to face, the argument goes.

And there is nowhere near a consensus among Memphians on the path out of a historically high poverty rate and long tradition of violence. If you really want to plumb the depths of our city’s divide, start a discussion about the link between poverty and violence. If you’re really feeling saucy, throw education into the mix.

Memphis’ well-documented problems are a lot for a winning season to overcome, even one with a journey to the second round (or the Conference Finals, as was the case in 2013) of the NBA Playoffs.

There is, however, a case to be made for allowing ourselves to be encouraged by what has happened among this current group of players. For the most part, they came as strangers to our city and will likely leave at some point to pursue their professions and lives in another city.

Let’s face it. We are not the easiest audience to impress. The worst thing you can be in Memphis is “not real.” We can smell it like fear. We don’t bluff.

This team of professional athletes passes the smell test in a professional sports era of impersonality as a defense mechanism. If we identify with them, it’s because they identify with us. They explain us and defend us throughout the season.

Where we go wrong with this is when we put too much weight on that chemistry.

It works both ways, too. A whole generation of athletes – professional and college – are now trained by their forebears against the temptations of believing the adulation and acclaim will still be there once the playing days are over. These are tough lessons.

They speak to heart and exposure in short episodes that last a season. They are played within the lines of a basketball court in an allotted time with plenty of rules.

If you can find something from that controlled environment to take with you when the game is over, we say use it to grit and grind your way through your own personal challenges.

But don’t be afraid to wave your growl towel next May.
05-26-2015 10:04 AM
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Post: #2
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
What if you like both?

Although I remember going to those first two Grizz seasons at the Pyramid, you couldn't give tickets away in the upper deck.
05-26-2015 10:45 AM
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3601 Offline
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RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
(05-26-2015 10:45 AM)UofMemphis Wrote:  What if you like both?

Although I remember going to those first two Grizz seasons at the Pyramid, you couldn't give tickets away in the upper deck.

It's not about liking both. I like both.
05-26-2015 11:24 AM
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450bench Offline
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Post: #4
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
I attend both.
05-26-2015 11:28 AM
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3601 Offline
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Post: #5
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
My four year old has never been to a Griz game, but all he talks about is Zbo.
05-26-2015 11:34 AM
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2tigers Offline
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Post: #6
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
(05-26-2015 10:04 AM)3601 Wrote:  http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/201...the-court/

Editorial: Grizzlies’ Impact Goes Beyond the Court
Print | Front Page | Email this story | Comments (0)

You used to hear it about Tigers basketball.

These days, you hear it more about the Memphis Grizzlies. It goes something like this:

“Nothing brings Memphians together like the Grizzlies.” Or, “Memphians have their differences, but they come together for the Grizzlies.”

(With some on-court improvement for the University of Memphis next season, perhaps we’ll include the Grizzlies and the Tigers together in the adage.)


It’s a platitude many of us use to begin describing a deceptively complex city and culture.

There’s even been some pushback on the idea in recent years.

Critics say it’s an oversimplification that conveniently forgets one key fact: The basketball games that temporarily consume our attention are entertainment. They shouldn’t be used as a barometer of progress on the serious challenges Memphis continues to face, the argument goes.

And there is nowhere near a consensus among Memphians on the path out of a historically high poverty rate and long tradition of violence. If you really want to plumb the depths of our city’s divide, start a discussion about the link between poverty and violence. If you’re really feeling saucy, throw education into the mix.

Memphis’ well-documented problems are a lot for a winning season to overcome, even one with a journey to the second round (or the Conference Finals, as was the case in 2013) of the NBA Playoffs.

There is, however, a case to be made for allowing ourselves to be encouraged by what has happened among this current group of players. For the most part, they came as strangers to our city and will likely leave at some point to pursue their professions and lives in another city.

Let’s face it. We are not the easiest audience to impress. The worst thing you can be in Memphis is “not real.” We can smell it like fear. We don’t bluff.

This team of professional athletes passes the smell test in a professional sports era of impersonality as a defense mechanism. If we identify with them, it’s because they identify with us. They explain us and defend us throughout the season.

Where we go wrong with this is when we put too much weight on that chemistry.

It works both ways, too. A whole generation of athletes – professional and college – are now trained by their forebears against the temptations of believing the adulation and acclaim will still be there once the playing days are over. These are tough lessons.

They speak to heart and exposure in short episodes that last a season. They are played within the lines of a basketball court in an allotted time with plenty of rules.

If you can find something from that controlled environment to take with you when the game is over, we say use it to grit and grind your way through your own personal challenges.

But don’t be afraid to wave your growl towel next May.

Lets see what happens if they start loosing and don't make it to the playoffs.
05-26-2015 11:43 AM
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Post: #7
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
The two are not exclusive. Unfortunately the Tigers were not very good last year as a team and the Grizz play together with effort, defense and hustle, which makes for a stark contrast.
05-26-2015 11:44 AM
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k2tigers Offline
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Post: #8
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
PO game atmosphere is unparalleled...pro teams often have that effect on a metro area
(This post was last modified: 05-26-2015 11:54 AM by k2tigers.)
05-26-2015 11:53 AM
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bluebacker Away
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Post: #9
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
When the Tigers are good in bb they rule Memphis. Everything runs in cycles.
05-26-2015 12:10 PM
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TIGER7880 Offline
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Post: #10
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
This is really a stupid article. Is everything in the Memphis Daily News like this?
05-26-2015 12:16 PM
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Tigerx3 Offline
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Post: #11
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
(05-26-2015 12:16 PM)TIGER7880 Wrote:  This is really a stupid article. Is everything in the Memphis Daily News like this?

Slow news day.
05-26-2015 12:41 PM
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Seller545 Offline
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Post: #12
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
I think the next few years are very important for Memphis basketball. I am in my 30s and have season tickets for the U of M. I dont have Grizzlies season tickets but go to almost all playoff games. One thing I have noticed is the crowd at U of M games is much older on average than the crowd at the Grizzlies games. The Grizzlies games seam to have a better atmosphere and not the same boring promotion's script every game

I think the U of M needs to invest in some things to make the game day experience more fan friendly and not the same adds and promotions during the same time outs every game.

I became a huge U of M fan because I am from Memphis and they were good for a lot of my child hood. I think the issue now is the Grizzlies have been more successful recently so the younger more impressionable fans are going to pick the Grizzlies when they have a choice. If I were to buy season tickets to the grizzlies instead I would get 20+ more games for around the same price.

I think there is room for both to be successful but I fear the U of M will have trouble if they dont fix a few things. Making a decent tournament run wouldnt hurt
05-26-2015 02:21 PM
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tiger2000 Offline
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Post: #13
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
The "mini Tigers" are a traveling group of Memphis Tigers little people who can hoop. Not sure why MDN would compare them to the mini grizz, ain't a one of em over 4' 5". The mini Grizz are almost 5'

No comparison.
05-26-2015 02:43 PM
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tigersroll Offline
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Post: #14
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
I attend Tigers and follow them to no end. I find myself watching the Grizz more on T.V. and following them to a certain degree. Down year or not, there is not another team that captures my interest more than the Tigers!!
05-26-2015 03:44 PM
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Mimi Offline
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Post: #15
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
WINNING brings people together.

And the perception is that the NBA team is winning big...if you define big as four series wins over five playoff seasons.

it is pleasant, and hopefully they remain relevant, if short of title contending...with the good window slowly closing.

Meanwhile, it is overwhelmingly likely OUR school team will make it back to the NCAA tourney, and from there, possible to make a deep run.

The tit for tat is silly...and often harmful. Enjoy a NBA playoff run into the second round. It is fun. And does. It have to cost your support in any other area.
05-26-2015 06:43 PM
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k2tigers Offline
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RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
(05-26-2015 06:43 PM)Mimi Wrote:  WINNING brings people together.

And the perception is that the NBA team is winning big...if you define big as four series wins over five playoff seasons.

it is pleasant, and hopefully they remain relevant, if short of title contending...with the good window slowly closing.

Meanwhile, it is overwhelmingly likely OUR school team will make it back to the NCAA tourney, and from there, possible to make a deep run.

The tit for tat is silly...and often harmful. Enjoy a NBA playoff run into the second round. It is fun. And does. It have to cost your support in any other area.

Agree.

But just like the poster above said, the young generation is growing up GRIZZ!!!

You and me are "older" fans. We like all teams that have 'Memphis' on their jerseys. I wish that were the case with all Memphians.
05-26-2015 08:40 PM
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MtownTigers916 Offline
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Post: #17
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
The Tigers are just fine. As a 20-something, I can attest that there are plenty of young Tiger fans. The hipster-Grizz crowd doesn't appeal to everyone-- and I am not sure we want their bandwagon fans. Many of the newer Grizz fans know nothing about sports and just enjoy attending the games in their witty t-shirts and Buddy Holly glasses. It won't last.

The Grizz will be hard pressed to replicate this year, and I don't see the Tigers repeating their performance from this past season.
05-26-2015 09:22 PM
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k2tigers Offline
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RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
(05-26-2015 09:22 PM)MtownTigers916 Wrote:  The Tigers are just fine. As a 20-something, I can attest that there are plenty of young Tiger fans. The hipster-Grizz crowd doesn't appeal to everyone-- and I am not sure we want their bandwagon fans. Many of the newer Grizz fans know nothing about sports and just enjoy attending the games in their witty t-shirts and Buddy Holly glasses. It won't last.

The Grizz will be hard pressed to replicate this year, and I don't see the Tigers repeating their performance from this past season.

whatever you say
05-26-2015 10:07 PM
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MtownTigers916 Offline
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Post: #19
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
I think the Grizz have a special appeal to Memphis transplants and have probably siphoned off some SEC folks who would have otherwise gone to Tiger games. Otherwise people cheer for the Tigers til March and for the Grizz after that.

I do think it would be smart business for the university to offer a Young Alumni lower level section with little/no donation fee and discounted season tickets. Would be for alumni one or two years out of school. Makes the lower bowl more lively and invests in a future generation if donors.
05-26-2015 11:05 PM
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uofmcamaro Offline
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Post: #20
RE: Memphis Daily News weighs in on the mini Tigers/Griz "debate" (ouch)
Silly comparison. When the Tigers have been great the Forum has been filled just like when the Grizz have been bad the Forum has been empty.
05-26-2015 11:28 PM
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