Die Hard Fans & Memphis Grizzlies Watch Tigers Take On Belmont
FAST FACTS:
Thousands Of Fans Watch The Tigers Take On Belmont At FedExForum
Expectations Are High For A Winning Season
Several Players & Coaches Are Now Tiger Fans
(Memphis 11/15/2011) Inside FedExForum, the Tigers wear throwback Memphis State uniforms in honor of the late All-American guard and legendary coach Larry Finch, but don't let the uniforms fool you.
This is the 2011-2012 edition of the University of Memphis Basketball Team,
They're the reason an announced crowd of more than 16-thousand fans either left work early or missed lunch to see the Tigers play Belmont in person.
Charles Parker says he couldn't miss today's game.
Parker said, "They look great. They move the ball well and play good defense. I'm real proud of them."
The Tiger faithful are on their feet with high anticipation for this year's team. It's a team that's now ranked number 10 in the country in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls.
Katherine Wilson says she believes this team will go higher in the polls.
Wilson said, "I think we got what it takes. All we have to do is play together and play team ball."
The Tigers boast standouts with last names like Witherspoon and Barton, and others. They also have several NBA players turned fans in the stands like Grizzlies star Zach Randolph and other NBA players who are benched because of the NBA lockout.
Randolph said, "Man, these Tigers. I've been at their facilities everyday working out with them and practicing with them and work out with their trainer and conditioning coach. So, just spending time with them and I'm a Tiger. I'm a Tiger right now."
The lockout also means Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has a chance to watch the Tigers and their coaching staff in action.
Hollins said, "I get to watch Josh, get to watch Damon do his thing on the bench and just see a young group of players working and coming together and doing a good job."
Elliot Williams is a former Tiger player now with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Williams said, "You know the Tiger fans are incredible, even my one year. I know it's always the same. It's crazy."
It's a basketball city that's crazy about its Tigers past, present and future and fans like Anita Ward say they're pumped up over this team.
Ward said, "Let's go Tigers! Go get them. I'm really excited, real excited about them."
