Tag: MikeCheck
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MikeCheck: Set to face former team, Jones seeking comfort and rhythm amid transition to role with Grizzlies
Steady and reliable. Those are two of the key characteristics the Grizzlies appreciated most in Tyus Jones when they prioritized the emerging point guard in free agency this past summer.
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MikeCheck: Grizzlies determined to overcome foul mood amid push to lay defensive foundation
Entering this week, foul calls overall were up by an average of seven infractions per game. The Grizzlies, building around a young core and installing new schemes offensively and defensively under first-year coach Taylor Jenkins, aim to untangle themselves from the web.
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MikeCheck: Amid whiff of success, Grizzlies build on breakthrough facing tough turnaround against LeBron’s Lakers
In a season that’s mainly about building and developing a promising young core, the Grizzlies face an early-season lesson on just how relentless and unforgiving the NBA schedule can be.
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MikeCheck: Morant ‘came to prove myself’ as No. 2 pick, Grizzlies look to regroup for home opener
MIAMI – Murray State coach Matt McMahon remembers that feeling. Wanting to treat his young son to a Grizzlies game last season, McMahon made the three-hour drive to Memphis for a late March matchup against the Golden State Warriors. It was at that game when McMahon met a few Grizzlies staffers who knew he was…
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MikeCheck: After precautionary rest for sore foot, Valanciunas eager to help Grizzlies open season on solid ground
MEMPHIS – After pushing through his first scrimmage sessions in more than two weeks, Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas emerged completely exhausted but also fully encouraged. He even had a few wisecracks. “I was joking around with my teammates,” Valanciunas said through his wide, full-bearded grin. “This is Day One of my training camp. So yeah,…
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MikeCheck: On heels of prolific effort, Grizzlies aim to build toward consistency entering final preseason tune-up
SAN ANTONIO – Moments after scoring 30 points the other night in Oklahoma City, Dillon Brooks sat at his locker with an ice pack around his shooting hand as he assessed the breakout moment of his otherwise uneven preseason. He was as dead-on accurate in his analysis as he was with his shooting stroke.
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MikeCheck: Midseason HBCU Football awards examine who’s hot, who’s not and who’s on path for Celebration Bowl
MEMPHIS – We’re exactly eight weeks into the HBCU football schedule and two months away from the Celebration Bowl, so it’s a perfect time to gauge which players and teams are on pace for something special. There’s still plenty of work to get done. But as the homecoming season winds down let’s rev up for…
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MikeCheck: Evaluating where every roster player stands as Grizzlies reach midpoint of preseason
After opening with victories over international teams Maccabi and New Zealand, new coach Taylor Jenkins and his retooled roster are in the midst of a six-day reprieve before their final three preseason games. Here is my Grind City Media view of where each player stands at the midpoint of the preseason as the Grizzlies get…
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MikeCheck: McNair insists there’s no QB controversy at Alcorn State – it’s Harper’s job as long as Braves keep rolling
MEMPHIS – When it comes to the quarterback position in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, there are burdens and then there are blessings. Alcorn State coach Fred McNair insists he’s not burdened with the Braves’ blessings. Alcorn State Braves head coach Fred McNair looks on from the sideline during the SWAC Championship football game between the…
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MikeCheck: Grizzlies big-man tandem Jackson and Valanciunas building ‘to become best frontcourt in the NBA’
MEMPHIS – A Duke education is hardly required to grasp the dynamics of a Grizzlies offense intentionally designed to induce Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas into an identity crisis. But thankfully, Blue Devils alum Grayson Allen was available to break down the new schemes and concepts in a way that simplified expectations on a…