NBA Finals

Former Grizzlies star Rudy Gay declined to discuss Hollins’ ouster from Memphis

June 12, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

Rudy Gay isn’t talking. At least, for now.

Gay, the former Grizzlies and current Toronto Raptors swingman on Wednesday declined interview requests by MemphiSport to assess the situation surrounding his former coach, Lionel Hollins, who will not return to Memphis next season.

When Rudy Gay was traded to the Toronto Raptors from Memphis in a three-team, six-player deal January 30, among those who were against the move was his former coach, Lionel Hollins. The Grizzlies announced Monday that Hollins would not return to coach a fifth full season. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE Getty Images)

When former Grizzlies star Rudy Gay was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team, six-player deal January 30, among those who were against the move was his former coach, Lionel Hollins. Team officials on Monday announced that Hollins would not return to coach a fifth full season after his contract ends June 30. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE Getty Images)

The Grizzlies on Monday announced in a statement that they will not offer Hollins a new contract when his current deal expires June 30 and that he is no longer with the organization. Hollins, 59, was named the Grizzlies’ head coach in January 2009, a 4 ½ year stint that was comprised of a 196-155 mark and three consecutive postseason appearances.

Among the reasons Hollins and the Grizzlies have parted ways is that he and team officials reportedly have found it difficult to co-exist since the NBA approved for the new ownership to take over the team in October.

Hollins, for instance, publicly expressed his displeasure in team officials trading Gay on January 30, particularly after the team had fallen below the luxury tax threshold by dealing reserves Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, and Josh Selby a week earlier to Cleveland for a future first-round pick and Josh Leuer.

However, after repeated requests to speak with Gay about the split-up between Hollins and Grizzlies management, the Raptors issued a written statement to MemphiSport in which the 26-year-old Baltimore native declined to discuss the issue.

“We agreed that whatever thoughts he has on the Hollins situation should remain private,” Raptors director of media relations Jim LaBumbard said in a statement. “He has great respect for Coach Hollins, but this is between Coach and the Grizzlies organization, and it wouldn’t be fair for Rudy to comment. Rudy is now a Raptor and that is his main concern.”

At the time of the trade, Gay, the team’s franchise player, was the Grizzlies’ leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, although many within the organization sensed the former UConn star wasn’t playing up to the five-year, $82 million contract extension he signed in July 2010.

Though Hollins wasn’t in favor of the trade, he addressed reporters days later, reiterating, among other things, that he is a “team player” and that he must devise ways to get the most out of his current roster.

“Both trades that were made, they kept me abreast with what was going on,” Hollins said before the Grizzlies’ February 8 home game against Golden State. “And I voiced my opinion and they went with what they had. But my responsibility is to coach the team with the players we have, and that’s what I try to do and that’s what I will continue to try to do.”

Even without Gay, the Grizzlies amassed a franchise-best 56-26 record and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in team history before being swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs.

However, during a national television appearance Wednesday morning, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley was asked if he believed Memphis would have had a better chance of beating the Spurs had the organization chose not to deal Gay. A seven-year veteran, Gay was the catalyst of the Grizzlies’ 101-98 overtime win against San Antonio in a January 11 game in FedExForum when he registered a team-high 23 points on 10-of-20 field goals in 42-plus minutes.

“When we got to the Spurs, we could of used Rudy,” Conley told Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take. “There’s no telling how far we would have gotten with Rudy.”

When asked how surprised was he after learning that Hollins would not return to coach the Grizzlies, Conley said, “It’s tough for us to lose coach. He was the guy who brought a different mentality to our team that wasn’t there. It’s a new stage for us. We’ve got to find a way to work through adversity.”

Much like they did after Gay was sent north of the border.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Lionel Hollins likely has coached last game for Grizzlies, ESPN expert tells MemphiSport

June 7, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

LEAVING TOWN? — Considering team officials have allowed other organizations to speak with Lionel Hollins about their head coaching vacancies, many media pundits believe Hollins have coached his last game for the Grizzlies despite leading the team to the Western Conference Finals this year. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images)

HOUSTON — Whether Lionel Hollins will return to coach the Grizzlies next season appears highly unlikely, now that team officials have expressed interest in other coaches and granted other organizations permission to speak with the embattled Hollins, whose contract ends June 30.

“It doesn’t look good,” ESPN News Editor Larry Starks told MemphiSport on Friday in a telephone interview from Miami. “I don’t think he’ll sign with the Grizzlies. The two sides philosophically are on different pages.”

Hollins and Grizzlies CEO Jason Levien met last week during a meeting in which Hollins admittedly came away convinced that he would work out a deal to remain the Grizzlies’ coach after guiding Memphis its first Western Conference Finals appearance in team history.

However, after learning earlier this week that he had been given permission to speak with other teams about their head coaching vacancies, it appears the relationship between Hollins and Levien is steadily deteriorating since the new ownership took over in late October.

“It seems like they wanted to go more toward analytics and (Hollins) doesn’t want that,” said Starks, alluding to Grizzlies new owner Robert Pera’s hiring of former ESPN analyst/writer John Hollinger as the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations. “It seems like from the beginning of the season, there were irreconcilable differences between the team and Hollins. From what I’ve read, it seems like Hollins wasn’t on board with them trading Rudy Gay. But the bottom line, it’s a difference in philosophies with them.”

While the 59-year-old Hollins has publicly expressed in recent weeks his desire to remain in Memphis, the possibility exist that he has coached his last game for the Grizzlies, despite guiding the team to a franchise-record 56 wins this year.

According to multiple media reports, Hollins took part in a lengthy discussion Thursday with Los Angeles Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Gary Sacks, a development that transpired 11 days after team owner Donald Sterling reportedly attended Game 1 of the Grizzlies-San Antonio Spurs series supposedly to scout Hollins. Also, the Brooklyn Nets have been granted permission to speak with Hollins, but has not reached out to the coach after its initial request last week was denied days after the Grizzlies were swept in four games by the Spurs.

And, as early as Friday, the Denver Nuggets seemingly have shown interest in possibly landing Hollins to fill its head coaching vacancy after team officials announced Thursday that George Karl would not return for a tenth season. According to media reports, the Grizzlies appear intrigued in luring the 62-year-old Karl to Memphis after a year in which he led the Nuggets to franchise-best 57 wins and was named NBA’s Coach of the Year.

However, whether Hollins will emerge as the suitable fit for a Denver team that currently is without a general manger — former Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri left recently for Toronto to assume the same position — is up for debate.

“The Nuggets don’t have a GM and that seems to be a more chaotic situation,” Starks said. “(Hollins) has done a lot for (the Grizzlies). He’s added toughness. He’s added accountability.”

So if Hollins and the Grizzlies part ways, on whose sideline could the often-belligerent coach possibly emerge next season?

“The Clippers it seems are leaning toward (Indiana Pacers assistant) Brian Shaw,” Starks said. “The Nets I think could be a good landing spot for him. I don’t know what he’s thinking and what his thinking is. But the Nets are on the market where they have to compete with the Knicks.”

Though the possibility exist that Hollins could return to the Grizzlies’ sideline next year, many believe that is inconceivable, given both sides have commenced to looking elsewhere.

“I’d be surprised if he signs with the Grizzlies,” Starks said.

Stay tuned.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: Brain Shaw, Brooklyn Nets, denver nuggets, ESPN.COM, George Karl, Jason Levien, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Mike and Mike In The Morning, NBA Finals, NBA.COM, Robert Pera, Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs

Lionel Hollins hints Grizzlies mirror 1977 Portland Trail Blazers championship squad

May 16, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

EARNING RESPECT — Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince soars for two of his eight points in Monday night’s 103-97 come-from-behind win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Memphis closed out the best-of-7 series Wednesday to advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history. (Photo by Justin Ford)

Lionel Hollins’ second year with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1976-77 is one in which he will forever cherish.

Coached by Hall of Famer Jack Ramsay, the Trail Blazers finished the regular season 49-33, a run that was comprised of a memorable postseason run and ended with the franchise’s first world championship after Portland’s defeat of the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the NBA Finals.

As Hollins found himself on Thursday harking back on the memories of his second professional season, the Grizzlies coach was ultimately brought to smiles. Hollins, in fact, hinted at the notion that he likens the Grizzlies to the Blazers’ championship team of the late 1970s, a squad that, like his Memphis team that advanced to its first Western Conference finals in franchise history Wednesday night after eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder, had to endure a cohesive mending process.

“I go back to when I came here in (2001) and then when I took over five years ago,” Hollins said. “The stands were empty. Nobody was talking about the Grizzlies. You didn’t see any Grizz apparel around town. Now you see flags on cars. You see posters in the windows of office buildings. You see signs up on office buildings. It’s wonderful. And as I told the team, we have to create the excitement. We create the excitement by going out and playing a brand of basketball they like to see. And when you do, the fans will definitely come out and take a part in it and embrace it.”

While the Grizzlies’ masterful display in recent weeks has made securing playoff tickets virtually hard to come by — there have been 14 consecutive postseason sellouts in FedExForum — and created a buzz throughout city that has been crippled by segregation since the 1960s, there are some who sense that Memphis’ historical run to the conference finals is erroneous, considering the Grizzlies emerged as favorites to beat the top-seeded Thunder after Russell Westbrook sustained a season-ending knee injury in Game 2 of the playoffs’ opening-round.

“Miami is the best team in the league,” ESPN Radio’s Colin Cowherd said Thursday on Mike And Mike In The Morning. “I don’t buy

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins on Thursday hinted with reporters that this year's Memphis team reminds him of the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers team that won the NBA championship. Hollins played for Portland from 1975-1980. (Photo by Justin Ford)

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins on Thursday hinted that this year’s Memphis team reminds him of the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers team that won the NBA championship. Hollins played for Portland from 1975-1980. (Photo by Justin Ford)

into any of the teams in the West, the Spurs or Memphis. Memphis wouldn’t be here if not for injury to Russell Westbrook.”

Hollins discredited Cowherd’s comments, going as far as to compare the Grizzlies’ success to other teams who enjoyed lengthy postseason runs following the injuries to marquee players.

“If that’s the case, the Lakers’ series was flawed when Isaiah Thomas hurt his ankle and the Lakers won (NBA title in 1988),” Hollins said. “The Pistons have to say their championship (in 1989) was flawed because Magic (Johnson) and Byron Scott went down before the series started when both went down with hamstring injuries. Every year, every playoff, somebody gets hurt or doesn’t play as well as we expect them to, and you have to live with that, not being successful. And the winner, it doesn’t really matter.”

What’s essential in the meantime as the Grizzlies await the Golden State-San Antonio winner, Hollins said, is to ensure his players rejuvenate for the conference finals and, most importantly, refrain from becoming caught up in all the hoopla and national media attention they have acquired in recent weeks.

“I told them to stay focused,” Hollins said. “I told them, ‘You were the same person before they knew. You were the same team before they knew. So don’t get caught into what they’re saying.’”

Especially since they have proven on a national stage to be a team that’s destined to chase more history.

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twiter @AJ_Journalist.

Grizzlies’ victory leaves four teams on the list of NBA franchises to never make the Conference Finals

May 16, 2013 by Kevin Cerrito Leave a Comment

Photo by Justin Ford

When the Grizzlies knocked the Thunder out of the playoffs with a 88 – 84 victory in Game 5, Memphis simultaneously knocked themselves off a list of NBA bottom dwellers.

Here are the four remaining NBA franchises to never make a conference finals:

Charlotte Bobcats
Los Angeles Clippers
New Orleans Pelicans (formerly the Hornets)
Toronto Raptors

Before the postseason is over, can the Grizz get their named removed from a much longer list?

Here are the seven franchises to never make the NBA Finals:

Charlotte Bobcats
Los Angeles Clippers
Denver Nuggets
Memphis Grizzlies
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans (formerly the Hornets)
Toronto Raptors

Email: kevin@memphisport.com
Twitter: @cerrito

Chris Webber says Grizzlies-Clippers winner could be favorite to beat Thunder

April 28, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

BLOCK PARTY — If Tayshaun Prince (left) and Grizzlies advance to the semifinals of the Western Conference playoffs, TNT analyst Chris Webber believes Memphis could emerge as the favorite to upset Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are without point guard Russell Westbrook for the remainder of the postseason due to a knee injury (Photo by Chris Evans)

The season-ending injury to Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has changed virtually the entire landscape of the NBA playoffs, most notably the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

At least that is how TNT analyst Chris Webber on Saturday assessed the injury of Westbrook, a three-time All-Star and one of the league’s premiere point guards.

The Thunder entered the postseason as the top-seeded team in the Western Conference and heavy favorites to make their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Such talks seem to have dwindled since team officials on Friday announced that Westbrook would be out for the remainder of the playoffs after a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee he sustained in Game 2. Westbrook went down in the second quarter of that game when Houston Rockets rookie Patrick Beverley went for a steal and collided into his knee.

The winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies series, which resume Tuesday night with Game 5 in the Staples Center at 9:30 CST, will play the winner of the Rockets-Thunder matchup. If Oklahoma City, which took a 3-0 lead in their best-of-7 series opening-round series, eliminates Houston, Webber said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Thunder become underdogs to advance to the Western Conference finals now that Westbrook is done for the season.

“You’ve still got to earn it, whether it’s San Antonio,” Webber said. “I do think that in the back of your mind, you’ve got to think you want to get out of this (Clippers-Grizzlies) series because you can believe you’re the favorite. It’s understandable. I mean, you had one of the best records in the league. And now you lose your point guard, so what you’re going to do?”

While the Thunder, who owned the league’s second-best record behind the Miami Heat, still boast the depth to make a run at the NBA Finals, Webber said it would certainly take some doing, given Oklahoma City is without Westbrook, its second-leading scorer who averaged 23.2 points during the regular season. The league’s sixth-leading scorer, the 24-year-old Westbrook had never missed a game during his five-year professional career, a streak that spanned 439 games before his injury.

“Yeah, it has brought more meaning to every series,” said Webber, who played 15 NBA seasons before retiring in March 2008. “When you lose one of the best point guards in the game, you’re going to have trouble shooting, scoring, facilitating, and doing a lot of things. So I feel bad personally for Westbrook, No. 1. But OKC is definitely going to be affected by it. How? It’s up to them to decide and make that point. When you lose a guy like Westbrook, you can’t be as good.”

In Saturday’s Game 3 at Houston, the Thunder didn’t appear affected by Westbrook’s absence until the third quarter. Behind Kevin

Chris Webber

Durant’s game-high 41 points, Oklahoma City led by as many as 26 points in the second quarter, but had to withstand a furious second-half rally by the Rockets before escaping, 104-101, to assume a three games to none lead.

The biggest concern at this point, Webber said, is whether Durant’s offensive prowess can be sustained without Westbrook in the fold.

“They’re going to have to figure out a way to get some scoring possessions,” Webber said. “I mean, (Westbrook averages) over 23 points. So how do you just find that? You can’t just say OKC is left for dead, but they’re nowhere near the explosive team they were when they had Westbrook.”

Zach Randolph (left) and Blake Griffin have been involved in a slugfest, of sorts, through four games of the Clippers-Grizzlies best-of-7 playoff series. Whichever team prevails could likely be the favorite to upend Oklahoma City following the season-ending knee injury to Westbrook. (Photo by Justin Ford)

Clippers veteran guard Chauncey Billups, meanwhile, contends the winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies series won’t necessarily have a clear-cut path to the conference finals. As Billups tells it, such talks are premature, given the Clippers and Grizzlies are deadlocked at two games apiece.

“(Westbrook’s injury) really has nothing to do with this series…nothing whatsoever,” Billups said. “I mean, I’m pretty sure if Russell was playing, whatever team gets through this (series) is going to fight just as harder. So that really doesn’t come to play in this series. When we get there, then we’ll talk about it. They’re obviously a different team without him. But we’ve got to worry about Game 5 to be honest with you.”

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twiter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: BLAKE GRIFFIN, CHRIS PAUL, Chris Webber, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, FoxSports.com, Houston Chronicle, Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Times, Los Angles Daily News, Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook, TNT Sports, Zach Randolph

No Loss November: Media and fans react to Grizzlies being best in NBA

November 19, 2012 by Kevin Cerrito Leave a Comment

Use #GrizzNation or #gotigersgo on all your Grizzlies and Tigers tweets and instagrams to increase your odds of being included in our social media stories at MemphiSport.com.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features Tagged With: Best in NBA, fancap, GrizzNation, Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Finals, Power Rankings, twitter, We Don't Bluff City

Ex-NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway says LeBron James isn’t pressured to win a ring this year

November 15, 2012 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

When Miami Heat superstar LeBron James commenced to leaping in a triumphant celebration on the sideline as the final seconds evaporated in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, among those who was the most proud was Penny Hardaway.

Despite his controversial departure from Cleveland after seven seasons, Miami Heat star LeBron James said after Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies he is relieved to have finally won an NBA title. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Hardaway and James established a solid rapport when James entered the NBA out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High in 2003, in large part because Hardaway was among the players James idolized while growing up in Akron, Ohio. Hardaway, who last played for the Heat in 2007 before witnessing his 14-year professional career end prematurely because of an assortment of injuries, said after Sunday’s Heat versus Grizzlies game in FedExForum that while much of the criticism aimed at James in recent years was self-manufactured, he believes the three-time league MVP silenced many of his critics after leading the Heat to their second NBA championship in franchise history.

“I think the pressure is gone,” said Hardaway, when asked if there is more pressure on James to win another title this year. “They now want to see how he responds.”

Five months removed from having earned his that elusive world title, a usual-nonchalant James appeared as moderate as he has been since he arrived at South Beach two years ago. Roughly a half hour after Sunday’s 104-86 loss to the Grizzlies, for instance, with a crowd of reporters assembled in front of his locker, James reached for his iPad to get a quick check of NFL scores. He was pleased by what he discovered.

“Well, I see my Cowboys won,” James said laughing. “(Tony) Romo had a good game.”

Unlike the Dallas Mavericks, who got off to a 0-3 start the year after winning the NBA title, James and Co. appear as if they aren’t affected by a championship hangover, something Hardaway said is pivotal for a veteran team that is the odds-on favorite to claim its third consecutive Eastern Conference crown. Despite having their four-game undefeated streak snapped by the Grizzlies, Miami brought a 5-1 mark into Sunday’s game, with James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh each displaying offensive proficiency, averaging better than 20 points apiece.

As far as capturing another Larry O’Brien trophy goes, Hardaway said much of that will depend largely on the team’s ability to stay healthy and, most importantly, how well James exerts the pressure of being the catalyst of a Heat squad that has emerged as “everybody’s big game.”

“I’m happy I’ve finally got it done,” James said of winning his first NBA title. “It was a goal of mine for quite some time.”

Hardaway, who played in the 1995 NBA Finals during his six-year stint with the Orlando Magic, said though James’ controversial nationally-televised announcement to leave Cleveland coupled with the Heat losing to the Mavericks in the finals in 2011 resulted in immense criticism from the media and his peers, he believed James handled the negative backlash with ease.

Among the reasons is that the Heat had to rally from a two games to one deficit against Indiana in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs, a 3-2 hole against Boston in the conference finals, and wasted little time dispatching a high-powered Thunder team that was expected to challenge them in the NBA Finals.

Though James was met by an array of boos during player introductions Sunday, the reigning MVP managed to draw rousing applauses when he converted an electrifying alley-oop dunk early in the first quarter versus the Grizzlies. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Miami swept the Thunder in four games to seize its first NBA title in six years as James was named finals MVP.

“I haven’t spoken to him since he won the championship,” said Hardaway, who visited the Heat locker room Sunday to congratulate James. “He went straight to the Olympics. I’m very proud of him because he was under so much scrutiny because he didn’t win one in his first year (in Miami). He’ll tell you.

“I think it hurt him the first year he went to Miami under a decision,” added Hardaway, alluding to James’ national-televised prime-time announcement in which he revealed to ESPN’s Jim Gray his decision to join Wade and Bosh in Miami. “When he said they would win five or six championships, people didn’t like that. He was booed in every arena he went to.”

Sunday was no exception in FedExForum, although a large contingent of fans amongst the announced sellout crowd turned out wearing James’ No. 6 jerseys. The eight-time All-Star, as expected, was met by scattered boos during player introductions. However, that all changed near the halfway point of the opening quarter when James fielded a perfectly-timed fast break lob from Mario Chalmers then threw down a thunderous two-handed slam, drawing a rousing applause from spectators.

“LeBron is a great guy, a great teammate,” Heat swingman Shane Battier said. “I think the criticism he took was unfair, was unjust. I think they applaud him more now with a championship ring. I don’t think (winning championships) matters. Winning is tough enough. So he’s always going to be under pressure. I mean, he’s the best player in the world.”

Which, of course, is among the obvious reasons James, who turns 28 December 30, will be expected to garner the multiple championships he publicly predicted days after arriving at South Beach.

“I don’t know if he’s going to be under pressure to win (a title) this year,” Hardaway said. “But if they don’t win this year, the pressure will come back.”

Stay tuned.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: Lebron James, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, Penny Hardaway

Fox 13 meteorologist Joey Sulipeck visits MSL to analyze Heat vs. Thunder atmospherically

June 16, 2012 by MemphiSport Leave a Comment

Fox 13 Chief Meteorologist Joey Sulipeck joined Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter on MSL to give his weather perspective and forecast of the NBA Finals “Weather Series” between the Heat and the Thunder.

AUDIO:

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Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter host MemphiSport Live (MSL) every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. MSL was voted 3rd Best Sports Radio Show in the 2010 & 2011 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis poll.

Follow the MSL hosts on Twitter @cerrito & @marcus_hunter

Filed Under: Interviews, The Big Features Tagged With: Fox 13, Heat, Joey Sulipeck, Kevin Cerrito, Marcus Hunter, MSL, NBA Finals, Thunder, Weather Series

MSL: 6.16.12

June 16, 2012 by MemphiSport Leave a Comment

Hour 1:

Fox 13 Chief Meteorologist Joey Sulipeck joins Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter on MSL to give his weather perspective of the NBA Finals “Weather Series” between the Heat and the Thunder. Also, “Zombie” and Cage Girl Kasey from V3 Fights come in studio to talk about the next event at Minglewood Hall. Plus, the guys talk about the Grizzlies’ new owner, Matt Cain’s perfect game, former Tiger basketball players, and more during the Starting 5.

Hour 2:

Former Houston High School principal and current SCS superintendent John Aitken joins the guys to talk about Matt Cain’s perfect game, canceling Kevin’s high school TV show and the future of the local school system. Also, Hang Up & Listen. Plus, the guys discuss whether or the PGA Tour should allow fans to take photos and Hologram Elvis during Woohoos and Boos.

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Filed Under: The Big Features Tagged With: Ben Hogan, Fox 13, Giants, Hang Up & Listen, Heat, Houston High School, Joey Sulipeck, John Aitkin, Kevin Cerrito, Marcus Hunter, MMA, MSL, NBA Finals, SCS, Shelby County Schools, Thunder, V3 Fights, Weather Series, Woohoo's and Boo's, Zombie

MSL: 6.11.11

June 11, 2011 by Ben Hogan Leave a Comment

Hour 1:

Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter talk about the 2011 St. Jude Classic, V3 Fights and more during the Starting 5. Also, Kentucky Fried Wrestling columnist Scott Bowden joins the guys to talk about Randy “Macho Man” Savage and TNA’s BaseBrawl at AutoZone Park. Plus, the listeners compete in the first ever MSL webcam scavenger hunt.

Click here to listen to Hour 1 of the 6.11.11 MSL

Hour 2:

Fox Sports Southwest’s Desmond Purnell returns to talk with Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter about all the latest news and information surrounding the NBA Finals. Also, callers compete in another edition of Hang Up & Listen. Plus, the guys discuss John Daly’s pants, the Grizzlies and more during Woohoo’s and Boo’s.

Click here to listen to Hour 2 of the 6.11.11 MSL

Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter host MemphiSport Live (MSL) every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. MSL was voted 3rd Best Sports Show in the 2010 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis poll.