The Commercial Appeal (2007-Current)

Citizen Cal -- Tigers Coach Grows Into Advocate for University, City, Even Politicians

At 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day, John Calipari was not at a candlelit dinner with his wife Ellen; he wasn't watching film to prepare for the University of Memphis' upcoming game at UAB; he wasn't even furiously typing on his Blackberry, where the 24-7 work of a major college basketball coach is often done. Instead, Calipari, a Catholic of Italian heritage, was at the Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth Congregation speaking to an audience of Orthodox Jews about community and charity and his new favorite...

Digest

In the news Tigers add Itawamba defensive back

Energetic Grizzlies Brush Bobcats Aside -- Team Emphatically Ends 4- Game Streak

Grizzlies 98, Bobcats 80 About eight minutes remained in the final frame when the Grizzlies seamlessly broke a press and began tossing the ball around the perimeter.

Check Web Site for Grizzlies-Bobcats

Conley Says He Hasn't Hit 'Wall'

Grizzlies notebook Grizzlies head coach Marc Iavaroni subscribes to the theory that a rookie hitting the so-called wall is nothing more than a media myth .

Hoosiers Aren't Strangers to Hogs -- Pelphrey Well-Versed On Indiana Tradition

Growing up in Paintsville, Ky., and playing for the University of Kentucky, John Pelphrey is well versed in the tradition of Indiana basketball. Next to Louisville, the Hoosiers are Kentucky's most hated non- Southeastern Conference rival.

Ridgeway's Henning Joins Elite Group

Now that he's won a fourth boys basketball state title at Ridgeway, it's safe to assume Roadrunner head coach Wes Henning will go down in Memphis prep hoops history as one of the area's top boys coaches of all time. His credentials speak for themselves.

Around the Nba

Ellis' brother shot twice The brother of Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis has been released from the hospital after being shot in the back twice over the weekend.

Pierce, Garnett Rough Up Spurs

Celtics 93, Spurs 91 SAN ANTONIO - Paul Pierce scored 22 points, Kevin Garnett added 21 and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 93- 91 on Monday night.

Vandy's Foster Is Sec's Best

ROUNDUP ATLANTA - Vanderbilt's Shan Foster was named player of the year on the All-Southeastern Conference team announced Monday by The Associated Press after leading the league in scoring and helping the Commodores tie a school record for most regular-season victories.

No Surprises Atop Women's Brackets -- Traditional Powers Draw No. 1 Seeds

Tennessee. Connecticut. Maryland. North Carolina. Those No. 1 seeds - all familiar powerhouses to college basketball fans - anchored the NCAA women's tournament bracket, with the Lady Vols opening defense of their championship in the Oklahoma City Regional.

Small College Report

Christian Brothers The basketball team finished at 22-10 after dropping a 72-71 heartbreaker to No. 17 North Alabama in the NCAA Division 2 South Regional Saturday night in Lakeland, Fla. Senior forward Kevin Weybright , CBU's all-time leading scorer, missed the game due to an ankle injury, the first game he had missed since his freshman year. He finishes his illustrious career with 1,972 career points. Nick Kohs had a career-high 30 points and 10 rebounds, but UNA won in the final seconds af...

Calipari Doesn't Root in Tourney -- U of M Coach Avoids Hoping for Certain Foes

The roars and screams could be heard from outside the University of Memphis locker room as Ohio State and Xavier played to overtime in last year's NCAA Tournament second round. Standing outside, in the hallway of New Orleans Arena, John Calipari cringed.

Pearl Focuses On Vol Opponents -- He Can Be Positive with a No. 2 Seed

KNOXVILLE - Hey, forget the seed snub. It's all about the matchups and Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl likes his. "We like our matchups," Pearl enthusiastically told the crowd that gathered Sunday to watch the unveiling of the NCAA Tournament bracket.