Grizzlies practice makes perfect for the fans
An hour before the Memphis Grizzlies Open practice begins, the fans have gathered on the plaza outside of the Fed Ex Forum for an afternoon of food trucks and fun. The Grannies and Grand Pa’s were on site to entertain the crowd. There was also an inflatable goal outside for the younger fans to shoot some jump shots. There were also face painters on hand to decorate the kids faces with Grizzlies Blue & Gold. The sunning was shining bright and temp was near perfect. Sun, food, and fun. What else could a Grizzlies fan ask for? Oh yeah, basketball!!! Well it’s a few minutes before 1p.m., time to take this party inside.
Once the crowd makes it inside the arena and into their seats, the team was introduced to the crowd. The open practice begins with the team running drills and an announcer explaining to the fans the purpose of the drills. The players didn’t seem to be bothered by practicing in front of an audience. They could be observed engaging each other in laughable conversations, cheering each other on, and having an overall good time. Less than 24 hours prior to the open practice, the Grizzlies handed the Cleveland Cavaliers a ten point loss. Flying back after that game and having to wake up for a mid day practice, the team was a little tired. It shows how much they care for the fans by putting on an open practice performance for us to enjoy.
One of the practice activities was a full court three man weave, it was called a figure eight when I was in middle school. The goal on the weave drill was to make 21 shots in a row. Twenty shots (layups) go up and twenty go down. On attempt number 21 Jeff Green misses a dunk. There was a three point contest, between two teams selected by Coach Joeger, that initially resulted in a tie. The tie breaker was a half court shoot out.
This was the perfect week to hold a mid day open practice. The kids are out of school on fall break so parents were able to bring them out for some mid day fun. At the end of the public practice, the team grabs t-shirts and throws them to the crowd.
Former tiger standout Jeremy Hunt was in the building. We remember Hunt for putting in work on the court, making jump shots and snagging rebounds. These days he is putting in a different type of work on the court. He is currently working with M.A.M (Memphis Athletic Ministries). Some of his M.A.M players are participating in this weeks Grizzlies Basketball Camp. Click Here for more with Jeremy Hunt.
The Grizzlies next game is October 16th against the Oklahoma Thunder. The season opener is just two weeks away. 15 and 22 game packs are still available. For ticket information dial 901-888-HOOP or visit grizzlies.com.
