I’m a huge Michigan State basketball fan.
Yes, I am fully aware that this is a Memphis Grizzlies blog, and that this is a seemingly bizarre way to start an article for said blog; however, if you’re as big of a Grizz fan as I am a Spartan fan, you might already know where I’m headed with this.
As a college basketball fan, one of the coolest things I get to see is my favorite college players hitting the hardwood in NBA uniforms. Whether they play a little or a lot, it’s awesome to watch. To get to witness these guys play in college, develop their skill sets, grow as people, maybe even get a college degree and then go live out a lifelong dream… it’s special.
I cite this as the main reason behind my affinity for the Memphis Grizzlies.
When you‘re following someone’s journey, it kind of feels like you’re right there with them. This is how it has felt, for me, watching guys leave East Lansing to play in The NBA. Draymond Green, Gary Harris, Cassius Winston, Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes, and Miles Bridges…
With the Memphis Grizzlies, it’s Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman Sr.
When Xavier got drafted and then traded to Memphis back five months ago, it was a very exciting moment. Tillman and JJJ playing together again? A truly awesome thought for the Spartan faithful.
Not to mention, this also meant Tillman would get to play with PG Ja Morant, my current favorite non-MSU-affiliated basketball player. I had a blast watching Ja when he led Murray State on that March Madness run back in 2019, and it’s been pretty cool to see him thrive in Memphis.