Before they were in the NBA and with the Memphis Grizzlies, these players had their own magic moments during the NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament
It’s mid-March and the Memphis Grizzlies are in the final stretch of the 2021-22 regular season. The key words here being that it’s March, which means the NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament is here.
Every player on the Grizzlies roster got their big break by playing college basketball. Almost all of them had some impressive moments during their respective March Madness tournaments.
It got us thinking about which players had the best games in the tournament and how far some of these players have come since they went dancing on the biggest stage in college basketball.
As you go through this list, you’ll notice the names of a few Memphis Grizzlies players who are not on this list. That’s because they never got the chance to compete in a game during the big tournament that determines the NCAA Men’s Basketball champion.
The following players did not play in a March Madness game during their time in college: John Konchar (Purdue-Fort Wayne), Santi Aldama (Loyola (MD)), Ziaire Williams (Standford), Tyrell Terry (Stanford).
Without further adieu, join me in going down memory lane to see the best March Madness performances from each player on the 2021-22 Memphis Grizzlies.
No 13. Yves Pons, Tennessee
When: March 19, 2021
Game: Round 1, Tennessee vs Oregon State
One of the quietest players on the Memphis Grizzlies, Yves Pons, is a former Tennessee Volunteer. Just as he is now, he was known for his high-energy plays and eye-popping athleticism when he suited up for Tennessee.
His best March Madness game came in last year’s tournament when his No. 5 Vols were upset by No. 12 Oregon State 56-70.
Pons, a starter for Tennessee in the game, recorded 4 points and 2 rebounds in 27 minutes of action.
The Grizzlies invited Pons to play for their 2021 NBA Summer League team and played well enough to be signed to the team for the 2021-22 season.