Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. root against the Memphis Tigers in Maui

On By Littum

College basketball’s Maui Invitational tournament has put some Memphis Grizzlies players in conflicting positions.

The hometown Memphis Tigers are there, but several Grizzlies players also have their alma maters in the tournament.

Guard Cam Spencer, who played last season at UConn, saw his Huskies upset the Tigers on Monday afternoon. Before the game, he had seemed confident in UConn’s ability to knock off Memphis.

Now he will be reminded of the result by his teammates.

“He acted like it was a layup,” Desmond Bane said. “I haven’t had a chance to crochet him yet, but he’ll definitely hear from me tomorrow.”

Next up for the Tigers is a game against Michigan State, where Jaren Jackson Jr. spent his one season of college basketball. The 25-year-old has spent more than six years in Memphis, but East Lansing is near and dear to his heart.

Jackson said he will be tuned in for Tuesday’s showdown (5 p.m. CT, ESPN). His advice to Tigers players is not to jump when they are athletic Michigan State sophomore Coen Carr flies.

Jackson’s allegiance to the city of Memphis will not be enough to outweigh his loyalty to his college.

“I bleed green all the time,” he said. “I know where I live. I’ve been here a long time. But yes, Spartans.”

Damichael Cole is the one Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.