With Elvis Week upon us, I found
myself considering suitable theme songs for certain sports figures (and a local
event). All made famous by the King, of course. Next time you see these jocks,
may their tune be ringing in your ears.
“Big Boss Man” — John Calipari.
Derrick Rose may be history. Same with Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey.
But with Calipari still on the bench, the University of Memphis remains on the
radar of Final Four contenders.
“All Shook Up” — The 2008
Memphis Redbirds. With Joe Mather, Chris Perez, Jaime Garcia, Nick Stavinoha,
Kelvin Jimenez, Mike Parisi, and Mitchell Boggs all shuttling between Memphis
and St. Louis, the local outfit’s roster has changed much more than the weather
at AutoZone Park this summer. Remarkably, these players could play significant
roles for two winning teams.
“Return to Sender” — Kwame
Brown. The “cap space” is one thing. I can be talked into liking Javaris
Crittenton. But Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown? Brown is the poster boy for why the
NBA concocted its age/class requirement for entering the draft. Next best thing
to seeing him in Laker purple again is seeing him sign a free-agent deal with
Detroit.
“Trouble” — The Regions Morgan
Keegan Tennis Championships. If you’re lookin’ for trouble, The Racquet Club of
Memphis would seem to be the place. With the club itself sitting behind a “for
sale” sign, and the sport’s two biggest names — Federer and Nadal — absent one
year after the next, tennis fans have to wonder about the future of what was
once the city’s signature winter sporting event.
“The Wonder of You” — Tyreke
Evans. All of Tiger Nation is wondering just how much weight the incoming
freshman can bear for a program with standards that now anticipate 30 wins and a
deep NCAA tournament run. Evans will likely lead Memphis in scoring but, like a
certain other freshman phenom, can he make his veteran teammates better, too?
“Burning Love” — Alex Rodriguez.
Lord almighty, ARod. It would seem lighting an extramarital flame with Madonna
while playing the hot corner for the Bronx Bombers would be living on a prayer.
But when your brain is flamin’ . . . .
“If I Can Dream” — O.J. Mayo.
Certainly the most mellow (however inspiring) song to accompany the highly
acclaimed rookie to Memphis for his inaugural NBA season. But considering the
needs the Grizzlies have, and the urgency the front office feels for winning,
Mayo will get the kind of playing time that is the foundation for a Rookie of
the Year campaign. As he teams up with Rudy Gay, Mayo offers possibilities
Memphis fans have all but forgotten. “Where hope keeps shining on everyone.”
“Stuck on You” — Tommy West.
Stability and Memphis Tiger football have not often been mentioned in the same
sentence. But with every winning season, bowl appearance, and aw-shucks
interview, the current face of the program seems more a part of this city’s
cultural framework. And with his son suiting up at the Liberty Bowl? It’s a
family affair.
“It’s Now or Never” — Marc
Iavaroni. It’s a shame “good guy” isn’t among the considerations when contract
extensions are drawn up for NBA coaches. The Grizzlies’ second-year coach would
be on his way toward a decade-plus in Memphis were it his professional conduct
or code of ethics that steered the ship. But it’s win, baby, and win now. The
guess here is that 35 wins — in a rigid Western Conference — will be needed for
Iavaroni to be on the Memphis bench in 2009-10.
“(You’re the) Devil in Disguise”
— Phil Jackson. I don’t care how many championships Dr. Zen has won. Comparing
Memphis to “Dresden after the war” went way too far. Easiest guy to root against
in the NBA.
“Rubberneckin’ ” — Derrick Rose
was the key to the Memphis Tigers’ march to 38 wins and the 2008 Final Four
during his one season in the Bluff City. And he’ll be the focal point (so to
speak) as the Chicago Bulls aim to narrow the gap with the champion Celtics in a
suddenly stronger Eastern Conference of the NBA. Stop, look, and listen, indeed.
“Jailhouse Rock” — Why, Michael
Vick of course; the NFL’s baddest of bad boys. I considered “Hound Dog” only
long enough to recognize how insensitive it would be to the world’s canine
population.
