Anyone who truly knows me knows that I am an adamant Memphis Tiger basketball fan. As we say back in Memphis, ‘I bleed blue!’

I’ve got a storied history as a ball boy, going on trips to watch games, meeting many of the players, etc. The fanatical approach runs in the family – I am a true son of my dad!

One of the great things I miss living in Europe is basketball – particularly US college basketball. When it’s basketball season, I watch the Tiger scores live online (if the game is early enough). Or when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is check the scores and highlight videos.

I like Memphis’ coach, Josh Pastner (who, by the way, looks like John Francis Daley from the tv series, Bones). No one can argue against him being a great recruiter. But he is also growing as a floor coach, growing quickly. Many have been down on Pastner, at times, because he hasn’t lived up to the fans expectations and demands – we haven’t beaten a Top 25 team nor won an NCAA tournament game since he became the coach in 2009. But I think he is a good investment for the Tigers. Let’s see how the NCAA tournament goes in 2013.

This Saturday is senior day. Four seniors, but one in particular, a fan-favourite, is the high-flying D.J. Stephens. He’s been voted for the ESPN dunk of the year before. He came out of nowhere to be a team leader, one who gives 110%, and can revive both team and fans with his acrobatic dunks or soaring blocks.

I wish I could be there to watch the final home game of the season. It’s against UAB and the expectation is that we win quite decently. And, if we win, would be undefeated in the conference season. Yes, C-USA is not a top conference. But to do so is difficult from any standpoint. I’ll celebrate it! I’ll take it!

So, here’s to the Tigers on Saturday as the regular season comes to an end. Hopefully we will be playing basketball for at least another 2 weeks. And, if possible, I’d love to see them playing when I arrive in early April – in the Final Four.

Go Tigers Go!