WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:02.002  (female announcer)   This is a production 00:02.002 --> 00:03.804  of WKNO-Memphis. 00:03.804 --> 00:06.139  Production funding for   "Sports Files" is made 00:06.139 --> 00:08.442  possible in part by.. 00:08.442 --> 00:09.676  (male announcer)   Infiniti of Memphis has moved 00:09.676 --> 00:13.080  to Germantown road just half a   mile north of Wolfchase Galleria 00:13.080 --> 00:16.316  and is proud to support W-K-N-O   for its quality broadcasting and 00:16.316 --> 00:17.784  service to our community. 00:17.784 --> 00:19.987  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 00:19.987 --> 00:23.090  feels at home on W-K-N-O. 00:23.090 --> 00:25.692  The Lighting Source, major line   distributor of commercial and 00:25.692 --> 00:29.196  industrial lighting including   hard-to-find bulbs and fixtures, 00:29.196 --> 00:32.032  as well as a broad   range of L-E-D products. 00:32.032 --> 00:33.734  With 35 years' experience   servicing lighting needs, 00:33.734 --> 00:36.737  The Lighting Source   proudly sponsors "Sports Files." 00:46.313 --> 00:48.815 My guest today on "Sports Files" is Memphis Tigers 00:48.815 --> 00:51.318 Head Basketball Coach Josh Pastner. 00:51.318 --> 01:07.534 [theme music] 01:07.534 --> 01:10.704 Last summer, Josh Pastner added a late component to the Memphis 01:10.704 --> 01:13.307 Tigers roster, bringing in former Missouri standout Michael 01:13.307 --> 01:16.209 Dixon Junior to add some depth and firepower. 01:16.209 --> 01:19.146 The result was mixed with some standout victories and some 01:19.146 --> 01:20.280 devastating losses. 01:20.280 --> 01:22.849 The addition of Dixon to an already loaded backcourt 01:22.849 --> 01:25.719 created, at times, chemistry issues. 01:25.719 --> 01:28.555 Fast forward to present-day, and the Tigers are gearing up for a 01:28.555 --> 01:32.292 new season in which expectations will likely be tapered a bit. 01:32.292 --> 01:35.095 Many players on the team are limited in game experience or, 01:35.095 --> 01:37.664 quite frankly, have none to speak of. 01:37.664 --> 01:38.799 So, what can a coach do? 01:38.799 --> 01:41.802 Well, in Josh's case, go out and get some players who have the 01:41.802 --> 01:42.803 experience. 01:42.803 --> 01:45.038 Enter Kedren Johnson and Calvin Godfrey. 01:45.038 --> 01:48.208 Today, Josh Pastner joins me to talk about the new season, 01:48.208 --> 01:50.210 which is right around the corner. 01:50.210 --> 01:52.045 It's next on "Sports Files." 01:52.045 --> 02:02.122 [theme music] 02:02.122 --> 02:03.156 Josh, great to see you again. 02:03.156 --> 02:03.824 Thanks for being with us. 02:03.824 --> 02:04.758 Thanks for having me, Greg. 02:04.758 --> 02:06.059 Always glad to be able to join ya. 02:06.059 --> 02:08.795 Never too early to talk Tiger basketball but this was a little 02:08.795 --> 02:10.797 bit unusual, as well, because you played some games over the 02:10.797 --> 02:12.799 summer, some exhibition games in Canada. 02:12.799 --> 02:14.267 So, it was a very busy summer. 02:14.267 --> 02:17.537 Not that it isn't always for you with recruiting and all that. 02:17.537 --> 02:20.007 But you got to practice with the guys. 02:20.007 --> 02:22.175 You got to play four games in Canada. 02:22.175 --> 02:24.478 But as you know, this team is going to look a lot different 02:24.478 --> 02:26.880 when you open up practice next month. 02:26.880 --> 02:29.082 With that said, what did you accomplish in Canada? 02:29.082 --> 02:31.818 Well, Greg, the reason we did the foreign trip and the foreign 02:31.818 --> 02:33.820 trip, you know, outside of the United States. 02:33.820 --> 02:36.490 The N-C-A-A allows you to every four years. 02:36.490 --> 02:39.593 I felt it was really important for us to do the trip. 02:39.593 --> 02:41.762 And most teams want to do it for the practices. 02:41.762 --> 02:44.431 I really want to do it for games. 02:44.431 --> 02:48.201 I felt our team was so inexperienced and so non-game 02:48.201 --> 02:50.203 experienced from the previous years. 02:50.203 --> 02:52.773 Because other than Shaq and Austin and Nick King the second 02:52.773 --> 02:55.642 half of the season, nobody's really had game experience. 02:55.642 --> 02:57.911 And I felt we needed to play good competition. 02:57.911 --> 03:01.348 And I checked around and everyone told me teams up in the 03:01.348 --> 03:04.184 Ottawa area of Canada had good competition. 03:04.184 --> 03:07.621 Carlton who's a nine or ten time champion over there in the 03:07.621 --> 03:08.622 Canadian league. 03:08.622 --> 03:10.991 And played University of Ottawa and the Gill University. 03:10.991 --> 03:13.226 But especially Carlton and Ottawa. 03:13.226 --> 03:14.561 It gave us good teams. 03:14.561 --> 03:16.430 We were playing older teams. 03:16.430 --> 03:21.868 And allow our guys to play good minutes in real game situations. 03:21.868 --> 03:25.505 And we were able to evaluate and take that opportunity from the 03:25.505 --> 03:27.040 tape to learn from it. 03:27.040 --> 03:29.443 Which makes perfect sense to get these young guys a taste of what 03:29.443 --> 03:30.444 it's going to be all about. 03:30.444 --> 03:32.446 But it's not just the young guys. 03:32.446 --> 03:34.448 Kuran Iverson last year didn't play. 03:34.448 --> 03:35.449 He's a sophomore. 03:35.449 --> 03:36.450 He barely played. 03:36.450 --> 03:37.451 You know what I mean? 03:37.451 --> 03:38.452 So, all those guys. 03:38.452 --> 03:40.454 Markel Crawford hadn't played in two years. 03:40.454 --> 03:42.456 Pookie Powell didn't play last year. 03:42.456 --> 03:44.458 So, it's not just the incoming guys. 03:44.458 --> 03:46.460 It's the guys that were returning from the team. 03:46.460 --> 03:47.461 Exactly. 03:47.461 --> 03:49.463 But I'd still consider them young as far as playing time. 03:49.463 --> 03:51.465 But now you have to integrate these new guys. 03:51.465 --> 03:52.466 Yes. 03:52.466 --> 03:54.468 And as we sit here and we tape, nothing yet official from the 03:54.468 --> 03:57.037 N-C-A-A on keeping Johnson or Calvin Godfrey. 03:57.037 --> 04:00.140 But we expect that they will be approved with their waivers. 04:00.140 --> 04:03.009 Trahson Burrell, who we knew was going to be part of the team, 04:03.009 --> 04:04.478 finally is officially. 04:04.478 --> 04:06.747 But he didn't practice or go to Canada. 04:06.747 --> 04:08.849 You know, Austin did not play in Canada. 04:08.849 --> 04:11.785 So, is it going to be starting in new once camp opens up? 04:11.785 --> 04:13.787 There's going to be some newness for sure. 04:13.787 --> 04:14.788 And let me say this. 04:14.788 --> 04:16.790 I do believe that if all those guys become eligible, 04:16.790 --> 04:19.459 you know, if the N-C-A-A grants the waiver for, 04:19.459 --> 04:20.460 uh.. 04:20.460 --> 04:21.461 We got Burrell in. 04:21.461 --> 04:23.463 But if they do grant the waiver for Kedren Johnson and Calvin 04:23.463 --> 04:24.464 Godfrey. 04:24.464 --> 04:25.465 And you expect? 04:25.465 --> 04:26.466 I expect it. 04:26.466 --> 04:28.468 I think it's hard for them not to be able to grant it. 04:28.468 --> 04:29.469 But you never know. 04:29.469 --> 04:30.770 But I do expect it. 04:30.770 --> 04:33.940 But if they do, you know, I think that puts us right back in 04:33.940 --> 04:36.743 to a top 25 team right from the start, 04:36.743 --> 04:38.745 you know, right in that area there. 04:38.745 --> 04:40.747 If they don't grant those guys waivers, 04:40.747 --> 04:42.749 we're not going to be a pre-season top 25 team. 04:42.749 --> 04:46.019 You know, we're going to have some work to do to be able to 04:46.019 --> 04:47.020 get there. 04:47.020 --> 04:49.022 We're still waiting on the kid D'Marnier Cunningham. 04:49.022 --> 04:51.391 I'm still waiting on some things academically. 04:51.391 --> 04:53.393 So, we still have some, you know, 04:53.393 --> 04:55.395 pieces out there that we haven't got finalized yet. 04:55.395 --> 04:56.396 And you're right, Greg. 04:56.396 --> 04:58.398 Assuming everything goes through, 04:58.398 --> 05:00.400 knock on wood that all goes through, 05:00.400 --> 05:02.402 um, that it is going to be a little bit different. 05:02.402 --> 05:03.403 We have new guys. 05:03.403 --> 05:05.405 And you're going to have to teach them on some of the 05:05.405 --> 05:06.406 things. 05:06.406 --> 05:08.408 But Kedran Johnson, if he's eligible, 05:08.408 --> 05:09.409 he's had major game experience. 05:09.409 --> 05:11.411 Calvin Godfrey has had major game experience. 05:11.411 --> 05:13.814 Nick King, uh, Kuran Iverson, Markell Crawford, 05:13.814 --> 05:16.917 Pookie Powell, those guys have not had game experience. 05:16.917 --> 05:17.918 Right. 05:17.918 --> 05:18.919 That was so important. 05:18.919 --> 05:19.920 Avery Woodson came to me. 05:19.920 --> 05:20.921 He got a good game. 05:20.921 --> 05:22.923 Didn't play well on some games, played well on some others. 05:22.923 --> 05:25.091 Dominic Magee got good game experience. 05:25.091 --> 05:27.093 And Austin, I wasn't worried about him not playing. 05:27.093 --> 05:28.094 Why? 05:28.094 --> 05:30.096 Because he started all last year, 05:30.096 --> 05:31.097 got major game experience. 05:31.097 --> 05:33.667 The guys that needed to play played and got good experience 05:33.667 --> 05:34.668 out of it. 05:34.668 --> 05:36.937 The late additions, and I mean late finding out in August or 05:36.937 --> 05:38.939 September that you're going to have these players, 05:38.939 --> 05:41.474 is not unprecedented for you because you added Michael Dixon 05:41.474 --> 05:43.643 Junior last year, had to integrate him. 05:43.643 --> 05:45.946 So, with that said, having done that, 05:45.946 --> 05:47.948 I would imagine you're used to it. 05:47.948 --> 05:49.950 But I would think it's still somewhat of a challenge for you 05:49.950 --> 05:50.951 and the coaching staff. 05:50.951 --> 05:53.653 It is a challenge but, you know, I also.. 05:53.653 --> 05:57.791 That's one of the advantages of using the time that the N-C-A-A 05:57.791 --> 06:00.493 allows you, the two hours a week to be able to practice during 06:00.493 --> 06:01.494 the summer. 06:01.494 --> 06:03.630 The summer access rule that we weren't able to do a few years 06:03.630 --> 06:04.631 ago. 06:04.631 --> 06:05.632 Right. 06:05.632 --> 06:07.634 You're able to see some of your strengths and weaknesses you are 06:07.634 --> 06:08.635 as a team. 06:08.635 --> 06:10.637 And during that time, if there's guys out there, 06:10.637 --> 06:12.739 it allows you an opportunity to maybe to get a guy to help you 06:12.739 --> 06:14.407 in an area of a weakness. 06:14.407 --> 06:18.445 And one of our weakness really was our experience factor. 06:18.445 --> 06:19.546 We're bringing two guys in. 06:19.546 --> 06:22.315 If they end up getting through is Kedran Johnson who's a two 06:22.315 --> 06:25.418 year starter from a very well coached team in Vanderbilt, 06:25.418 --> 06:27.420 Calvin Godfrey who's a, you know, 06:27.420 --> 06:30.257 a starter from Southern and played at Ohio State originally. 06:30.257 --> 06:32.259 And they both had some, you know, 06:32.259 --> 06:34.261 missteps along their way, you know, 06:34.261 --> 06:35.262 stubbed their toe. 06:35.262 --> 06:37.264 And they know that they've got to follow the straight and 06:37.264 --> 06:38.265 narrow path. 06:38.265 --> 06:40.267 But they bring great experience. 06:40.267 --> 06:41.268 And let me also say this, Greg. 06:41.268 --> 06:43.270 You know, with all that being said, 06:43.270 --> 06:45.372 it's something that I think with that, 06:45.372 --> 06:49.309 you can't really put a premium or a price tag as I say when 06:49.309 --> 06:50.410 guys who've been through it. 06:50.410 --> 06:52.912 Like, they're not going to go to Connecticut and be phased. 06:52.912 --> 06:55.415 They're not going to be going to a hostile environment. 06:55.415 --> 06:56.483 They've been through it. 06:56.483 --> 06:59.586 And I think that makes a big difference a lot of times when 06:59.586 --> 07:01.588 guys haven't been through that area. 07:01.588 --> 07:04.891 There are some people that have criticized you for taking guys, 07:04.891 --> 07:07.594 taking chances with guys who have had issues in their past. 07:07.594 --> 07:09.129 But it's worked out very well. 07:09.129 --> 07:11.131 You've done a great job with guys like Geron Johnson, 07:11.131 --> 07:12.499 Michael Dixon Junior. 07:12.499 --> 07:15.468 Now you're going with a guy like Kedran Johnson who did not play 07:15.468 --> 07:17.470 at all last year for Vanderbilt. 07:17.470 --> 07:22.142 Then again on the flip side, you have freshmen that come in and 07:22.142 --> 07:24.144 obviously didn't work out with Dominic Woodson. 07:24.144 --> 07:26.379 So, it can happen either way. 07:26.379 --> 07:27.380 Let me say this. 07:27.380 --> 07:30.383 I had no problem giving someone a second chance. 07:30.383 --> 07:31.384 Right. 07:31.384 --> 07:35.755 But I have to believe that one, the reason the previous 07:35.755 --> 07:40.760 institution dismissed them was something that these guys 07:40.760 --> 07:42.762 understand that they're remorseful for. 07:42.762 --> 07:44.764 They understand that this is their second chance. 07:44.764 --> 07:47.467 Obviously I want to make sure that they understand about being 07:47.467 --> 07:50.036 here, that being on the straight and narrow, 07:50.036 --> 07:54.107 that I am not going to let you go to the right or the left. 07:54.107 --> 07:57.143 You're going to have to do this or you're out of here. 07:57.143 --> 07:59.412 And I've also been very, as you know Greg, 07:59.412 --> 08:00.413 I've.. 08:00.413 --> 08:02.949 With guys, if guys aren't going to be on the straight and narrow 08:02.949 --> 08:05.952 or do things I want to do whether you're a second chance 08:05.952 --> 08:08.488 guy or not, I believe in discipline with the program. 08:08.488 --> 08:09.489 I believe in structure. 08:09.489 --> 08:11.524 And if guys don't have two feet in, 08:11.524 --> 08:13.026 they're going to be moved out. 08:13.026 --> 08:14.794 And, um, I had to do it. 08:14.794 --> 08:17.330 You know we've had to do it in the past. 08:17.330 --> 08:18.331 I've done it before. 08:18.331 --> 08:21.134 I don't want to have to do it in the future. 08:21.134 --> 08:24.170 But if it's called for, I have no problem doing it because 08:24.170 --> 08:26.172 nobody is bigger than the program. 08:26.172 --> 08:27.407 Let me also say this. 08:27.407 --> 08:29.709 Starting August 1 in 2015, no longer are any waivers accepted. 08:29.709 --> 08:30.710 If you transfer.. 08:30.710 --> 08:33.513 Let's say a guy like Kedran Johnson or Calvin or any of 08:33.513 --> 08:34.514 these guys.. 08:34.514 --> 08:35.749 This is not just Memphis. 08:35.749 --> 08:36.783 This is all across the country. 08:36.783 --> 08:38.785 There's no more of the waiver process. 08:38.785 --> 08:39.786 It's out. 08:39.786 --> 08:42.355 The only way someone can play right away is if it's a graduate 08:42.355 --> 08:43.356 transfer. 08:43.356 --> 08:45.358 So, anything in the future moving forward, 08:45.358 --> 08:46.993 you will have to sit a year. 08:46.993 --> 08:47.994 Wow, that's interesting. 08:47.994 --> 08:48.995 Starting August 1, 2015. 08:48.995 --> 08:49.996 Okay. 08:49.996 --> 08:51.998 Let's go over some of these guys. 08:51.998 --> 08:54.000 Very briefly give me some thoughts. 08:54.000 --> 08:56.002 Kedran Johnson comes in with experience. 08:56.002 --> 08:58.004 Obviously at the point guard position, 08:58.004 --> 09:00.006 very, very young going in to this season. 09:00.006 --> 09:02.008 Before Kedran, with Pookie Powell, 09:02.008 --> 09:03.009 Markel Crawford. 09:03.009 --> 09:04.010 Does Kedran.. 09:04.010 --> 09:06.012 And I know you're not going to give away your hand here, 09:06.012 --> 09:08.014 but obviously he's going to get a shot to be the starter. 09:08.014 --> 09:10.016 And most people would think with his experience, 09:10.016 --> 09:11.017 he would be. 09:11.017 --> 09:13.019 But I imagine its wide open once you get to camp. 09:13.019 --> 09:15.021 Well, it's going to be wide open. 09:15.021 --> 09:16.022 And I told him this. 09:16.022 --> 09:18.024 He's going to have to earn everything he gets. 09:18.024 --> 09:20.026 We're not going to give anything to him. 09:20.026 --> 09:22.028 And Pookie and Markell are good players. 09:22.028 --> 09:23.029 Dominic Magee is a good player. 09:23.029 --> 09:25.031 And the thing with Kedran is he's been a two year starter 09:25.031 --> 09:27.901 pretty much on a Vanderbilt team that's very well coached with 09:27.901 --> 09:30.837 Coach Stallings and playing in the S-E-C, 09:30.837 --> 09:32.839 you know, has been in the hostile environment. 09:32.839 --> 09:33.840 So, he understands it. 09:33.840 --> 09:35.842 But he's going to have to earn it. 09:35.842 --> 09:37.844 And he's got to be in great shape. 09:37.844 --> 09:38.845 He came in. 09:38.845 --> 09:40.847 He wasn't in basketball shape coming in here. 09:40.847 --> 09:41.848 He was just flat out. 09:41.848 --> 09:43.850 You would have been in better shape than him. 09:43.850 --> 09:44.851 I'm telling ya. 09:44.851 --> 09:45.852 Now he's worked hard. 09:45.852 --> 09:47.854 Strength coach has done a good job with him and he continues to 09:47.854 --> 09:48.855 get himself in shape. 09:48.855 --> 09:50.857 But that's going to be a big key for him. 09:50.857 --> 09:52.859 With the loss of Woodson, you lose some of the depth in the 09:52.859 --> 09:53.860 front court. 09:53.860 --> 09:55.862 And you were already thin going in. 09:55.862 --> 09:57.864 So, Godfrey is going to be important. 09:57.864 --> 09:59.866 Godfrey is going to be very important for us for that depth 09:59.866 --> 10:00.867 in the front court. 10:00.867 --> 10:02.869 But, you know, I don't think we're a big team as in terms of 10:02.869 --> 10:03.870 a wide team. 10:03.870 --> 10:04.871 We are a long team. 10:04.871 --> 10:07.740 And we have to use that to our advantage. 10:07.740 --> 10:09.742 Like, Kuran Iverson's legit six-nine. 10:09.742 --> 10:10.743 Nick King is six-seven. 10:10.743 --> 10:11.778 Austin is long. 10:11.778 --> 10:12.779 He's six-nine long. 10:12.779 --> 10:13.780 Shaq is six-eight. 10:13.780 --> 10:15.782 Calvin Godfrey is six-seven but long. 10:15.782 --> 10:16.783 We've got long. 10:16.783 --> 10:17.784 Like Markel is a big guard. 10:17.784 --> 10:19.853 And you hope that length disrupts teams. 10:19.853 --> 10:22.388 We have to utilize our length and I know a lot of people in 10:22.388 --> 10:24.390 town have always talked about us playing zone. 10:24.390 --> 10:26.392 And are you going to play more zone. 10:26.392 --> 10:28.394 And, you know, obviously our basis is going to have to be 10:28.394 --> 10:29.395 man. 10:29.395 --> 10:31.397 But we are going to be playing some zone. 10:31.397 --> 10:33.766 And we can be a very good zone team because of our length. 10:33.766 --> 10:36.603 The key to being a good zone team is you have to utilize your 10:36.603 --> 10:37.604 length. 10:37.604 --> 10:38.872 You can't have your hands down. 10:38.872 --> 10:41.708 You have to have your hands out and high and we'll extend that 10:41.708 --> 10:43.710 court by using the length to your advantage. 10:43.710 --> 10:45.712 Because even a guy like Pookie Powell, 10:45.712 --> 10:48.481 he's six-one but his arm length is long. 10:48.481 --> 10:51.584 And we need to put that to our advantage as much as we can. 10:51.584 --> 10:53.820 You stressed physicality in the off season. 10:53.820 --> 10:54.854 You want to be more physical. 10:54.854 --> 10:56.856 You don't want to get pushed around. 10:56.856 --> 10:58.858 You bring in a guy like Chris Hawkins, 10:58.858 --> 10:59.859 who's pretty tough. 10:59.859 --> 11:01.861 Chris Hawkins is really good in Canada. 11:01.861 --> 11:02.862 I mean he's a hardnosed guy. 11:02.862 --> 11:04.864 The biggest thing with Chris and, 11:04.864 --> 11:06.866 you know, knock on wood, his whole thing is about staying 11:06.866 --> 11:07.867 healthy. 11:07.867 --> 11:09.936 And, uh, he's got to lose weight and we've got his weight down. 11:09.936 --> 11:14.140 We'll continue to make sure that he keeps his weight down. 11:14.140 --> 11:16.176 The biggest thing is taking care of his body. 11:16.176 --> 11:18.177 And I think the less body fat he has, 11:18.177 --> 11:20.914 the most he's stretching with our strength coach, 11:20.914 --> 11:21.915 the better. 11:21.915 --> 11:23.917 But he's a guy that plays with a great motive. 11:23.917 --> 11:25.184 He's an undersized guy. 11:25.184 --> 11:27.453 He's one of those guys, Greg, that was not highly recruited. 11:27.453 --> 11:30.790 But then people go where'd you find him. 11:30.790 --> 11:32.792 And he's a guy that's going to be a big piece for us. 11:32.792 --> 11:33.793 Alright, quick thoughts. 11:33.793 --> 11:35.795 A number of things we want to get in before we got to let you 11:35.795 --> 11:36.796 go. 11:36.796 --> 11:38.798 Nick King, will he basically be a three this year? 11:38.798 --> 11:39.799 Nick King will play. 11:39.799 --> 11:40.833 He will play at the three. 11:40.833 --> 11:42.101 He will also play at the four. 11:42.101 --> 11:44.904 But Nick King has to be able to guard the perimeter. 11:44.904 --> 11:47.674 But him and Kuran can be interchangeable in a lot of 11:47.674 --> 11:48.675 different areas. 11:48.675 --> 11:49.676 But Nick King. 11:49.676 --> 11:51.678 You will see Nick King on the perimeter. 11:51.678 --> 11:52.679 Yes you will. 11:52.679 --> 11:54.147 That leads in to that question. 11:54.147 --> 11:55.148 So, Kuran is interchangeable. 11:55.148 --> 11:56.649 But where is his best position? 11:56.649 --> 11:58.651 It seems like Iversons better with the ball. 11:58.651 --> 12:00.653 But I think Nick and Kuran are both. 12:00.653 --> 12:02.121 I call it the Kuran box. 12:02.121 --> 12:04.657 We have a box for Kuran where he's not too stretched out on 12:04.657 --> 12:05.658 the floor too far. 12:05.658 --> 12:08.194 I think both guys are very good around the rim. 12:08.194 --> 12:10.196 And that's where they're active. 12:10.196 --> 12:12.231 Nick's got such a great nose for being around the ball. 12:12.231 --> 12:15.034 So, um, they're both different but they both can create matchup 12:15.034 --> 12:17.804 problems for the other team because they can feed off of 12:17.804 --> 12:20.607 each other and they're first tall enough to play either spot. 12:20.607 --> 12:22.609 You mentioned with the new additions, 12:22.609 --> 12:27.513 you could be a preseason top 25 but possibly not. 12:27.513 --> 12:29.949 In years past, you have been. 12:29.949 --> 12:30.950 And you like it. 12:30.950 --> 12:32.952 You said I love being ranked, Greg. 12:32.952 --> 12:35.088 Well, if you're not, do you use that to your advantage? 12:35.088 --> 12:37.090 Well, I think what we're doing.. 12:37.090 --> 12:38.124 And I do believe this. 12:38.124 --> 12:39.258 I prefer to be ranked. 12:39.258 --> 12:41.261 Anyone who says you don't want to, 12:41.261 --> 12:42.262 you're wrong. 12:42.262 --> 12:44.263 I want to be preseason ranked number one. 12:44.263 --> 12:46.766 So, um, I do think if everyone is eligible and I get everyone 12:46.766 --> 12:48.868 through with the waivers, I do believe we're right there at a 12:48.868 --> 12:49.869 top 25 team. 12:49.869 --> 12:51.871 If not, then we're probably not going to be ranked on that. 12:51.871 --> 12:52.872 And that's fine. 12:52.872 --> 12:54.874 I mean we're going to have to earn our way back in there. 12:54.874 --> 12:56.876 And again, you just earn it on the court. 12:56.876 --> 13:00.246 But, um, you know, the biggest thing is it's not about using it 13:00.246 --> 13:02.982 for motivation, I think what we're doing right now is I've 13:02.982 --> 13:05.351 been a big believer in discipline but in disciplining 13:05.351 --> 13:06.352 the individual. 13:06.352 --> 13:09.789 This offseason I have done everything disciplining, 13:09.789 --> 13:11.224 holding the team accountable. 13:11.224 --> 13:14.227 When one person screwed up, the whole team was paying the price. 13:14.227 --> 13:17.930 And I think that's been a big change for us and has really 13:17.930 --> 13:18.931 helped us. 13:18.931 --> 13:20.933 And I think that's going to make us better going in to the 13:20.933 --> 13:21.934 season. 13:21.934 --> 13:23.936 How does Keelon Lawson fit in in your coaching staff? 13:23.936 --> 13:25.938 Keelon has done an excellent job. 13:25.938 --> 13:28.508 You know, I've got two veteran veteran guys in Robert Kirby and 13:28.508 --> 13:30.510 Aki Collins, both future head coached. 13:30.510 --> 13:33.046 Guys have been around they do an amazing job for me. 13:33.046 --> 13:34.647 Keelon comes in. 13:34.647 --> 13:37.050 He's been a head coach, a very successful high school coach. 13:37.050 --> 13:39.218 And the bottom line is, Greg, he's been better than I thought 13:39.218 --> 13:40.219 he's been. 13:40.219 --> 13:41.220 I mean he's been good. 13:41.220 --> 13:42.221 He knows the game. 13:42.221 --> 13:44.223 He's been good with our guys, worked hard. 13:44.223 --> 13:45.224 He's been a sponge. 13:45.224 --> 13:46.225 He wants to learn. 13:46.225 --> 13:48.227 And so, I've been very, very happy and pleased with Keelon. 13:48.227 --> 13:50.229 I know you're very excited about the schedule this year. 13:50.229 --> 13:51.230 Yeah, we are. 13:51.230 --> 13:53.232 And, um, we have a tough schedule. 13:53.232 --> 13:54.267 And it's not easy. 13:54.267 --> 13:57.737 And I know some of the fans locally want us to have every 13:57.737 --> 14:00.106 home game with big names and this and that. 14:00.106 --> 14:03.376 But the teams that we have are good, 14:03.376 --> 14:04.811 good R-P-I games. 14:04.811 --> 14:06.746 That's very important. 14:06.746 --> 14:09.549 And people have to understand I've got to hit 18 home games 14:09.549 --> 14:11.851 for the budget. 14:11.851 --> 14:13.753 We have to hit 18 home games. 14:13.753 --> 14:16.422 Once football starts really getting going, 14:16.422 --> 14:17.423 and it's going to happen. 14:17.423 --> 14:18.424 They're going to get it going. 14:18.424 --> 14:19.425 And we're packing that place. 14:19.425 --> 14:21.594 Maybe we don't have to have as many home games and we can do 14:21.594 --> 14:22.595 more homes and home. 14:22.595 --> 14:25.164 But I can't always do just home and home and get everyone. 14:25.164 --> 14:27.934 Because if it's a name that everyone's still aware of, 14:27.934 --> 14:30.236 they're going to ask us to return it the following year, 14:30.236 --> 14:31.237 which puts you off balance. 14:31.237 --> 14:32.805 You have to have 18 home games. 14:32.805 --> 14:36.109 I'm required to do that due to the budget situation. 14:36.109 --> 14:39.112 So, people have to understand sometimes I just can't go get 14:39.112 --> 14:41.881 this name, that name, this name, that name because I have to get 14:41.881 --> 14:44.584 teams that are not going to require us to return the game 14:44.584 --> 14:45.585 the following year. 14:45.585 --> 14:47.854 But I do know and Tom Bowen said last week on our show that 14:47.854 --> 14:50.223 they're working on a couple of top 25 opponents. 14:50.223 --> 14:51.224 We are. 14:51.224 --> 14:53.526 And getting out of some of the tournaments, 14:53.526 --> 14:57.663 the so-called three or four day tournaments with Orlando or like 14:57.663 --> 15:01.067 Vegas, moving those out and doing an exempted event where 15:01.067 --> 15:04.303 you just do a mutual site game and then play three home games. 15:04.303 --> 15:07.006 Then you have more flexibility to do more home and home. 15:07.006 --> 15:09.008 And that's what we're trying to do. 15:09.008 --> 15:11.010 I would like to be able to get to the point where every year, 15:11.010 --> 15:15.481 we're having two or maybe three marquee home name teams coming 15:15.481 --> 15:16.649 on the non-conference. 15:16.649 --> 15:19.018 Let's not forget this isn't C-U-S-A. 15:19.018 --> 15:20.586 This is the American. 15:20.586 --> 15:23.322 We still got S-M-U coming, Connecticut coming, 15:23.322 --> 15:24.323 Cincinnati, Temple. 15:24.323 --> 15:27.960 We've got some great home teams coming here that it's not like 15:27.960 --> 15:29.128 it was back a few years ago. 15:29.128 --> 15:30.129 Hey, Josh. 15:30.129 --> 15:32.131 We're so happy you took the time out to be with us. 15:32.131 --> 15:33.166 I know it's a busy time recruiting wise. 15:33.166 --> 15:34.467 You're back on the road and doing the things you need to do. 15:34.467 --> 15:35.368 Thank you so much. 15:35.368 --> 15:35.868 Thanks, Greg. 15:35.868 --> 15:36.836 I appreciate you. 15:36.836 --> 15:37.970 You do such a great job with this. 15:37.970 --> 15:39.238 Tigers Head Coach Josh Pastner. 15:39.238 --> 15:40.006 We'll take a break. 15:40.006 --> 15:42.441 Overtime is next. 15:42.441 --> 16:02.028 [theme music] 16:02.028 --> 16:02.495  (male announcer)    Three.. 16:02.495 --> 16:03.296  Two.. 16:03.296 --> 16:05.164  One.. 16:05.164 --> 16:06.632 [buzzer sounds] 16:06.632 --> 16:10.570 It's awfully hard to turn on your television in the summer 16:10.570 --> 16:13.873 and not run into the hit program American Ninja Warrior. 16:13.873 --> 16:15.875 These men and women are special. 16:15.875 --> 16:17.977 They're athletic, talented and entertaining. 16:17.977 --> 16:20.646 And one of these special performers resides right here in 16:20.646 --> 16:23.115 the Memphis area and his athletic abilities on a 16:23.115 --> 16:26.886 trampoline are likely familiar to Memphis Grizzlies Fans. 16:26.886 --> 16:29.589 Brent Ruffin is a member of the high flying Kings of the Court 16:29.589 --> 16:32.124 dunk troupe who perform at Grizzlies games. 16:32.124 --> 16:34.694 But Brent is also an American Ninja Warrior, 16:34.694 --> 16:37.296 who goes by the alias "Redneck Ninja". 16:37.296 --> 16:42.635 Recently I met up with Brent at his Cross Kick Gym in Atoka. 16:42.635 --> 16:43.636 Alright, Brent. 16:43.636 --> 16:44.637 I know everybody wants to know. 16:44.637 --> 16:45.638 Redneck Ninja. 16:45.638 --> 16:47.640 Where did that nickname come from? 16:47.640 --> 16:49.809 Um, before I left for Saint Louis this year, 16:49.809 --> 16:51.944 I had a couple of friends who were just like man, 16:51.944 --> 16:53.980 you know, the hunter, the duck hunter guy, 16:53.980 --> 16:54.981 you're the Redneck Ninja. 16:54.981 --> 16:55.982 And I was like, sure. 16:55.982 --> 16:58.184 And it didn't really stick in my mind. 16:58.184 --> 17:00.753 But whenever I got to Saint Louis, 17:00.753 --> 17:02.755 the producers were, uh, they were like, 17:02.755 --> 17:04.757 do you have any kind of nickname or anything. 17:04.757 --> 17:06.759 And I was like the only one that stuck out was like The Redneck 17:06.759 --> 17:07.760 Ninja maybe. 17:07.760 --> 17:09.128 And they were all over it. 17:09.128 --> 17:10.463 You're here at your gym. 17:10.463 --> 17:13.566 So, obviously you work out and stay in shape with things in 17:13.566 --> 17:14.567 this gym. 17:14.567 --> 17:16.936 But this is not like the obstacle course that you went 17:16.936 --> 17:17.937 through. 17:17.937 --> 17:20.506 So, how do you practice for something like American Ninja 17:20.506 --> 17:21.507 Warrior? 17:21.507 --> 17:24.977 You know, like I said in several of my interviews with American 17:24.977 --> 17:27.647 Ninja Warrior, I like to use my natural surroundings. 17:27.647 --> 17:30.449 I like to use trees and just really work on my grip strength. 17:30.449 --> 17:32.451 I'll go out there and do, you know, 17:32.451 --> 17:34.453 like five minute holds on tree limbs and stuff like that. 17:34.453 --> 17:36.455 And I'll gradually increase the size of the tree limb and just 17:36.455 --> 17:38.457 really try to improve my grip strength. 17:38.457 --> 17:41.827 But I've been traveling to several courses this year. 17:41.827 --> 17:43.829 And guys would build these obstacles. 17:43.829 --> 17:45.831 And that's really what's helped me out a lot. 17:45.831 --> 17:47.700 How did you get hooked on this? 17:47.700 --> 17:49.669 Why did you want to do it? 17:49.669 --> 17:52.138 You know, I started kind of watching the show when I was 15, 17:52.138 --> 17:54.140 16 years old when it was in Japan. 17:54.140 --> 17:57.877 And, you know, I thought to myself I could potentially do 17:57.877 --> 17:58.878 that kind of stuff. 17:58.878 --> 17:59.879 And then some time went on. 17:59.879 --> 18:01.881 And I saw that they brought the show over to America. 18:01.881 --> 18:03.883 And I remember sitting over at my girlfriend's house one day 18:03.883 --> 18:06.018 and, um, and her dad was like, you know, 18:06.018 --> 18:07.587 you should really try this. 18:07.587 --> 18:09.588 You should try to get in to this. 18:09.588 --> 18:10.589 I think you could do it. 18:10.589 --> 18:12.591 So, I kind of did some researching and I got together 18:12.591 --> 18:14.593 with a buddy of mine who was a production guy. 18:14.593 --> 18:16.596 And we sent a video in and they gave me a call. 18:16.596 --> 18:18.764 You send a video in for season five. 18:18.764 --> 18:20.900 And you went down to try to qualify in Miami. 18:20.900 --> 18:22.001 It didn't work out for you. 18:22.001 --> 18:23.002 You come back. 18:23.002 --> 18:26.272 You have to do a whole new video for this past season and you 18:26.272 --> 18:27.273 make it. 18:27.273 --> 18:28.341 Now you go to Saint Louis. 18:28.341 --> 18:31.177 Tell us the story, first of all, about the weather in Saint 18:31.177 --> 18:32.178 Louis. 18:32.178 --> 18:33.179 It was ridiculous. 18:33.179 --> 18:35.414 The weather there was crazy. 18:35.414 --> 18:36.415 We got there. 18:36.415 --> 18:39.285 It was like 71 degrees the day we were doing our T-V interviews 18:39.285 --> 18:41.387 and all the paperwork and that kind of stuff. 18:41.387 --> 18:44.156 And we were all just, you know, we were enjoying the weather. 18:44.156 --> 18:45.324 It was extremely nice outside. 18:45.324 --> 18:47.426 One of the guys, Joe the weatherman down there, 18:47.426 --> 18:49.428 one of the competitors was like, hey, 18:49.428 --> 18:51.430 we got a big storm system coming in. 18:51.430 --> 18:53.432 It could potentially change the weather. 18:53.432 --> 18:55.434 That night we were going over the rules and everything. 18:55.434 --> 18:56.435 The big storm came through. 18:56.435 --> 18:59.005 We woke up the next morning and it was snow flurrying outside. 18:59.005 --> 19:01.007 Still had to go on with the show. 19:01.007 --> 19:02.008 Oh, yeah. 19:02.008 --> 19:03.009 Absolutely. 19:03.009 --> 19:04.010 29 degrees or not. 19:04.010 --> 19:06.012 You make that first qualifying run. 19:06.012 --> 19:07.013 You succeed. 19:07.013 --> 19:08.014 You get on there on the top. 19:08.014 --> 19:10.016 You hit that red button there, whatever it is. 19:10.016 --> 19:11.017 How good of a feeling was it? 19:11.017 --> 19:12.018 Oh, it's great. 19:12.018 --> 19:14.020 When I made it up the wall, man, I thought I was about to break 19:14.020 --> 19:15.021 that button off, man. 19:15.021 --> 19:16.022 It was a great feeling. 19:16.022 --> 19:18.057 I had been envisioning that moment, 19:18.057 --> 19:20.059 you know, ever since I applied for season six. 19:20.059 --> 19:22.395 So, it was fantastic to get up there and just smash it. 19:22.395 --> 19:25.197 What was the hardest part of the qualifying run? 19:25.197 --> 19:28.868 The hardest part of the qualifying run was the obstacle 19:28.868 --> 19:29.869 right before the wall. 19:29.869 --> 19:32.905 It's usually a pretty grueling upper body obstacle. 19:32.905 --> 19:34.407 They call it tilting ladders. 19:34.407 --> 19:37.276 And basically, I mean, it's like an upside down seesaw. 19:37.276 --> 19:38.344 The ladders go up and down. 19:38.344 --> 19:40.613 So, you have to climb up backwards, 19:40.613 --> 19:43.649 tilt one ladder down, climb back down it and then reach over and 19:43.649 --> 19:44.650 it's pretty long. 19:44.650 --> 19:47.153 You had to reach over, grab that one and essentially do the same 19:47.153 --> 19:48.154 thing. 19:48.154 --> 19:50.623 And with it being 29 degrees, it was just extra grueling on the 19:50.623 --> 19:51.691 upper body. 19:51.691 --> 19:53.159 You reached the semi-finals. 19:53.159 --> 19:55.761 There's only 30 participating. 19:55.761 --> 19:57.763 And you don't complete the course. 19:57.763 --> 19:58.764 What happened there? 19:58.764 --> 20:00.533 Um, you know, I don't know. 20:00.533 --> 20:03.002 I'm not really sure what it was. 20:03.002 --> 20:06.272 I just didn't feel the same whenever I got on the stage that 20:06.272 --> 20:07.273 night. 20:07.273 --> 20:09.275 I felt a little under the weather. 20:09.275 --> 20:11.277 But I was like, you know, the shows got to go on. 20:11.277 --> 20:13.279 So, I gave it my best and made it through the qualifiers again 20:13.279 --> 20:14.280 and got to the next one. 20:14.280 --> 20:15.281 That started the semi. 20:15.281 --> 20:17.283 In the semi-qualifier, there was a stand up ladder. 20:17.283 --> 20:19.819 I made it up three runs, was going up for the last one and 20:19.819 --> 20:23.522 got my left arm up but the right arm just quite didn't make. 20:23.522 --> 20:25.658 So I tried to fix it, tried to fix it. 20:25.658 --> 20:27.660 The third time I tried to, you know, 20:27.660 --> 20:29.795 get it up over the last run, there I went in to the water. 20:29.795 --> 20:32.698 What's the hardest part about being an American Ninja Warrior? 20:32.698 --> 20:35.234 What would be your advice to somebody who's out there 20:35.234 --> 20:38.370 watching you and wondering if they could do that? 20:38.370 --> 20:42.541 Um, I would say the hardest part is just being committed to your 20:42.541 --> 20:43.542 training. 20:43.542 --> 20:45.544 I mean it's grueling stuff that we have to go through. 20:45.544 --> 20:48.314 The upper body and the fingertip and just the grip training that 20:48.314 --> 20:49.315 you have to do. 20:49.315 --> 20:50.349 I mean it's ridiculous. 20:50.349 --> 20:51.650 I'll tell you this much. 20:51.650 --> 20:54.687 I'm more sore from Ninja Warrior training than I ever have been 20:54.687 --> 20:57.256 from lifting weights or training for wrestling and mixed martial 20:57.256 --> 20:58.557 arts or any of that. 20:58.557 --> 21:00.559 So, really just staying committed. 21:00.559 --> 21:02.761 And for somebody who's trying to get in to the show and wanting 21:02.761 --> 21:04.764 to go out there and try to do this stuff, 21:04.764 --> 21:05.765 start training now. 21:05.765 --> 21:07.767 Get in the best shape of your life. 21:07.767 --> 21:08.767 Lose some weight. 21:08.767 --> 21:10.836 Do that kind of stuff because you're going to be carrying your 21:10.836 --> 21:12.838 body weight throughout the whole thing. 21:12.838 --> 21:13.839 Well, you're a fit guy. 21:13.839 --> 21:15.841 Obviously you have this facility. 21:15.841 --> 21:17.843 But you're already training hard for next season. 21:17.843 --> 21:18.844 You plan to return again. 21:18.844 --> 21:19.845 Oh, absolutely. 21:19.845 --> 21:21.847 I'm already training for season seven. 21:21.847 --> 21:23.849 So, now do you become this local celebrity? 21:23.849 --> 21:24.850 Do people? 21:24.850 --> 21:26.952 I know the beard has been trimmed but they know who you 21:26.952 --> 21:27.953 are? 21:27.953 --> 21:29.522 Yeah, yeah, absolutely. 21:29.522 --> 21:31.724 I just went in to a hair cutting place today. 21:31.724 --> 21:32.725 I had to get my hair cut. 21:32.725 --> 21:35.461 And they were like, hey, you're the Redneck Ninja guy. 21:35.461 --> 21:37.463 And I was just like, oh my gosh. 21:37.463 --> 21:39.999 Not only are you the Redneck Ninja, 21:39.999 --> 21:42.568 but also people may know you from Grizzlies games part of the 21:42.568 --> 21:44.103 King of the Court. 21:44.103 --> 21:47.339 And so, you're one of those guys up there jumping off the 21:47.339 --> 21:49.975 trampoline with Grizz dunking basketballs. 21:49.975 --> 21:51.977 Tell me a little bit about that. 21:51.977 --> 21:52.978 How'd you get involved? 21:52.978 --> 21:55.314 I was training mixed martial arts at the time. 21:55.314 --> 21:59.718 Little did I know that the Grizz mascot was training there. 21:59.718 --> 22:01.720 He was just up there trying to stay in shape. 22:01.720 --> 22:03.722 I did some boxing under his belt. 22:03.722 --> 22:05.724 He said he's been watching these for a couple of weeks. 22:05.724 --> 22:07.726 We got to talking one day and I still didn't know who he was. 22:07.726 --> 22:09.728 And he was like, hey, you know, I'm the Grizzlies mascot. 22:09.728 --> 22:11.730 He was like, I'd like for you to come out and try out for my dunk 22:11.730 --> 22:12.731 team. 22:12.731 --> 22:14.733 And, you know, I had been to a couple of Grizzlies games at the 22:14.733 --> 22:15.734 time. 22:15.734 --> 22:16.735 And I asked him. 22:16.735 --> 22:17.736 I said a dunk team. 22:17.736 --> 22:19.738 You know, the Elvis guy that's on trampolines. 22:19.738 --> 22:20.739 I was like, no way. 22:20.739 --> 22:22.741 And he said, yeah, come out Monday. 22:22.741 --> 22:23.742 I was like, okay. 22:23.742 --> 22:25.744 So, I met him up at the gym that they were training at. 22:25.744 --> 22:26.745 I tried out and made it. 22:26.745 --> 22:27.746 And the rest is history. 22:27.746 --> 22:29.748 You're going in to your fourth season. 22:29.748 --> 22:30.749 Is that correct? 22:30.749 --> 22:31.750 Yep, fourth season. 22:31.750 --> 22:33.752 What's the, uh, the most fun about doing that? 22:33.752 --> 22:35.754 Uh, I would say just, you know, the crowds. 22:35.754 --> 22:37.756 You get to jump off a trampoline and dunk a basketball. 22:37.756 --> 22:38.757 You know what I mean? 22:38.757 --> 22:40.759 And I've never been able to dunk a basketball. 22:40.759 --> 22:42.761 Just to be able to, you know, get up there and learn these 22:42.761 --> 22:44.763 stunts and these tricks and just, 22:44.763 --> 22:45.764 you know. 22:45.764 --> 22:46.765 I love performing. 22:46.765 --> 22:48.767 And performing in front of a crowd and getting to do that 22:48.767 --> 22:50.769 kind of stuff, I mean it's been awesome. 22:50.769 --> 22:52.771 You played a bunch of sports at Mumford High but you didn't play 22:52.771 --> 22:53.772 basketball. 22:53.772 --> 22:54.773 No, not basketball. 22:54.773 --> 22:56.775 Alright, so now the game plan is just to work out to continue to 22:56.775 --> 22:57.776 push yourself. 22:57.776 --> 22:59.778 How do you get to the next level? 22:59.778 --> 23:01.780 You make it through the semi-finals. 23:01.780 --> 23:02.781 Maybe get to the finals. 23:02.781 --> 23:03.916 Become a much bigger celebrity. 23:03.916 --> 23:04.950 Maybe win the darn thing. 23:04.950 --> 23:07.319 What do you need to do to take that next step? 23:07.319 --> 23:09.321 You know, just keep training harder. 23:09.321 --> 23:11.323 Just gradually take my training up to the next level. 23:11.323 --> 23:13.325 You know I stepped it up this year and made it further than I 23:13.325 --> 23:14.326 did last year. 23:14.326 --> 23:16.328 The plan is just to keep stepping it up. 23:16.328 --> 23:18.330 I'm going to try to actually trim a little more weight. 23:18.330 --> 23:20.332 I'm one of the bigger ninjas out there. 23:20.332 --> 23:22.334 So, you know, I'm planning on trying to trim about 10 more 23:22.334 --> 23:24.870 pounds that way I can move my body weight around a little 23:24.870 --> 23:25.871 better. 23:25.871 --> 23:26.872 Alright, last thing for ya. 23:26.872 --> 23:29.541 You and I were talking before we started taping this interview 23:29.541 --> 23:34.079 about what goes on at the taping of American Ninja Warrior. 23:34.079 --> 23:35.080 What can you tell the folks? 23:35.080 --> 23:38.450 What would surprise the people about what happens when you go 23:38.450 --> 23:40.452 up to where ever the destination may be, 23:40.452 --> 23:41.587 in your case Saint Louis? 23:41.587 --> 23:43.989 Uh, probably the most interesting thing about it is 23:43.989 --> 23:46.392 just how back to back to back everything is. 23:46.392 --> 23:49.628 I mean as soon as you show up to the qualifying course, 23:49.628 --> 23:50.629 you're shooting interviews. 23:50.629 --> 23:51.630 You're doing paperwork. 23:51.630 --> 23:53.632 You're going over the rules, going over the obstacles. 23:53.632 --> 23:55.634 You've never seen the obstacles before. 23:55.634 --> 23:57.670 You've never seen the course that they set up. 23:57.670 --> 24:00.873 And I mean, like I said, just back to back to back. 24:00.873 --> 24:02.875 I mean, you know, when you're there, 24:02.875 --> 24:04.376 you better be ready to go. 24:04.376 --> 24:05.711 He is the Redneck Ninja. 24:05.711 --> 24:07.046 Brent, thank you so much. 24:07.046 --> 24:08.380 Best of luck to ya. 24:08.380 --> 24:09.481 I appreciate you. 24:09.481 --> 24:11.650 Great stuff from the Redneck Ninja. 24:11.650 --> 24:13.952 On the Gridiron, the Memphis Tigers did something last 24:13.952 --> 24:15.854 Saturday that is awfully rare. 24:15.854 --> 24:18.390 They won over fans while losing a football game. 24:18.390 --> 24:22.161 But it's the way they lost that had local football fans buzzing. 24:22.161 --> 24:25.164 The 23 point underdog Tigers made a trip to Pasadena, 24:25.164 --> 24:27.900 California where they battled 11th ranked U-C-L-A. 24:27.900 --> 24:32.638 The Tigers lost in a shootout 42-35 but won the admiration of 24:32.638 --> 24:33.639 a city. 24:33.639 --> 24:36.909 Redshirt sophomore Quarterback Paxton Lynch threw for 305 yards 24:36.909 --> 24:39.878 and a touchdown on 27-41 passing. 24:39.878 --> 24:41.613 He added a score on the ground. 24:41.613 --> 24:44.850 Brandon Hayes, Doroland Dorceus and Sam Craft added touchdowns 24:44.850 --> 24:48.887 and defensive back Fritz Etienne added a fourth quarter pick-six 24:48.887 --> 24:50.756 that tied the game at 35. 24:50.756 --> 24:54.760 The Tigers offense finished the game with 469 yards of total 24:54.760 --> 24:55.761 offense. 24:55.761 --> 24:58.230 Memphis will have this weekend off and will return to action a 24:58.230 --> 25:02.067 week from Saturday at home versus Middle Tennessee State. 25:02.067 --> 25:04.203 And finally the Memphis Redbirds' season came to abrupt 25:04.203 --> 25:07.506 end last Saturday as they fell to Omaha three games to one in 25:07.506 --> 25:10.476 the P-C-L Northern championship series. 25:10.476 --> 25:13.812 Omaha advanced to their fourth straight P-C-L championship 25:13.812 --> 25:14.813 appearance. 25:14.813 --> 25:16.815 And that will put a wrap on the show. 25:16.815 --> 25:18.817 Next week we air on a special day, 25:18.817 --> 25:19.818 Friday the 19th at 7:30. 25:19.818 --> 25:21.220 So, go ahead and mark it down. 25:21.220 --> 25:23.589 Until then, have a great week, and we'll see you next time. 25:23.589 --> 25:53.318 [theme music] 25:53.318 --> 25:54.620  (female announcer)   Production funding for.. 25:54.620 --> 25:57.923  "Sports Files" is   made possible in part by.. 25:57.923 --> 25:59.324  (male announcer)   Infiniti of Memphis has moved 25:59.324 --> 26:02.528  to Germantown road just half a   mile north of Wolfchase Galleria 26:02.528 --> 26:05.431  and is proud to support W-K-N-O   for its quality broadcasting and 26:05.431 --> 26:07.066  service to our community. 26:07.066 --> 26:09.134  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 26:09.134 --> 26:12.438  feels at home on W-K-N-O. 26:12.438 --> 26:14.973  The Lighting Source, major line   distributor of commercial and 26:14.973 --> 26:18.477 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