2 former Kansas basketball stars join forces in Memphis

Kansas basketball fans have another NBA team they will want to give extra attention. Ben McLemore is joining Wayne Selden in Memphis.

It was a big weekend for Kansas basketball fans who follow the Jayhawks in the NBA. On Saturday, the Memphis Grizzlies locked up 6-foot 5-inch guard-forward Wayne Selden to a multi-year contract, according to the team web site. Selden was ready when Memphis called him up in mid-March, He even got some NBA playoff experience during the Grizzlies –Spurs series.

As a matter of fact, Selden will now have another former Kansas basketball star on his team. Ben McLemore and the Grizzlies agreed to a 2-year deal valued at almost $11 million dollars as Chris Haynes reported on ESPN.com.

Jayhawks fans won’t get to see McLemore and Frank Mason

play together in Sacramento. This actually might be a better opportunity for McLemore. A chance to get a fresh start in Tennessee.

In the first place, the 6 foot 5-inch McLemore had some big games for the Kings. But he only averaged just over 9 points in 232 career games. His 3-point field-goal shooting is just .34 percent.

McLemore is one of the few one and done Kansas basketball players I hated to see leave Bill Self. On the other hand, I knew it was the right decision. Whenever I think of McLemore, I recall the amazing finish to the Kansas victory over Iowa State at Allen Fieldhouse. I’m sure you remember that 8-point overtime thriller? McLemore score 33 points and hit 6 of 6 3-pointers including a big one to send the game to overtime.

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Above all, I am m thrilled he signed this new financially rewarding contract. He and Selden bring similar abilities to the Grizzlies. With this in mind, it will be fun to watch how coach David Fizdale uses the talent of the two former Kansas basketball stars.

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