Former Jayhawk Mario Chalmers ready for big NBA season
By Stan Unruh
Mario Chalmers is off to an exciting start for Memphis. The former Kansas basketball hero shows he is healthy and ready for a great season.
Kansas basketball fans enjoyed seeing Mario Chalmers during last Saturday’s Late Night in the Phog. Chalmers and Memphis Grizzlies’ teammates Wayne Selden and Ben McLemore were among several former Jayhawks in attendance. I especially enjoyed it when Coach Self gave the hero of the 2008 national championship game a big hug at center court.
I know Chalmers didn’t anticipate having to perform on Naismith Court at Allen Fieldhouse Saturday. One of the students selected him to shoot the half-court shot for $10,000 from Bill Self’s wallet. As a matter of fact he missed that shot. However, Chalmers is shooting much better in the first two preseason games for Memphis.
The Grizzlies, with three former Jayhawks on the roster, are a new favorite NBA team for Kansas basketball fans. Bill Self certainly said so in his comments during Late Night in the Phog. Chalmers led the Grizzlies to a win in Monday’s preseason opener at the FexExForum in Memphis. Chalmers big first half helped make the difference.
The seven-year NBA veteran made 7 of 10 shots for a game high 19 points. Wayne Selden chipped in 3 points in 14 minutes. McLemore is still doing rehab from injury. On Wednesday night Chalmers scored 8 points in a 110-89 victory in Philadelphia over the high-powered 76ers. Former Jayhawk Joel Embiid did not play.
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It is great to see Chalmers back in action and off to a great start. It’s only preseason but I’m glad Memphis coach David Fizdale is getting Chalmers on the court. His leadership is invaluable to this young team. Selden and McLemore will learn a lot from him this season.