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The Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, selected the rights to 11 players today in the 2017 NBA G League Expansion Draft.

All returning NBA G League teams were able to protect the rights for up to nine players from their roster. The Hustle, along with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (L.A. Clippers), Erie BayHawks (Atlanta) and Wisconsin Herd (Milwaukee), was then able to select from the remaining pool of unprotected players on NBA G League rosters, with each existing team losing no more than two returning players. The Hustle will hold the returning player rights to selected players for two seasons. Should any of the 11 players selected by the Hustle decide to sign a contract with the NBA G League this year, the team will have first priority to claim the player for the team’s training camp roster. The 2017 NBA G League Draft will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The complete summary of players selected by the Hustle is listed below.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Hustle by purchasing 2017/18 Season Tickets can do so by calling (901) 888-HOOP and pressing 6. Season Ticket Packages start at just $8 per game and include multiple Season Ticket Member benefits including discounts on gear and merchandise, playoff ticket priority for both the Memphis Hustle and Memphis Grizzlies, invitations to select Grizzlies games during the 2017/18 season and more. Single Game Tickets will be available for purchase starting this fall at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Landers Center Box Office, online at memphishustle.com or by calling (901) 888-HOOP.

For more information on the Memphis Hustle, visit memphishustle.com, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@MemphisHustle) or like Memphis Hustle on Facebook.

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Memphis Hustle select rights to 11 players in 2017 NBA G League Expansion Draft

The Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, will participate in the 2018 NBA G League Showcase. The four-day, 26-game event will run from Jan. 10-13, 2018, and feature the league’s 26 teams playing two regular-season games each in Mississauga, Ontario, the NBA announced today.

NBA G League Showcase 2018, the league’s primary in-season scouting event, is expected to draw personnel from all 30 NBA teams. During or immediately following the last 13 Showcases, more than 50 players earned Call-Ups to the NBA.

In addition to the full slate of games, NBA G League Showcase 2018 will feature several off-the-court events, including a women-in-sports panel, a coach’s clinic and a chalk talk with referees. Additionally, the Jr. NBA will return to Mississauga to host clinics for local children, while the NBA G League’s School Day initiative will welcome students from around the region.

The full game and broadcast schedule will be released at a later date.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Hustle can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to memphishustle.com and purchasing 2017/18 Season Tickets today, starting at $8 per game. For more information on the Hustle, ‘like’ Memphis Hustle on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@memphishustle).

The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 26 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2017-18 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time-high 44 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2016-17 season boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs. NBA G League games are available on ESPN’s family of networks and NBA TV.

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Memphis Hustle to participate in NBA G league showcase 2018 from January 10-13

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Memphis Hustle Fan Fest photos

Memphis Grizzlies unveil NBA Development League Affiliate team name and logo

Memphis Hustle To Debut This Coming 2017-18 Season

The Memphis Grizzlies today unveiled their new NBA Development League affiliate team name and logo, Memphis Hustle, which will debut this coming 2017-18 season when the league will be renamed the NBA Gatorade League (G League). Led by Head Coach Glynn Cyprien, the Memphis Hustle will practice at the Built Ford Tough Training Facility at FedExForum and play their 24 home games at the 8,400-seat Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi beginning this fall. Memphis Hustle founding partners include The Coca-Cola Company, Tanger Outlets and The Guest House at Graceland.

“Our philosophy from the outset with our D-League expansion team is that it should in all ways be and feel intrinsic to our Grizzlies organization and not adjunct to it,” said Jason Wexler, Grizzlies President of Business Operations. “Our goal is for the team to be woven into the fabric of our basketball operations and our business operations, our culture and our identity.  We wanted to achieve a name and character for our D-League squad that both seamlessly fits into and uplifts the Memphis Grizzlies culture and identity, so that from day one it is part and parcel of our team and organization.”

Inspired by the cultural ethos of Memphis and the Mid-South, the team name, Memphis Hustle, encapsulates the idea of hard work and persistence, a true nod to the Grit and Grind culture of the city, the region and its enthusiastic and loyal fan base. The typeface is a true amalgamation of the rich music history of the region from Ground Zero to the birthplace of soul at Stax, while the newly designed inline combines inspiration from the Grizzlies and Beale Street neon with the flow of the mighty Mississippi River. Ending with the star, paying tribute to the region’s biggest names and looking ahead to the Grizzlies stars of tomorrow.

The icon outline of the Memphis Grizzlies bear emphasizes the parent organization connection between the Grizzlies and its new D-League team, while the vibrant red color pays homage to historical sports franchises like the Sounds, Chicks, Showboats, and Americans and current regional teams like the Redbirds and Ole Miss Rebels. For more details and information on the name and logo and its inspiration, visit memphishustle.com.

In celebration of the Grizzlies’ new NBA D-League team, the team will host a fan event at Tanger Outlets in Southaven, Miss. from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 2. On Friday at Tanger Outlets, all fans that sign-up for D-League e-news will receive Hustle team sunglasses and headbands plus have the chance to win tickets to Opening Night this fall. Pop-up performances by the Grizzlies entertainment teams will be held throughout the outlet mall, including performances on the main stage every 20 minutes.

On the heels of the Tanger Outlet event, the Grizzlies will host a D-League Fan Fest, Saturday, June 3 at Landers Center from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. where the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Hustle T-shirt. Parking is free and all attendees can enjoy complimentary popcorn. Courtesy of Coca-Cola, fans will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of ice-cold, refreshing Coca-Cola products, including Coke Zero and Sprite Zero free of charge. The event will feature a full lineup of Grizzlies entertainment teams such as Grizzline, Claw Crew and more fan favorites. Fans can also expect several activities including a kids’ zone, face painting, balloon artist and photo booth. A free Grizzlies Youth Basketball clinic will be held for 60 boys and girls, ages 7-14, from 11 a.m. – noon. All spots have been filled, and the clinic is not open to the general public. In addition to multiple programs, activities and giveaways, fans will be joined by Hustle GM Chris Makris, Head Coach Glynn Cyprien and Grizzlies players Andrew Harrison and Wayne Selden Jr. for autographs and Q&amp;A sessions.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Hustle by purchasing 2017/18 Season Tickets can do so by calling (901) 888-HOOP and placing a $50 deposit per seat on Season Ticket Packages. Fans who place a $50 deposit ahead of Saturday’s Fan Fest will have the opportunity to select their Season Ticket Holder seats at Landers Center this Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. prior to the general public. Season Ticket Packages start at just $8 per game and include multiple Season Ticket Holder benefits including member discounts on gear and merchandise, playoff ticket priority for both the Memphis Hustle and Memphis Grizzlies, invitations to select Grizzlies games during the 2017/18 season and more. Single Game Tickets will be available for purchase starting this fall at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Landers Center Box Office, online at memphishustle.com or by calling (901) 888-HOOP.

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Michael Wallace Grind Cit

How much should it reflect the identity, spirit and soul of the town and the collection of individuals who bear that name across the jerseys? To what painstaking length do researchers reach, designers dig and strategists stretch to find that symbolic match?

Every player on the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster has a unique story. But rookie Wayne Selden best embodies the rapid development these past few months that now links the Grizzlies and their expansion development league franchise that will play next season in the soon-to-be named NBA G-League.

So when Selden learned this week that new team will be called the Memphis Hustle, he knew right away the name not only fits, but would also stick and be a huge hit.

“Hustle is perfect,” said Selden, an undrafted rookie who spent time in the D-League last season before working his way back and onto the Grizzlies playoff roster. “I feel like that’s just how I go about my day, my life. Everything has to be with hustle and everything is a hustle. Everything is about trying to better yourself. And the best way to better yourself on and off the court is to hustle and get after it, you know? That’s a perfect name for a team rather than having a random bird or something. Hustle is just perfect.”

Hustle is perfect because it matches the identity of this team and town. It works because it’s right there with ‘All Heart’ and ‘Grint’N’Grind’ and is saturated with the flavor and swagger for which the Grizzlies are known. Hustle is a verb and a noun, an action and an occupation.

You don’t make it in Memphis without hustling. It’s a way of life. Many folks don’t get by without a hustle, and sometimes even a side hustle when the primary hustle just doesn’t quite cut it. Survival here requires a hustle and a flow. But make no mistake about it: when it comes to NBA development, the Memphis Hustle is more than a brand name. It’s an organic extension of the Grizzlies.

“With that understanding, we went and started the process with how we created an identity for this team,” said Jason Wexler, Grizzlies president of business operations. “From there, it led us down a path that ended up with the Memphis Hustle because of the one-to-one connection between the Hustle and Grit’N’Grind. How do you get from D-League to the NBA? You hustle and you grit and grind. What kind of players do we look for in this franchise? All of that started to tie together. We didn’t want it to be just some adjunct offshoot. It’s core to what we want to accomplish.”

The Grizzlies announced in January they acquired an expansion D-League franchise that would be run out of FedExForum and play home games in nearby Southaven, Miss. at the Landers Center. The move ended the Grizzlies’ affiliation with the D-League’s Iowa Energy franchise in favor of owning and operating a team in close proximity of the NBA parent franchise.

In Memphis’ case, the Grizzlies and Hustle are sharing the same practice and training facility, the same medical staff, the same mission, the same mindset. Essentially, the last man on the Hustle’s roster will walk through the same halls on a daily basis as Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. The same practice and game plans Grizzlies coach David Fizdale will implement at FedExForum’s Built Ford Tough Training Facility in the morning will be the same blueprint from which Hustle coach Glynn Cyprien instructs his team during an afternoon walk-through in the same complex.

“We’ll be an extension of the Grizzlies, so there will be a ton of plays and things we do that Coach Fizdale is doing,” Cyprien told the Chris Vernon Show podcast. “It’s about development, so you tweak rosters and you tweak spots. Some guys play multiple positions, and you try to get them comfortable. We want to win every game, but it’s all about development. We’re building this from the ground up.”

Cyprien said the Hustle will be among teams participating in a development league draft in August to acquire initial players for the roster. Cyprien also anticipates the Hustle will have a strong influence of prospects from colleges throughout the region. The pipeline has been productive for the Grizzlies, with current players Selden, JaMychal Green, Andrew Harrison, Jarell Martin, Deyonta Davis and Wade Baldwin IV all serving recent stints in the D-League.

The Hustle will be one of 26 teams to compete in what will be called the G-League next season. NBA Development League president Malcolm Turner, who visited Memphis for January’s expansion announcement, referred to the Grizzlies as a model franchise for how the NBA and minor league affiliations should be operated. Selecting a team name and logo were months in the making, and the Grizzlies are in the midst of several events to showcase the Hustle’s launch.

Cyprien, who finished this past season as the Iowa Energy’s interim coach, was officially named the Hustle’s coach on Tuesday, when the team also named Chris Makris as general manager. Revealing the team name and logo Thursday will be followed by Friday’s celebration for the Hustle at Tanger Outlets mall in Southaven, and then Saturday’s Fan Fest at the Landers Center.

Wexler insists the game-night fan experience at the Landers Center will also reflect the continuity on the court between the Grizzlies and Hustle.

“We’ll not be an outside observer, but an inside partner,” Wexler said. “People affiliated with Grizzlies are in ticket sales, the marketing side and entertainment side. We’ll be able to leverage all of our Grizzlies’ assets to create a better, more positive, more fun, more engaged D-League experience for our fans there than we would otherwise be able to do if they were two or three hours away. We’ll be able to operate from the Landers Center as a second facility.”

If things work out according to Selden’s plan and he continues to impress with the Grizzlies, he won’t have to return to the development league or wear a Hustle uniform anytime soon.

“Stuff ain’t going to always go perfect, and you have to go through it to get to it,” Selden said. “That’s what the hustle is. I was going through a process, and I’m still going through a process. Everybody has their own timetable. You can’t rush your development. And from a mental standpoint, I went in there not the happiest to have to do it. And then once I bought in, that’s when I saw a lot of progress. That’s when I saw things start moving. And by the time I knew it, I was in the playoffs with the Grizzlies.”

That’s why Selden will be on hand for the festivities this weekend to welcome the Hustle. It’s a perfect fit. His journey to the NBA personifies what this new squad that will play at Landers Center is all about.

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Memphis set to ’Hustle’ with D-League expansion squad

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced Grizzlies Director of Basketball Operations Chris Makris as General Manager of Memphis’ NBA Development League (NBA D-League) expansion team and named Glynn Cyprien Head Coach of the NBA D-League franchise, which will begin play in the 2017-18 season.

“We are excited to announce Chris Makris’ expanded role within our organization and to announce Glynn Cyprien as the first head coach of our NBA D-League franchise in Southaven,” Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace said. “Chris experienced great success during his nine years as general manager of the Iowa Energy, including the three seasons we partnered with the franchise, while Coach Cyprien brings a passion for player development and played a pivotal role in the growth of our young players as interim head coach for Iowa last season. Both understand the strong culture within our franchise, and we are confident they will continue their outstanding work for our D-League expansion team.”

In celebration of the Grizzlies’ new NBA D-League team, the team will host a fan event at Tanger Outlets in Southaven, Miss. from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 2. On Friday at Tanger Outlets, all fans that sign-up for D-League e-news will receive team sunglasses and headbands plus have the chance to win tickets to Opening Night this fall. Pop-up performances will be held throughout the outlet mall, including performances on the main stage every 20 minutes.

On the heels of the Tanger Outlet event, the Grizzlies will host a D-League Fan Fest Saturday, June 3 at Landers Center from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. where the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a free T-shirt. Parking is free and all fans can enjoy complimentary popcorn. The event will feature a full lineup of Grizzlies entertainment teams, including Grizzline, Claw Crew and more fan favorites. Fans can also expect several activities, including a kids’ zone, face painting, balloon artist and photo booth. A free Grizzlies Youth Basketball clinic will be held for 60 boys and girls, ages 7-14, from 11 a.m.-noon. Those who wish to participate in the clinic must pre-register at www.grizzlies.com/youthbasketball. In addition to multiple programs, activities and giveaways, fans will be joined by Makris, Cyprien and Grizzlies players Andrew Harrison and Wayne Selden Jr. for autographs and Q&amp;A sessions.

Now entering his fourth season with the Grizzlies organization, Makris will lead basketball operations and assist in the business side of the NBA D-League expansion franchise. Makris served 10 seasons (2007-17) with the NBA D-League’s Iowa Energy (now Iowa Wolves), including his final nine as general manager after being appointed to the position in May 2008 at the age of 27. In that role, Makris guided the Energy to the 2011 NBA D-League Championship, four division titles and five NBA D-League playoff appearances. The Rhinelander, Wisc. native is the NBA D-League’s all-time leader for regular season wins by a general manager (246) and is the only GM in league history whose teams won at least four division crowns.

Cyprien joined the Grizzlies organization during the 2014-15 season in the Grizzlies basketball operations front office and was named interim head coach of the Iowa Energy on Jan. 9, 2017. The New Orleans native earned a reputation as one of the top assistant coaches and recruiters in the country during his many years on the collegiate scene, coaching and recruiting current and former NBA players such as Tony Allen, Will Barton, Patrick Beverley, DeAndre Liggins, Shawn Marion, Jodie Meeks, Khris Middleton and Patrick Patterson during his stints at Texas A&amp;M University, the University of Memphis, the University of Kentucky, the University of Arkansas, New Mexico State University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, among others.

In addition to their NBA D-League responsibilities, Makris and Cyprien both will continue in their roles within the Grizzlies front office.

The Grizzlies’ NBA D-League team will play its 24 home games at the 8,400-seat Landers Center, located 20 miles south of Memphis in Southaven, Miss. Ticket information and pricing, as well as the team name and logo, will be announced at a later date. Fans interested in Season Tickets can log onto www.memphisdleague.com or call (901) 888-HOOP and place deposits of $50 per seat to gain Season Ticket priority.

Eight current Grizzlies players have NBA D-League experience, including Wade Baldwin IV, Deyonta Davis, Troy Daniels, James Ennis III, JaMychal Green, Andrew Harrison, Jarell Martin and Wayne Selden Jr., while assistant coach Nick Van Exel served as head coach of the NBA D-League’s Texas Legends during the 2015-16 season.

Fans who want to support the Memphis D-League franchise can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to memphisdleague.com and place a $50 deposit on 2017/18 Season Tickets today. For more information on the Memphis D-League franchise and the Grizzlies, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@memgrizz).

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Grizzlies announce Memphis’ NBA Development League Expansion Franchise General Manager and Head Coach

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA Development League announced today that the Grizzlies have acquired the right to own and operate a NBA D-League expansion team that will begin play for the 2017-18 season.  With the purchase, the Grizzlies become the 19th NBA team to own and operate a NBA D-League affiliate, while the NBA D-League grows to 23 teams.

“It’s a time of tremendous growth in the NBA D-League and I’m excited to continue our expansion into the South,” said NBA D-League President Malcolm Turner. “I’m thrilled to welcome the Memphis Grizzlies ownership group and franchise into the NBA D-League family of owners and I can’t wait to watch the team compete in the Mid-South next season.”

The Grizzlies’ new NBA D-League team will play its 24 home games at the 8,400-seat Landers Center, located 20 miles south of Memphis in Southaven, Miss. The Landers Center is also home to the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Mississippi RiverKings and hosts concerts, comedians and other events.

“This acquisition further demonstrates the deep level of commitment our ownership group has in building a world-class organization here in Memphis and the region,” said Robert Pera, Grizzlies Controlling Owner.

“We are excited to operate our own D-League franchise here in the Memphis area,” said Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace. “Player development is a primary focal point of our basketball operations under Robert Pera and our ownership group. Having the team in such close proximity and holding practices at our state-of-the-art facilities at FedExForum will allow us to best develop our future Grizzlies players.”

“We are always seeking opportunities to grow and better engage with our fan base,” Grizzlies President of Business Operations Jason Wexler said. “Placing our D-League team in North Mississippi allows us to further strengthen and expand the Grizzlies’ brand throughout the Memphis and Mid-South community.”

Get additional coverage and in-depth analysis of the Grizzlies’ purchase of a D-League franchise from Grind City Media’s Michael Wallace.

Ticket information and pricing, as well as the team name and logo, will be announced in Spring 2017. Fans interested in season tickets can log onto www.memphisdleague.com or call (901) 888-HOOP and place deposits of $50 per seat to gain Season Ticket priority. Current Grizzlies MVP Season Ticket Holders will be given seating priority.

The Grizzlies are currently in the third and final season of a hybrid partnership with the NBA D-League’s Iowa Energy wherein Memphis controls the basketball decisions while Iowa team ownership manages business and community operations.  During the partnership, the Grizzlies have assigned seven total players for development or rehabilitation, including current Grizzlies Wade Baldwin IV, James Ennis III, Jarell Martin and Troy Williams.  In total, seven current Grizzlies have NBA D-League experience, while assistant coach Nick Van Exel served as an NBA D-League head coach during the 2015-16 season.

More than 40 percent of players drafted into the NBA since 2005 have spent time in the NBA D-League, including almost half of the players selected in NBA Draft 2016 presented by State Farm.  This season, more than 60 NBA players have spent time on assignment in the NBA D-League.

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Memphis Grizzlies purchase NBA Development League expansion team

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