Memphis Tigers, Tennessee Vols renew basketball rivalry in alumni game

Soon after the Memphis Tigers alumni basketball game ended a year ago, former guard Jeremy Hunt had an idea of how to take the event to the next level: play a team of former rivals. 

On Saturday, the Memphis alumni will face a team of Tennessee alumni at White Station High School. 

The game, slated to start at 6 p.m., will feature many former Tigers, including Joe Jackson, Will Coleman,  Chris Crawford and Penny Hardaway, who'll be making his third straight appearance.

The Vols will counter with a team that includes JaJuan Smith, Tyler Smith, Bobby Maze and Wayne Chism. 

Citing potential capacity concerns with an influx of Vols fans, Hunt decided to move the event to the high school's gym, which seats about 3,800. The event was previously held at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, which has a capacity of just over 2,500. 

Tennessee and Memphis played each season from 1988-89 to 2001-02. After a four-season hiatus, the series was renewed. Since then they have played nine times but not since 2012-13. Tennessee leads the all-time series 14-11.

The biggest moment in the rivalry came in 2008 when second-ranked Tennessee visited Memphis to play the top-ranked Tigers, led by Derrick Rose. The Vols won 66-62 as Tyler Smith scored 16 points. Rose had a game-high 23 points.

"The rivalry speaks for itself," Hunt said. "I never want to use the word hate because hate is a strong word, but it's just the word to use when it comes to our fans and their fans. Our fans hate their fans and their fans hate our fans." 

Although the teams haven't played since 2013, Hunt said the alumni games could last for the foreseeable future.

"It's definitely something we'll be looking to do annually." 

For tickets, fans can contact Hunt at 786-417-5587 or Willie Kemp at 901-438-4848. Tickets will also be available at the school prior to the game on Saturday.