By GEOFF CALKINS, Scripps Howard News Service

He was too weak to talk on the phone, too nice to not return a call. So Gene Bartow asked his wife Ruth to call and act as a sort of go-between to discuss college basketball and "Memphis Madness."

"What would he say to Memphis fans?" I asked.

Ruth repeated the question, then paused to wait for the answer.

HOOVER, Ala. - Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive wants to reform college sports. Next up, rid the world of poverty. Why put a limit on your pipe dreams?

"College sports has lost the benefit of the doubt," said Slive, which is absolutely true. But so have the people who have gotten wealthy off it.

OKLAHOMA CITY - I believe that was an absolute blast.

I believe you will remember this Memphis Grizzlies team for the rest of your days.

I believe a whole bunch of you will save your growl towels, maybe even have them framed.

I believe that we will never again have to hear that the Grizzlies have never won a playoff game.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Maybe the debates will slow down for a bit.

OKLAHOMA CITY - There's a dry-erase board mounted near the back entrance to the Oklahoma City Arena. A question was written on it Sunday, especially for the playoffs.

"How much does a human heart weigh?" it said.

My guess would be about 12 Memphis Grizzlies.

SAN ANTONIO - Do not tell me about Mario Chalmers. Do not tell me about the last time a Memphis team lost a crusher in San Antonio.

Unlike that University of Memphis team, this one gets another chance.

Unlike that Memphis team, these Memphis Grizzlies get to try to make it right, Friday, in Memphis.

MEMPHIS - With 5:43 left in the game here Monday night, an astonishing thing happened at FedExForum. This is the way it will forever read in the box score.

SUB: GREEN FOR DUNCAN.

SUB: SPLITTER FOR GINOBILI.

SUB: BLAIR FOR HILL.

SUB: NOVAK FOR BONNER.

The Memphis Grizzlies were up by 20. The San Antonio Spurs were waving the white flag.

SAN ANTONIO - . The Memphis Grizzlies trailed by two and Mike Conley found Shane Battier and this is the day to break out the late, great Don Poier, isn't it?

Only in the movies and in Memphis. Only after a decade of frustrations and angst.

First-and-10 on the Ole Miss 20, Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn figured it was time to try out a play he'd been working on since the spring.

Quarterback Cam Newton lined up at his normal spot -- er, wait, Newton lined up wide right.

Houston Nutt looked into the man's eyes. Well, of course he did.

What head coach has ever taken a player he knew he shouldn't have taken without looking into his eyes first?