Jayden Reid absolutely exploded for 26 points in Memphis basketball’s 75-58 exhibition win against Mississippi State last night, and if you weren’t watching, you missed the Tigers sending a loud, clear message. This wasn’t just some casual run-through. This was a statement game, and Reid made sure everyone in the room knew it.
Memphis Isn’t Playing Around
After the final buzzer, Reid quietly sat down with reporters, but the quiet didn’t last long. His teammate, Rihards Vavers, slid the box score in front of him, and Reid leaned in, ready to spill. He said, and this is exactly what you want to hear from a leader, “We’ve been working since June. Everybody had a lot of questions about us. You know, ‘What are we going to look like?’ We just wanted to come out and make a statement. Not only me personally but as a team. Just come out there, step on their necks and stay on their necks all 40 minutes.” That’s the kind of fire that gets you hyped, right? They’ve heard the doubters, and they’re ready to answer.
He Knows It’s Just Preseason, But…
Now, nobody has to remind Reid that it’s an exhibition game. He gets it. The result here isn’t going to make or break their NCAA Tournament chances. He understands the score means nothing in the grand scheme of things for a postseason push. But that’s precisely why his comments and the team’s dominant win are so important. It’s about the mentality. It’s about laying down a marker. It’s about that raw, intense energy from June finally hitting the court.
Even though it’s an exhibition, that kind of intensity, that kind of statement, it’s gotta make you sit up and pay attention. Memphis is coming, and they want everyone to know it. They’re putting in the work and bringing that no-nonsense attitude right from the jump. You love to see it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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