He didn't choose places based on tourist attraction. He picked cities where young Grizzlies players live in the off-season. Seems like wanted to make house calls to discuss that defense will become a way of life with the team.

Second-year Grizzlies head coach Marc Iavaroni sees that as a good thing. He's the offensive guru who studied at the knee of Mike D'Antoni when Iavaroni was a Suns' assistant.

"We're going to entrust Kevin's system with our players," Iavaroni said. "We also will insist that we don't give up our attack mentality on offense.

"What I like is that we needed to reassess with better players and better schemes, and I don't have to be a sergeant at arms. I can look at the big picture."

Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley quickly learned what every player who has ever played for O'Neill already knew.

He's loud and he'll nitpick players to death on defensive mistakes.

"It seems like he picks up on every mistake you make," Conley said, "but he wants to make everybody better."

Rookie guard O.J. Mayo enjoyed O'Neill's intensity during summer camp and in the rookie league.

"My game starts with defense, and the game is more fun when you start diving around and hustling," Mayo said.