--The Grizzlies lead the Wizards in the all-time series, 14-12. Memphis has won six of the last eight meetings.
--F Rudy Gay, a former University of Connecticut star, is confident his Huskies can win the NCAA championship with their trip to this weekend's Final Four. "They're just head and shoulders above everybody," Gay said. "It's just good to be a Husky right now."
Gay said the Huskies taking a place in the Final Four came as no surprise because this team is unflappable. Potential NCAA recruiting violations by the Huskies that stem from their recruitment of Nate Miles don't figure to be a distraction, according to Gay.
"They're juniors and seniors. They've been through a lot through their careers, especially my man, A.J. (Price)," Gay said. "He's one of the strongest guys on that team. He's going to get everybody focused and ready to play."
--Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said the University of Memphis has some big shoes to fill with the departure of John Calipari to Kentucky.
"I don't care where Cal goes, he's going to win," Hollins said. "He's an outstanding coach and recruiter. He's great with the media. He's great with the fans. He's great with the players.
"It's going to be a serious void (filling Calipari's job). The Unversity of Memphis has a good reputation now, but a lot of that reputation comes from the fact that Calipari is the head coach."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're still trying to make people understand that we are trying to make strides in the right direction." -- F Rudy Gay, on the FedExForum home crowd of 10,013.
