Nov. 21, 1999

MEMHPIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis begins its 79th basketball season unexpectedly with a new coach but the objective prior to last week's coaching change remains the same, 'One Team, One Goal.'

The Tigers take on a team which has proven to be a nemesis this decade opening play in the Maui Invitational against Georgetown in a game which will be broadcast by ESPN2 Monday at 10:30 p.m. CST. The Hoyas have won the last five series meetings against the U of M.

Memphis will play either North Carolina or Southern California Tuesday.

On Sunday November 14th, Tic Price resigned as head coach of the Tigers after 2¸ seasons and associate coach Johnny Jones was named interim head coach. Jones, a long-time assistant coach at Louisiana State, is beginning his third season on the University of Memphis staff.

The U of M last played in the Maui Invitational in 1992. The Tigers defeated Chaminade 64-56 in the first round before losing to Brigham Young (73-67) and defeating Louisiana State (70-66) for third place. Jones was on the other bench as an assistant coach at LSU the last time Memphis was in Maui.