**Key Points:** 1. Marcus Smart, who has been out due to injury, was ejected from a game while wearing street clothes. 2. The unusual ejection occurred during an overtime match between the Grizzlies and Kings. 3. Smart’s ejection did not impact the game’s outcome, as the Kings were leading comfortably. 4. Despite the insignificance of the game for the Grizzlies, Smart’s actions may contribute positively to team culture. In a surprising turn of events during the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent game against the Sacramento Kings, Marcus Smart found himself getting ejected from the game despite not being in active play due to a thumb tendon injury. This peculiar incident added to the list of bizarre ejections witnessed during the 2023-24 NBA season. The intense back-and-forth match saw the Kings seizing the lead in overtime, leading to a critical moment where Smart, observing from the sidelines, voiced his dissent towards the officials. This disagreement escalated to his ejection from the game, a rare sight in the world of basketball where players in street clothes are usually considered off-limits for ejections. While the ejection had no significant impact on the game’s outcome, with the Kings firmly in control, Smart’s actions could hold value for the Grizzlies beyond the current season. By displaying passion and engagement, even in a seemingly inconsequential game, Smart demonstrated a commitment that could potentially benefit the team’s future dynamics when they are back in full force and striving for success.

Top 10 College Football/Men’s Basketball Coaching Combinations in the Country:

Success in both football and men’s basketball is a challenging feat for many college athletic departments. Despite the difficulties in finding and supporting successful coaching pairs, some schools have managed to excel in both sports. The collegiate sports landscape has witnessed significant changes in recent years due to retirements, job moves, and coaching transitions. As we head into the 2024 NCAA Tournament, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 college football/men’s basketball coaching combinations in the country:

1. Kansas: Lance Leipold/Bill Self

In Lawrence, Kansas, we find the best coaching duo in college athletics. Bill Self is a powerhouse in college basketball, boasting numerous Big 12 regular-season titles, two national championships, and an impressive career record. On the football side, Lance Leipold has rapidly risen through the ranks, transforming struggling programs like Buffalo and Kansas into consistent winners, culminating in a successful 9-4 season in 2023 with the Jayhawks.

2. Kentucky: Mark Stoops/John Calipari

Mark Stoops and John Calipari form a formidable coaching duo at Kentucky. Despite recent setbacks, including losing records in the SEC and NCAA Tournament exits, both coaches have stellar resumes. Calipari has a national championship and multiple Final Four appearances, while Stoops has elevated Kentucky’s football program to unprecedented success with two 10-win seasons, matching the historical achievements of the program.

3. Alabama: Kalen DeBoer/Nate Oats

Alabama features a strong coaching combination in Kalen DeBoer and Nate Oats. DeBoer’s impressive coaching record includes leading Washington to a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance and maintaining a remarkable 104-12 overall record. Oats, on the other hand, has secured two SEC titles and multiple Sweet 16 appearances, establishing himself as a top coach in college basketball.

4. North Carolina: Mack Brown/Hubert Davis

The coaching duo at North Carolina, comprised of Mack Brown and Hubert Davis, brings a mix of experience and success to the table. Brown, a national championship-winning coach, has a lasting legacy in college football, while Davis continues to elevate the Tar Heels on the basketball court. Despite recent NCAA Tournament absence, Davis led UNC to an ACC regular-season title and a national title game appearance just two years ago.

5. Michigan State: Tom Izzo/Brian Smith

Tom Izzo stands out as one of the enduring legends in college basketball with his eight Final Four appearances and multiple conference titles. Brian Smith’s impressive coaching accolades from Oregon State set the stage for his leadership at Michigan State, aiming to restore the program’s prominence and success.

6. Oregon: Dan Lanning/Dana Altman

Oregon boasts a talented coaching duo in Dan Lanning and Dana Altman. Altman, a seasoned coach with multiple tournament appearances, complements Lanning’s rapid rise in college football, highlighted by Oregon’s recent Fiesta Bowl victory and high expectations in the Big Ten.

7. Tennessee: Josh Heupel/Rick Barnes

Tennessee’s coaching pair of Josh Heupel and Rick Barnes brings a blend of experience and success to the Volunteers. Barnes’ success in transforming Tennessee basketball, coupled with Heupel’s coaching accolades and SEC Coach of the Year title, positions the Volunteers for continued success on both the basketball court and football field.

8. Houston: Willie Fritz/Kelvin Sampson

Houston’s coaching tandem of Willie Fritz and Kelvin Sampson highlights a winning tradition and consistent success. Sampson’s impressive coaching resume in college basketball, accompanied by Fritz’s track record of winning at various levels, solidifies Houston’s standing as a top-tier program with championship aspirations.

9. Iowa State: Matt Campbell/TJ Otzelberger

Iowa State’s coaching duo of Matt Campbell and TJ Otzelberger represents a blend of stability and transformation. Otzelberger’s swift turnaround in college basketball and Campbell’s winning seasons underscore the Cyclones’ resurgence and competitiveness in both football and basketball.

10. Miami: Mario Cristobal/Jim Larrañaga

Miami’s coaching partnership of Mario Cristobal and Jim Larrañaga brings together a mix of potential and experience. Cristobal’s notable coaching achievements at various programs, alongside Larrañaga’s success in guiding Miami to an ACC title and Final Four appearance, sets the stage for continued success and growth for the Hurricanes.