The Tigers are geared up to face the Temple Owls Friday night, but not without some input from some very important people - their fans.
Wednesday, head coach John Calipari and The University of Memphis men's basketball team held its second tip-off pep rally during the lunch hour at the Market Place in the University Center.
At the pep rally, students and faculty got a chance to go head-to-head with Calipari and ask questions about the Tigers and the upcoming season.
Students who attended were able to get autographs from coaches and players as well as posters, bumper stickers and tee-shirts and The Market Place even offered lunch specials.
Sophomore guard Courtney Trask said coming out and visiting with the students was a good idea.
"It's good to be around other students because we are going to need their support," Trask said. "If they see us mingling and having fun with them, then they will come cheer for us."
Calipari sees the event as another opportunity to connect with the students and faculty and also said the Marketplace is a great place to eat lunch.
There was the usual lunch crowd at the pep rally and students gathered around the team to meet the players and get free stuff.
"This pep rally was a good idea because Calipari is getting to know the student body," said Jim Going, a sophomore pre-med student. "I hope this helps us to win a lot of games."
Junior marketing major Tanner Muler agreed with Going.
"You get a chance to see how the team is doing," he said.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and will start at 7 p.m. at the Pyramid.