On the surface, John Calipari's words appeared as nothing more than some optimistic coach-speak.
After talking for a few moments about what the rest of the season could hold for the Tigers, he said, "Anything can happen."
In sports, those are usually the famous last words for a team or coach looking desperately for anything to grab onto as they slide into forgetfulness.
And when Calipari spouted them before the Louisville game last week, there seemed no reason to think otherwise. But you could tell he believed it.
Then he reminded those in attendance that the Conference USA tournament was at FedExForum.
"Anything can happen."
To grasp the clarity of this prediction, you've got to remember just how different things were for Calipari and the Tigers just seven days ago when the statement was made.
They were 13-10 -- just two days removed from giving away a very winnable game at Houston -- and a murderer's row of opponents was lurking later in the schedule.
"Anything can happen."
Memphis 85, No. 9 Louisville 68.
When Calipari said anything could happen, I don't think anyone thought he meant this. It was Louisville's worst home loss since Rick Pitino took over.
But reality was about to set in, right?
The Tigers have made a habit of overlooking opponents this season.
How bad of a scare would they get from Tulane?
Tigers 103, Tulane 71.
Forget oversight, Memphis looked more focused than it did in the upset of the Cardinals a few days earlier.
The only scare was whether the Green Wave would come back out for the second half.
A week ago, this team was dead in the water, now they've got seven votes in the AP top-25 poll.
A week ago, just about every national publication had called the Tigers this season's biggest disappointment, now articles in USA Today, CBS Sportsline and CNNSI are calling them one of the hottest teams in the country.
"Anything can happen."
In seven days, Memphis went from the doghouse to the penthouse, but what sparked the jump?
That answer is simple -- Sean Banks.
Well, the lack of Banks to be specific.
Since the problematic Banks was declared academically ineligible in mid-January, the Tigers are 6-2 and slowly climbing back into the picture.
The team's attitude appears changed as well.
All of a sudden, they are communicating on the court. The defense is stingier and the offense is more efficient.
But "anything can happen," doesn't mean a couple of wins in early February.
Calipari was talking NCAA tournament.
For that "anything" to occur, his team still has work to do with three of their final five games coming against likely tournament teams in Louisville, Cincinnati and Charlotte.
But at least one thing is for sure, this team definitely controls its own destiny. Even that seemed out of hand for Calipari and crew a week ago.
Now, the mini-series that is Tiger basketball offers more intriguing storylines than ever.
Will the Tigers make the tournament?
Will Bob Huggins continue his time-honored tradition of yelling at students before the game?
Who will wear the sharper suit in the rematch, Pitino, Calipari or Mark Goodfellow?
"Anything can happen."
