Arthur Barclay wants you to remember the fight.
He doesn't expect Memphis basketball fans to forget the problems that plagued the Tigers' 2004-05 campaign, but hopes they also mention something about perseverance.
"Everybody's seen what type of year this has been for us. All the problems that we've had," Barclay said. "But, we've put all those obstacles aside and come together as a team. It's shocking to a lot of people."
The rap sheet for this season is well known by now, but something overlooked might be the grit the Tigers have continued to show in the Conference USA Tournament and so far in the NIT.
"A lot of teams would've cracked and fallen apart," Barclay said. "But we didn't."
Winners of five of their last six, Memphis is just one win away from their third trip to Madison Square Garden for the NIT Final Four in four years.
The Tigers (21-15) will face Vanderbilt Wednesday night at FedExForum, their eighth consecutive home game. For the record, that's the seventh game at home since Senior Night.
After missing the tournament by the narrowest of margin -- and given the roller coaster season -- it probably wouldn't have surprised many if Memphis had folded in the first game of the NIT, but they live on.
Although they're not playing for a conference championship, or playing for an NCAA Tournament berth, they're still playing. And playing well.
Other than that one-point loss to No. 6 Louisville, the Tigers have won their last five games by an average of 19 points.
"I feel invincible right now," said Duane Erwin, who like Barclay and guard Anthony Rice will play his last home game tomorrow night. "I don't think anybody in the country could make (this turnaround), because I think a lot of coaches would've kicked everybody off the team, trying to make a statement."
Coach John Calipari said the increased fan support, which has led to the NIT home games, is a result of the improved product on the floor.
"It doesn't matter what's thrown at you, if you want to you can persevere," Calipari said. "There's only one way to persevere and that's together. You can't do it alone.
"... And people are loving this team right now, not because of one player, but because they are playing hard."
Barclay hears the same sentiment around town.
"That's the main thing people say to me," he said. "They're glad we stuck together and made this run. A lot of people thought we would give up."
"I've never been on a team like this," Barclay said. "With all the problems and stuff, this team has had as challenging of a year as any I've been on. I was happy to be a part of it though. Maybe we can make history."
