Hustle Report: 2022-23 Season Recap

The Memphis Hustle season ended with a 110-108 loss to the Rio Grande Vipers Friday afternoon in the FedExForum. As disappointing as it was to end the season losing a home playoff game with an opportunity to host another game in the next round, Coach Jason March and Kenneth Lofton Jr. reflected on the good this season provided.

Coach March mentioned that this year’s team was probably the most unselfish team he’s ever coached as players are typically trying to get their numbers to get called up to the NBA. As proud as Coach March was of the Hustle’s success as a team this season, he mentioned that he’s hoping that this season will help the players get more recognition for their play as individuals around the league, because they all play the right way.

Kenneth Lofton Jr. was thankful for Coach March and his teammates for helping him become a better player, leading to him winning G League Rookie of the Year. Also, Lofton was proud of how he got comfortable with how the NBA and G League work and is ready to keep working on his game as he finishes the rest of his season with the Memphis Grizzlies and enters the off-season.

The Memphis Hustle as a team and the players individually accomplished a lot this season. The accomplishments include:

• Dakota Mathias broke the franchise record for three-pointers made in a season with 154
• Jacob Gilyard led the G League in total assists (299) and assists per game (9.7)
• Kenneth Lofton Junior won G League Rookie of the Year and averaged a double-double with 20.2 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game
• The Husle tied for the league lead in most clutch wins with 20
• The Hustle hosted their first home playoff game and had their best record in franchise history

In a season that ended sooner than the team expected, the Hustle accomplished a lot that they can be proud of going forward. Coach Jason March has laid the foundation and set the precedence of unselfish basketball that will be helpful as players look to get into the NBA and for future and returning players for the Memphis Hustle.