May 10, 2001

MEMPHIS - University of Memphis basketball coach John Calipari announced Thursday Ray "Rock" Oliver has returned to the U of M as the basketball program's strength coach.

"Everyone knows that Ray is like a brother to me and knows the kind of job he has done at the University of Memphis," Calipari said. "We are glad to have him back."

"After careful deliberation with my family, the right place for us is right here in Memphis," Oliver said. "I missed the players and the coaching staff.

"I want to thank R.C. (Johnson) and the university for allowing me to come back and put my roots here in Memphis."