Standing outside of Fox Meadows Elementary School with the sun beaming down on a brand new blacktop court, Taylor Jenkins orchestrated a group of students through layup line drills while wearing a pair of black shades.

The basketball activities came moments after the Memphis Grizzlies coach stood on stage and announced Tuesday he was donating $20,250 to students in Memphis Shelby-County Schools. The donation is part of Jenkins' yearly pledge of $10 for every Grizzlies assist throughout the season. Memphis totaled 2,025 assists.

"Just to see these kids come out − some that have probably been around the game before − some that are just getting introduced to the game − I want to be part of helping the next generations figure out what basketball can do for them in their lives," Jenkins said.

Jenkins' appearance was as part of the team's Raise the Rim ceremony. Grizzlies analyst Brevin Knight and former player Tony Allen were among the guests. Rookie forward GG Jackson also made a special guest appearance.

Through the Raise the Rim initiative, fans and members of the Memphis community were encouraged to nominate local non-profits, schools and community centers that needed upgraded or new basketball hoops systems. John P. Freeman Optional School joined Fox Meadows as the two schools receiving new systems.

"It's always a fun thing putting a smile on their face and them being able to go back home and letting their parents know that they got a chance to play with some of the top athletes in the world," Allen said. "It's always a fun thing. Being out here on the blacktop made me want to stretch and get loose."

Taylor Jenkins update on potential coaching and philosophy changes

When Jenkins last spoke to media members in April, he noted that potential changes could come philosophically.

Memphis ranked 12th in the NBA in defensive team rating.

The same can't be said for the offense, though. The Grizzlies were last in the NBA in offensive rating. The results came after Memphis took a detailed look at ways to improve its half-court offense that had been a problem in previous playoff losses.

Memphis has shown the ability to be a tough team to stop in the paint and while scoring in transition. However, healthy or not, the halfcourt offensive woes have yet to be solved.

"I think we know what the strengths are of this team," Jenkins said. "The style of play and how we go about teaching it is something we're going to emphasize moving forward. . .. Offensively, we know we didn't get it going last year for a variety of reasons, but we have an idea of the type of style we want to play."

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Could that process include changes to the coaching staff? Jenkins did not close the door on the idea. Memphis added Anthony Carter and Patrick St. Andrews before the season started. Carter received a lot of credit for the development of Jackson's 3-point shot and Jake LaRavia's progress. St. Andrews was also given the task of helping Jenkins revamp the offense.

Both those hires have proven to add important pieces to the Grizzlies organization, and Memphis may not be done yet.

"We're going through that restructure process and it's a collaborative effort," Jenkins said. "As we have more updates, we'll be able to provide those."

GG Jackson's take on going against LeBron James

Jackson was the youngest player in the NBA this season, so it only made sense that he was one of the last members of the Grizzlies organization hanging around and playing with the students on the new court. Standing with a Mempop popsicle in his hand, Jackson answered questions about his height and basketball.

One student approached Jackson and talked trash to him, stating that LeBron James would "lock down" the Memphis rookie. Jackson quickly responded by telling him he scored 31 points against the Lakers superstar and encouraged him to "go look it up."

"That shows the impact that LeBron has," Jackson said. "Maybe in a couple more years, (the kid) will be like, 'Yea, that's GG,' instead of LeBron."

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Taylor Jenkins donates to schools and GG Jackson has answer for LeBron