Tiger Blueprint
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@TigerBlueprint
New Media Company Covering University of Memphis SportsⓂ️• Breaking News, Athlete Features, & More FREE Content • Owned By @itsAntWright and @hitmenhoops #GTG🐅
NEWS: Memphis Assistant Jermaine “Freaky JJ” Johnson has been FIRED, as expected. Mike Davis and Roy Rogers were also fired. There were no options for them to return, despite what was previously reported. Source adds that a GM is expected to be hired this week. Several candidates have been contacted, but one is a clear leader in the running.
NEWS: The expectation is that Memphis HC Penny Hardaway returns for his ninth season as head coach, per source. Additionally, Hardaway is expected to clean slate with his assistant staff before the start of portal season, source adds. Several candidates have already been contacted. In regards to Penny’s future, source cites that the administration were concerned about the “politics” and “financials” of firing Penny. For context, Memphis would have to pay a $6 million buyout + potential buyout for new coach + increase financial commitment to program.
Final from Greenville: ECU 84, Memphis 68
Memphis - who was the preseason AAC favorite - has roughly 2x more NIL than any other team in the AAC. Struggling in non-conference play is one thing, but looking completely outmatched in AAC play with their resource supremacy is pathetic. The assistants are poor talent evaluators + developers that I have no faith in building a competitive roster. At the bare minimum, Penny must completely overhaul his staff IF he returns next season. Too much dead weight.
This version of Memphis Basketball is utterly unacceptable — especially in Penny Hardaway’s eight year as head coach. This is the product of an extremely poor talent evaluation in the transfer portal + a horrific coaching job this season from Penny/staff. Pathetic.
.@BattieDillon DOING IT ALL! TIMEOUT MEMPHIS. 6:22 1H | MEM 8, WSU 26
After a season in which I ate my words on Penny Hardaway, I’m back to asking the same question I have been asking for few years. Is Penny the right guy to lead this Memphis program going forward?
Memphis F Ashton Hardaway (@ash_hardaway ) has quietly put together two good games in a row and looks to be settling in to a much-needed catch-and-shoot role for Memphis. 13 PPG 5.5 RPG 45% 3PG (5-11) 2.5 SPG 28 MPG Hardaway is becoming the guy that Memphis can rely on to consistently make outside shots - something that they have needed all season. Good last two games from Ashton, who looks to be gaining confidence out there as well.
Memphis follows up a 26-point road loss to Louisville with another disappointing home loss to Vanderbilt. They are abysmal in the halfcourt offensively + sloppy with the ball + make way too many dumb decisions. Memphis moves to 4-6, with hardly any good win opportunities left. The effort is very inconsistent and the shotmaking just isn’t there. It’s looking like Memphis’ NCAA at-large tourney hopes are gone.
