For a couple of days, the University of Memphis basketball fan base was at a loss as to whether head coach Penny Hardaway could possibly leave the program to coach the NBA’s Orlando Magic.
To the relief of the Tigers’ basketball faithful, Hardaway announced on Instagram Tuesday (June 29) that he plans to remain the coach of his alma mater and coach a fourth year.
And, in another development, Hardaway said he plans to hire legendary basketball coach Larry Brown as an assistant.
The 80-year-old Brown is the only coach in history to have won an NCAA championship and an NBA title. He is expected to replace Tony Madlock, who was named head coach at South Carolina State in March.
On his decision to remain at the U of M, Hardaway said, “I’m gonna be here. I don’t want you guys to be afraid that I’m going anywhere. And, let’s get it done. Let’s keep fighting. I’m working hard.
“My staff is working hard. We’re excited about this year with the 100 percent capacity coming back to the FedExForum. Please fill it out, fill it up. Come back, cheer us on and let’s see where it goes.”
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Sunday (June 27) that Hardaway had interviewed for the job in Orlando, where he was a superstar guard, and was a “serious” candidate.
Hardaway will coach a U of M team that will enter the new season after winning last season’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
His 2021-2022 team will have a nucleus of four returning key players – Landers Nolley II, DeAndre Williams, Lester Quinones and Alex Lomax, alongside a crew of highly-rated recruits.
For each of his three seasons at Memphis, Hardaway’s teams have won 20 games.
