Fresh off no. 5 seed in the Western Regionals of the NCAA Tournament, along with a American Athletic Conference Tournament championship that punctuated a regular season championship, it’s safe to say that the Memphis Tigers’ 2024-25 season exceeded Penny Hardaway’s original expectations.
Particularly when the seventh-year head coach entered the season with no expectations at all.
After a first-round exit in the tournament the previous season, Hardaway was left with a depleted roster. Nicholas Jourdain was the only scholarship player returning. A coaching staff shakeup also muddied the picture. Then the season began.
An initial sign that Hardaway had built something special in short order was during the Maui Classic Invitational. The Tigers started the tournament with a 99-97 overtime upset of the defending national champion Uconn Huskies. They followed up with a 71-63 win over Michigan State in the next round, before succumbing to AP No. 4 Auburn in the final, 90-76.
The early success translated during the regular season. Memphis wrapped up their 2024-25 schedule with a 24-5 record. They also blazed through the AAC conference schedule with a 16-2 record.
“We have one of the best resumés in the country. It’s hard to win games on this level. When you win games, whether it’s non-conference or whether it’s in the AAC, it’s tough. I’m just thankful for them respecting that,” said Hardaway.
One constant was PJ Haggerty. The sophomore transfer from Tulsa emerged as one of the top scorers in the nation. His 21.8 points per game average currently ranks third in Division I. For his exploits, he earned AAC Player of the Year honors and named second-team All-American. His efforts in the conference tournament netted an Most Outstanding Player award. He was the AAC Newcomer of the Year last season.
This season’s winner was inserted into the Tigers’ starting lineup after the Tigers’ conference schedule beganDain Dainja was penciled into the starting five before a contest against Wichita St. on Jan. 23. Hardaway began mulling a switch at center after a upset loss at Temple a week earlier. Following miscue-filled win at Charlotte a few days later, Hardaway made the call-up.
The roster shakeup paid off for both the coach and the player. Dainja finished the season with a 14.2 points per game average. The 6’9” senior transfer from Illinois also averages 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a contest.
Hardaway was named AAC Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Now, he’s prepping his team to make a run at an NCAA title and perhaps a NCAA Coach of the Year award.
The Tigers will tip-off against first round tournament draw No. 12 seed Colorado St. on Friday March 21, in Seattle.
