Martin: Loss to ECU should raise questions about Memphis’ plans with Penny Hardaway
University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway watches action against the University of Alabama Birmingham on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
John Martin
John Martin is a contributing college sports columnist for The Daily Memphian. Martin is a lifelong Memphian who’s covered the Memphis Tigers’ basketball program for more than a decade. Before joining The Daily Memphian team, he was the Memphis beat writer for The Athletic. Currently, he is the co-host of the Jason and John Show on 92.9 FM ESPN, weekdays at 11 a.m. Martin is a graduate of White Station High School and the University of Memphis.
One fact to sum up Penny Hardaway and this Memphis basketball season: This is the most losses the Tigers (12-17) have suffered in 56 years.
That’s more than any Tic Price season.
That’s more than the Johnny Jones season.
That’s more than any Josh Pastner season.
That’s more than any Tubby Smith season.
That’s more than the season that got Larry Finch fired.
And here’s the real kicker: More losses are coming.
The Tigers lost 84-68 on the road Sunday against East Carolina. It’s their sixth loss in a row, and their fourth double-digit loss in five games.
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