Martin: Memphis basketball has a problem — and Penny Hardaway can’t fix it
Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway looks on against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at FedExForum on March 5, 2026. (Wes Hale/Special to 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.
There’s an emergency inside the University of Memphis athletic department.
Tiger basketball is dying.
The current administration, led by President Bill Hardgrave and athletic director Ed Scott, has done a lot of things right. The hire of Charles Huff looks like a sharp one, as the Tigers are currently the favorites in the American. The Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovations came together splendidly. Being at full revenue sharing in the Group of Six is an incredible feat that should not be taken for granted.
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