Columnist
There are 298 articles by John Martin :
Memphis Tigers beat writer Frank Bonner II and columnist John Martin discuss expectations for team performance, fan attendance and their impressions of the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovations.
Coach Penny Hardaway’s Tigers have likely bitten off more than they can chew with this nonconference slate.
“What should be clear to any University of Memphis fan is this: Based on the final language of the bill, the U of M would be anything but protected if this bill is signed into law.”
Davis’ return to Memphis and what he said Friday afternoon was a reminder that when things go right here, there can still be a profound connection between a coach and a player — and a player to a city.
“American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti stood at the podium for American Media Day and introduced Charles Huff. Moments later, Huff told everyone within earshot that Memphis is simply too good to be there.”
Ethan Thabeet is a 7-foot, 15-year-old who was born in Memphis a year after Hasheem Thabeet was drafted by the Grizzlies. Last week, he got his first official offer from a Division I program: UTSA.
Dusty May and Penny Hardaway will always be inextricably linked. The outcome of their meeting in the NCAA Tournament three years ago charted a path for them both; one led to the NBA, and one that may yet lead to an unceremonious divorce.
With less than a week to go before the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, here are some of John Martin’s thoughts on the class and who he most believes in.
There’s a loud message that Scott is trying to send when he says the Tigers are at full revenue sharing, and that message is simple: Memphis is moving like it’s in the big leagues — even if it isn’t yet.
Penny Hardaway said he used a behavioral assessment to help assemble this year’s roster. The Daily Memphian reached out to the CEO of the company that administered the test to get further insight.
Memphis basketball summer workouts start June 2. Prized Briarcrest product Fred Smith Jr. will indeed be among the participants, his father told The Daily Memphian. On June 1, Memphis announced Smith Jr.’s signing, confirming his father’s text last week to The Daily Memphian.
Mike Miller drew the Let It Fly Barn on a napkin for 15 years. Now that it’s finally built, he has brought some of the NBA Draft’s top prospects to Memphis.
After a disastrous 2025-26 season, Penny Hardaway has to lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament. Has he put together a roster that’s capable of doing that? Let’s take a look.
Maxim Logue, a 6-foot-9 FAU big man transfer who initially committed to North Carolina several weeks ago, has picked the Memphis Tigers.Related content:
Corneilous Williams averaged 12.2 points and 9.3 rebounds last season. He ranked in the 90th percentile nationally for offensive rebounding percentage at 12.9%.Related content:
New Tiger Tylik Weeks, a 6-foot-7 Southern Miss transfer, ranked in the top 40 of scoring nationally last season at 19.7 points per game.Related content:
Holloway, a Memphis native, picked the Tigers over Missouri and West Virginia. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 4.6 points and 1.8 assists per game.Related content:
Penny Hardaway adds his fifth portal transfer, picking up a guard from Southeast Missouri State University. Related content:
On Monday afternoon, Northwestern guard Jayden Reid became the highest-ranked transfer to commit to the Tigers. He spoke with The Daily Memphian on why he chose Memphis and what fans can expect next season.
Scorer from Northwestern figures to be a leading scorer candidate for the Tigers next season and should see his percentages go back up against lesser competition in the American Conference.Related content:
Aaron Bradshaw, a 7-foot-1 center, averaged 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in his one season for the Tigers, while battling an injury for much of the second half.Related content:
New Memphis commit Rihards Vavers spoke to The Daily Memphian about his decision and what he plans to bring to the Tigers next season.
Jerry Deng, a 6-9 transfer from N.C. State, committed to the Memphis Tigers on Thursday night, according to a report from League Ready.Related content:
Brandin Cummings on Tuesday became the latest player to commit to Memphis from the transfer portal. He spoke to The Daily Memphian on Wednesday about that decision, his game, and what he plans to bring to Penny Hardaway’s team.Related content:
Penny Hardaway has landed his first official commitment of the transfer portal season: Washington State sharpshooter Rihards Vavers.