Despite the lack of national fanfare surrounding the Memphis Tigers heading into Hardaway’s fifth year as head coach, the future for his program is as bright as it’s been since he took over in 2018.

Head coach Penny Hardaway’s team lost seven of the top 10 players from last season’s rotation and added six new transfers and one international prospect from Spain this offseason. So, there will be plenty of faces that fans will be unfamiliar with this year.

Related story:

Memphis Basketball Block Party will replace Memphis Madness

The “Memphis Basketball Block Party” on Oct. 15 will celebrate the start of its men’s and women’s basketball seasons. This event will replace Memphis Madness.

This month, various University of Memphis basketball coaches have visited at least 10 prospects — four in the Class of 2023 and six in the Class of 2024.

Three years after James Wiseman last put on a University of Memphis basketball uniform, the school finally received a ruling from the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. 

A nearly three-year-long saga, in which the University of Memphis faced possible sanctions from the NCAA and the IARP, is over. 

Related stories:

IARP ruling a big win for Memphis basketball

Tigers Basketball Insider: Meet new Memphis basketball beat writer Parth Upadhyaya

Five thoughts on what Memphis’ win against the NCAA means

The IARP’s decision was stunning vindication for Penny Hardaway and for Memphis. So go ahead, celebrate. 

“I’m ecstatic to now embark on this journey with you, Tigers fans. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I’m ready to chronicle every bit of it.”

No NCAA Tournament ban and no suspension for Hardaway.

Nearly three years after James Wiseman played three games for the University of Memphis — and despite the NCAA dissolving the IARP going forward — the university will learn its penalty.

The Daily Memphian is adding three journalists to its award-winning sports team, including a new sports editor, new deputy sports editor and new Tiger basketball beat writer. 

Before his team takes on the Tigers on Saturday afternoon in a preview of a future American Athletic Conference matchup, Baker said he’s as confident as ever in the Tigers’ brand and the new-look league.

Here’s a breakdown of all 10 of Memphis’ AAC opponents this season.

Related stories:

Memphis basketball’s AAC slate revealed

Tigers women’s basketball schedule announced

Bates was the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2021, according to 247Sports, when he committed to Memphis.

The Memphis Tigers basketball team has been inked to a deal to play in the 2024 Maui Invitational since 2020, but now the Tigers know who they could face on the island.

When Fred Jones asked the Tigers coach to give a keynote address, Hardaway wasn’t quite sure what to say. But at Friday’s Southern Heritage Classic luncheon, Hardaway sure said a lot.

Related story:

Hardaway’s ready to have the ‘older team’ this season

Hardaway praised his new coaching staff and said the team’s veteran leadership gives him hope they will be back in the NCAA Tournament this season. 

Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association rules that money paid by then-coach Penny Hardaway to star player James Wiseman rendered him ineligble.

Coach Penny Hardaway added UIC transfer guard Damaria Franklin Monday. So with all the coming and going over, it feels like a good time to project next season’s rotation.

Related story:

Damaria Franklin commits to Memphis basketball

Penny Hardaway lost two of his commitments from the transfer portal this month, but has since snagged UIC guard Damaria Franklin.

Alex Lomax made it official Thursday. He’s coming back for a fifth year at Memphis. So get ready to see him play significant minutes alongside Kendric Davis in the backcourt. “We can’t wait,” Davis said. 

Wayne Yates was an All-American center who led the program as head coach for five seasons after being an assistant coach. 

Emmanuel Akot, the Boise State transfer who signed in June, has enrolled at Western Kentucky, according to CBSSports’ Jon Rothstein.