Calkins: Why the future is dicey for Memphis basketball — and why Hardaway matters even more
University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway watches his team before an NCAA tournament first-round game against Colorado State University in Seattle, Wash. March 21, 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daly Memphian)
Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
Penny Hardaway had just watched his Memphis Tigers get bounced from the NCAA Tournament when a reporter asked him what’s the key to winning in college basketball these days?
Hardaway didn’t hesitate. He didn’t reach for the cliches.
He didn’t talk about implementing the right strategies or cultivating a positive culture.
He told the blunt truth.
“In the overall scheme of things, it’s about the money, to be very honest with you,” he said. “I still try to have some relationship with the guys. But in this era, it’s more about who can give you the most money.”
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Memphis basketball Penny Hardaway Memphis Tigers PJ Haggerty Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
Geoff Calkins on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Geoff Calkins' stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Calkins: Remember that girl who gave Hardaway a bracelet? She’s Seattle-bound — courtesy of FedEx
Eleven-year-old Maci Barrett gave Penny Hardaway a bracelet expressing her support for the coach. Now FedEx is flying Maci and her family to Seattle for the NCAA Tournament.
Calkins: Tigers have successful season — what happens next could make it special
The Memphis program was built on special seasons. Penny Hardaway knows he has a chance to deliver another to the city he loves. Memphis' Hunter not playing in NCAA 1st-round game vs. Colorado State Memphis' Dante Harris unsure about status for Colorado StateRelated content:
Haggerty on brink of history at NCAA Tournament
Haggerty is 22 points away from breaking the Memphis record for the most points scored in a single season, and only two wins away from ending the Tigers’ 16-year Sweet 16 drought. But one would never guess it by talking to him.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.