While starting the college journey is an exciting time for rising freshmen, it also comes with plenty of stress. Whether it is picking classes, signing up for housing or working out smaller details such as the latest possible time to wake up without being late to class, the summer before the fall semester is a period of transition.
However, most incoming students don’t have to balance all those details with a much more trying task: revitalizing a basketball program in a city they have lived in their entire life.
Alex Lomax, one of the more high-profile signees of Head Coach Penny Hardaway’s first recruiting class, has lived in Memphis his entire life and attended East High School. Having already moved to campus for the start of summer workouts, Lomax is settling into his new abode.
“It’s been really cool just to have my own little space and being able to get to hang out with my teammates,” Lomax said. “Everything’s been good, I don’t have any complaints about where I’m living.”
Lomax’s arrival to campus is one that has been anticipated for some time, and his previous relationship with Hardaway has helped ease his transition to his new home. However, it’s the new relationships with his teammates that have been his favorite part since moving to campus.
“It’s been really smooth and gone well for everyone so far,” Lomax said. “All of us newcomers are transitioning well. Hanging out with teammates, late-night hoop sessions and just learning the game from great coaches has been my favorite part.”
As classes begin and preparation for the season begins to intensify, the narrative for this team is one that is a bit different. It is not every year that a college coaching staff is as equipped to aid their new players as much as this year’s group with a wide variety of NBA experience.
Included in the coaching staff are Associate Coach Sam Mitchell, a former NBA Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach Mike Miller, a two-time NBA champion who played 17 years in the league. Having a staff with that much experience isn’t taken lightly by Lomax, who credits both coaches for helping him adjust to new life in college.
“It’s the greatest thing we can ask for because they know the game, and we can trust they will lead us in the right direction,” Lomax said.
With the upcoming season looming large on the minds of Memphis residents, Lomax is unfazed by the pressure and said he is just ready for the start of classes.
“I’m a normal student,” Lomax said. “I was just blessed to be a part of the athletics program.”
Memphis signee Alex Lomax gets up a shot during USA Basketball camp. The guard played high school basketball for now-Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway at East High School.
Memphis signee Alex Lomax drives past a defender at USA Basketball camp. Lomax called out plays and ran the offense as a floor general.
New Memphis guard Alex Lomax arrives at USA Basketball camp. Lomax played under Tiger head coach Penny Hardaway at East High School.
