Penny Hardaway made it very clear to reporters Tuesday afternoon that he is ready to “get out there and get to work.”
Since his hiring earlier this year, there has been much excitement and high expectations for the Memphis Tiger basketball program. Last year, the team was a few games above .500 and finished 19-13 on the season. Hardaway said he has reasonable goals for this team this coming season.
“I think it’s realistic for us to not place eighth,” Hardaway said. “I really do. I think that’s one thing I can say.”
He mentioned a few critics did not respect some of the incoming freshmen or the veteran players who are returning this season. Nevertheless, Hardaway said this team will be better than last place, and the sky is the limit.
Though there is enthusiasm going into this season, there is just as much skepticism. Critics question Hardaway’s capability of coaching this team and leading it to the success it has not seen since John Calipari. Despite the doubt, Hardaway said he is going to rely on his experience to get the job done.
“What does coaching consist of?” Hardaway said. “Is it something different from what I’ve been doing? I don’t really don’t know when you ask me that question. I know that I respect every college coach that’s been here. Of course, I didn’t do it the traditional way of being an assistant first then becoming a head coach. But, I felt like I’ve paid attention to all the great coaches that I had coach me and playing at a high level, playing against the best guys in the world. You don’t forget what to do.”
Under Hardaway’s leadership, there will be contrast in comparison to the short-lived Tubby Smith era. He said this team will be faster and will play at a higher pace, which will leave their opponents out of breath.
“I think I’m a little more up-tempo than Coach (Smith),” Hardaway said. “We really want to run fast-break. (There’s) not going to be too much half-court. We want to get it out. We want to run. Defensively, we might press more. We’re going to be a high energy team on defense as well. I like to speed teams up. I don’t like them to get into their rhythm. So, I want to try to keep teams off balance.”
Now that the team is starting practice, Hardaway said it is time for the players to bring what they have.
“I think these few practices, these couple of weeks of practices leading up will tell us more,” Hardaway said. “But now it is time to show what you can do because it’s around the corner.”
Hardaway admitted he did not watch a lot of Memphis Tigers basketball last season, but, he is pleased with the efforts of the veteran players.
“We actually got some guys that really want it,” Hardaway said. “They don’t want to lose anymore. They want to win. They want to get to the tournament, and they are determined.”
Hardaway gave an update on Jeremiah Martin, who is slated to be out until mid to late October. He said the senior point guard is at 85 percent.
Penny Hardaway speaks with the media about various topics regarding this upcoming season. This is his first year coaching the Memphis Tigers.
