Key Highlights from Memphis Basketball’s Initial Five Games of the Season
The Memphis basketball team returned to the U.S. on November 22 still searching for its second victory of the season. The Tigers faced a challenging series of games in the Baha Mar Championship, where they experienced losses to the top-ranked Purdue and Wake Forest. The defeat to Wake Forest was particularly painful, occurring with a last-second buzzer-beater after leading for over 32 minutes.
Head Coach Penny Hardaway took responsibility for critical mistakes, including a pivotal free throw error in the closing seconds. He emphasized his philosophy: “You can come back from failure, you just can’t come back from excuses.” Hardaway remains focused on the team’s growth and improvement.
Memphis Basketball’s Current Standings
- Current Record: 1 win – 4 losses
- Next Game: November 26 against Southern Illinois at 7 p.m. CT
- Location: FedExForum, Memphis
Key Highlights from Memphis Basketball’s Initial Five Games of the Season
Depth of the Roster
Hardaway has noted the impressive depth of the team as they navigate the season. Players like Tariq Ingraham and William Whorton have emerged as valuable contributors. Ingraham, a 25-year-old transfer, averaged nearly 18 minutes in the Bahamas and notably scored 10 points in the loss to Purdue. His performance marked a significant improvement after a quiet start to the season.
Whorton debuted against Purdue and shone in the game against Wake Forest, demonstrating his potential with four points and six rebounds over 18 minutes.
Challenges in Team Cohesion
While the trip to the Bahamas helped strengthen team dynamics, it also revealed areas needing development. The Tigers averaged 14.5 turnovers accompanied by only 10.5 assists, indicating miscommunication and unforced errors on the court.
The Team’s Mindset
Despite the tough stretch of losses, the players are focused and resilient. Dug McDaniel, representing Memphis in the All-Baha Mar Championship team, emphasized the team’s commitment to winning. He believes the current hardships will ultimately motivate them to improve.
Coach Hardaway remains optimistic about the roster’s potential, insisting that while the team has not yet met its expectations, there is still time for improvement and success. “This too shall pass and this will turn,” he stated, underscoring his belief in the team’s ability to bounce back.
