Memphis basketball held a 40‑minute practice open to the media on July 23, giving fans a rare glimpse into the team’s summer preparations. The session took place at the university’s practice facility, where the Tigers worked through a series of drills under the watchful eyes of coaches and reporters.
Shooting Precision and Energy
The workout was highlighted by a flurry of three‑point attempts, with the squad converting at least ten of seventeen shots from beyond the arc. Transfer Luke Almodovar, who arrived from Southeast Missouri State, went four for four from the perimeter, while junior Cello Jackson Jr. added a step‑back three that underscored his quickness and confidence.
Veteran big man Nemanja Popović, a 24‑year‑old Serbian center, participated fully and impressed with his polished footwork and aggressive rebounding. Coach Penny Hardaway praised the newcomers for their energy, athleticism, and the way they moved the ball.
Hardaway emphasized that the team’s communication and intentionality will be key as they head into the upcoming season, noting that reducing turnovers — there were at least eight during the drill — will be a focal point in practice.
The session also featured contributions from a host of other players, including Jayden Reid, Tylik Weeks, Josh Holloway, William Whorton, Julius Thedford, Jerry Deng, Rihards Vavers, Brandin Cummings, Maxim Logue, Corneilous Williams, Sean Tuttle, and Jason Munz, each showing flashes of potential that could shape the roster.