Memphis Tigers Aim for At-Large NCAA Tournament Bid After Coaching Overhaul
Memphis University’s men’s basketball program is looking to rebound after a challenging 13‑19 record in the previous season, a result that left both fans and analysts questioning the future direction of the team.
Coach Penny Hardaway, who returned to the program after a brief stint away, presented a comprehensive recovery plan in March, setting an NCAA Tournament appearance as the centerpiece of his vision for the roster.
Central to that vision is a revamped coaching staff and a more interactive relationship with the fan base, efforts that Hardaway believes will translate into higher ticket sales and greater revenue streams.
The Tigers will open their nonconference slate with a demanding stretch that includes early November matchups against Iowa State, VCU, Vanderbilt and Louisville, followed later by contests versus Baylor, Grand Canyon and Texas.
Hardaway has said the team aims to post a 7‑7 record in games outside the American Athletic Conference, a benchmark that could be enough to earn an at‑large bid should they miss automatic qualification.
Adding to the optimism, Serbian center Nemanja Popović is expected to suit up for Memphis this season, although the university has kept his official status under wraps pending NCAA eligibility review.
Athletic director Ed Scott has repeatedly emphasized that reaching the NCAA Tournament is the minimum expectation for Hardaway’s tenure, a stance that underscores the pressure on the coach to deliver results.
Preseason activities began in October, and the grueling schedule kicks off on November 2 with a game against Iowa State, setting the tone for what promises to be a test‑heavy campaign.