Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway isn't holding back his frustration as his team grapples with a tough losing streak. Despite the setbacks, Hardaway remains steadfast in his commitment to coaching his alma mater, channeling his competitive spirit to turn things around.
During his recent radio show, Hardaway shared his candid thoughts, revealing the fire that still drives him. The Tigers have hit a rough patch, dropping four straight games and five of their last seven. Hardaway’s message was clear: losing is not something he plans to get accustomed to.
“I’m just freakin’ tired of losing. We’re never going to get used to losing around here,” Hardaway expressed with intensity.
“That’s just not who we are. And it pisses me off going into every game.
You have to have that anger going into the game.”
For Hardaway, it’s about more than just the wins and losses. It’s about the passion and energy that Tiger basketball represents.
“There are a lot of people that live and die with Tiger basketball. And you’ve got to bring that energy the same.
So, I’m going to go into every game understanding that I’m pissed off, because we’re not being dominant in a conference we’re supposed to be dominant in.”
The Tigers, currently at 12-15 overall and 7-7 in the American Conference, have had a rocky season. They struggled with a 5-7 record in nonconference play but found a brief rhythm with a 4-1 start in conference games.
However, they've since stumbled, losing seven of their last ten games, including a tough nonconference matchup against Utah State. Recent losses have been particularly harsh, with five of their last seven defeats coming by double digits.
After a 78-67 loss to UAB, Hardaway made it clear that his focus remains on the immediate future, specifically the upcoming home game against Wichita State. He’s not dwelling on whether he’ll return for a ninth season; instead, he’s all in on the present challenge.
“I’m not thinking about next season. I’m not thinking about what if.
Again, I’m fully vested in this thing. That’s why I’m here,” Hardaway stated.
“I’m a retired basketball player that’s helping coach my alma mater. Think about it.
Come on, I retired (from the NBA) in 2008, and now I’m here at my alma mater living out a dream. I’m enjoying every minute of it.
Obviously, not the losing, but the battle.”
With Memphis tied for seventh place in the American Conference alongside Temple, the stakes are high. Only the top 10 teams will advance to the conference tournament starting March 11 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Hardaway remains resolute, emphasizing that he and his team are in the fight for the long haul. “You have the right guy.
We’re not going to quit. We’re going to fight and we’re going to do it every night.”