Tiger Basketball Podcast

Memphis basketball has traversed the bulk of its non-conference schedule in favorable fashion. The Tigers (8-3) have Texas A&M (6 p.m. Saturday) and Alabama State (8 p.m. Dec. 21) left before entering AAC play. They will likely be favored in every game the rest of the season − with the likely exceptions being the two games against top-5 Houston. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto examine the possibility that this Memphis team might be the program's best from an overall record standpoint in 10 years. Munz and Giannotto also pore over the Tigers' win over Auburn and their loss to No. 4 Alabama with a fine-tooth comb and discuss the most encouraging development of the past week as well as the least encouraging development of the past week.

Extreme early-season narratives are nothing new. Hot takes, knee-jerk reactions and Monday-morning quarterbacking are universally a part of sports. Seven games into this Memphis basketball season, there has been plenty of all three. One that has popped up frequently so far is the notion that this season's brand of Tiger basketball isn't as exciting as those many have become accustomed to under coach Penny Hardaway. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto unpack and patently reject that concept. They also recap the win over North Alabama and discuss the potential implications of what might be the toughest stretch of the entire schedule, which begins Saturday against Ole Miss.

Memphis basketball is 2-1 and headed to Orlando for the ESPN Events Invitational. The Tigers most recently dismantled VCU, rebounding from a tough loss at Saint Louis. Kendric Davis scored 26 points and dished out 7 assists. Meanwhile, the defense shut the Rams down. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto discuss which one of the two is the most important development for Memphis moving forward. They also provide the latest update on transfer guard Damaria Franklin's eligibility status, chime in on the debate making the rounds recently about former Tigers (such as Landers Nolley II, Tyler Harris and Emoni Bates) and break down what this week's tournament could eventually mean for Memphis' resumè.

The reaction Memphis basketball team's loss at Saint Louis varied widely. Some viewed it as a winnable game in which the Tigers doomed themselves by neither shooting nor defending well enough. Others came away from it encouraged by the fight and resolve Penny Hardaway's team exhibited in the closing minutes. And others still acknowledged both good and bad. All of which is OK. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto explain why that is and examine some of the layers of the 90-84 setback, including DeAndre Williams' leadership, Kendric Davis' health, the team's shot selection and Johnathan Lawson's collegiate debut. In addition, Munz and Giannotto run through the Tigers' recruiting wins over the past week, discuss the latest with Damaria Franklin and look ahead to the home opener (VCU, 4 p.m., Sunday).

Memphis basketball − devoid of "chaos," as DeAndre Williams put it − calmly dismantled Vanderbilt Monday, kicking off the 2022-23 season with a 76-67 win. It was the exclamation point on a three-day stretch of success for Penny Hardaway on and off the court. On Saturday, he landed 5-star guard Mikey Williams and 4-star wing JJ Taylor. On Sunday, Hardaway earned a pledge from 3-star wing David Tubek. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto analyze Memphis' recruiting wins and discuss their potential implications (Bronny James?). Also, Munz and Giannotto try to single out the most impressive aspect of the Tigers' win at Vandy, then give an early scouting report on Saint Louis, the team's next opponent.

The regular season is finally upon us. In less than a week, the Memphis basketball team will make the short trek to Nashville, where it will meet Vanderbilt (7 p.m., Monday, Memorial Gymnasium). Before we get there, though, there are still a few things to unpack from the Tigers' preseason showings. There are also some new details with regard to UIC transfer Damaria Franklin's pursuit of immediate eligibility. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dive into those two subjects, before attempting to sort out the relative lack of buzz surrounding the program, then getting into what Memphis is going up against on Monday against the Commodores.

It was only one game − and an exhibition at that. But that doesn't mean there's not plenty to break down and analyze from Memphis basketball's 69-60 preseason win over Christian Brothers University last week. Who looked good and who didn't. What is worth worrying about and what's not. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto offer their respective perspectives on where the program stands after one exhibition game, what they'll be looking for in Sunday's 1 p.m. exhibition game against Lane College, a recap of the Damaria Franklin situation and some recruiting updates.

It’s (exhibition) game week! The newest iteration of the Memphis basketball team will make its on-court preseason debut when it locks up with Christian Brothers at 4 p.m. Sunday at FedExForum. In this week’s episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto delve into the top storylines around Penny Hardaway’s program – specifically, what the Tigers’ starting lineup and rotation might look like this season and the common thread throughout this preseason. Munz and Giannotto also reflect on the Memphis Basketball Block Party and discuss some recruiting news.

From the looks of things, the Memphis basketball team might well be on its way back toward the top of the metrics leaderboard in terms of defense. Two seasons ago, the Tigers were No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Last season, they dropped back to No. 33 in those same rankings. In last week's open practice, Penny Hardaway's team was split up for an intrasquad scrimmage in front of hundreds of fans and a couple dozen media members. Points (a combined 13) were at a premium. Elite-level defense or a sign of offensive issues? On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dissect what they saw and examine ways the team can overcome what might be its biggest weakness. They also recap what Hardaway and his players said about the IARP decision and look ahead to the program's Pro Day.

The Memphis basketball program learned Tuesday it can officially put the years-long NCAA investigation behind it. Penny Hardaway and his Tigers, as determined by the Independent Accountability Resolution Process, were completely absolved of the most severe allegations, receiving a few minor penalties for lesser infractions. That constituted a massive win for a lot of people. Who are the biggest winners? Is it possible the delivery of that news will wind up representing a huge springboard into the 2022-23 season for new-look Memphis? How much better off might Hardaway and the Tigers be now that they can turn their full attention toward actual basketball and only actual basketball? Tiger basketball beat writer Jason Munz and Commercial Appeal columnist Mark Giannotto discuss these things, along with the top storylines as Memphis begins official practices and the excitement surrounding the program now that the IARP is completely in the rear-view mirror on the return of the Tiger Basketball Podcast. 

Memphis basketball's season may have ended, but the news around the program continues all the same.  The Tigers, whose NCAA Tournament appearance was another positive step for coach Penny Hardaway and his team, have had a bit of a rough offseason thus far. Josh Minott declared for the NBA Draft. Third-year assistant coach Cody Toppert left for LSU. Three players, so far, have entered the transfer portal. And it all comes amid the emergence of new details in Memphis' ongoing NCAA infractions case.  On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto delve into all of the above and more. 

The Memphis basketball team's exhilarating stretch run concluded last week in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  The Tigers' appearance in the Big Dance – their first under coach Penny Hardaway and first since 2014 – will have a major impact on the program. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dissect the numerous benefits it could have. They also discuss Hardaway's growth as coach and detail Memphis' top priorities this offseason. 

Penny Hardaway has gotten the Memphis basketball team to the round of 32 at the NCAA Tournament.  The Tigers defeated Boise State Thursday at the Moda Center to score the program's first Big Dance victory in eight years.  On this special edition of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto break down how Memphis beat the Broncos, highlight Hardaway and Alex Lomax and look ahead to Saturday's marquee matchup (8:40 p.m., TBS) versus Gonzaga, the No. 1 overall seed. 

Memphis, the 9 seed, and Boise State, the 8 seed.  The Tigers and Broncos are, on paper, at least, as evenly matched as they come. But, should the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee have put two of the hottest teams in the country against one another in the first round?  In this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto delve into that topic. In addition, they look back at Memphis' AAC Tournament run and discuss how it might affect the team moving forward. Munz and Giannotto also break down the Tigers-Broncos matchup and examine the big picture as it pertains to the program as a whole. 

Memphis polished off a white-hot stretch to end the season by pounding Houston.  Now, the Tigers head to the AAC Tournament, hoping to carry that momentum with them.  On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto recap the scene inside FedExForum during last week's beatdown of Houston, put into perspective how far Memphis has come and examine the team's NCAA Tournament prospects. 

Jalen Duren or Landers Nolley II?  Coaching or free throw shooting?  Rallying from behind or winning big?  The Memphis basketball team's turnaround – winning eight of its last nine games – has been chock full of impressive moments and big-time performances. On this week's Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dissect some of the more under-appreciated aspects of the hot streak.  In addition, Munz and Giannotto discuss Memphis' place on the bubble and looks ahead to the Tigers' big games at USF and at home against No. 14 Houston. 

There's a lot riding on the next two weeks for the Memphis basketball team.  It begins Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN2) when the Tigers welcome Temple to FedExForum.  On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto examine what went wrong in Memphis' loss at SMU, preview the upcoming game against the Owls and take a look at where the Tigers are positioned with regard to the big (NCAA Tournament) picture. 

Down the stretch they come.  Having won six straight – and with five games left in the regular season – the Memphis basketball team has put itself in a position where each game seems to be more important than the one before it. That may not be any truer than Sunday's matchup with SMU (2 p.m., ESPN).  A win over the Mustangs would do a lot for the Tigers. Let us count the ways. Beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto get into that on this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, while also discussing how Memphis got here and the unique situation it finds itself in with regard to injured freshman Emoni Bates. 

The Memphis basketball team will take momentum built from a four-game winning streak into No. 6 Houston on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ABC).  The Tigers aren't an NCAA Tournament team just yet. But the game against the Cougars marks an opportunity for them to prove they are. Which is impressive considering the damage Memphis did to its resumè earlier this season.  On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto discuss what has made the team's four-game winning streak so encouraging. They'll also break down the most recent wins over UCF and Tulane before getting into the keys to the contest against Houston and whether Memphis needs to beat the Cougars to get into the NCAA Tournament. 

The Memphis basketball team could make the trip to Cincinnati this week healthier than it has been in more than two months.  Several Tigers (Landers Nolley II, Jalen Duren, Jayden Hardaway and DeAndre Williams) have each missed an extended amount of time in recent weeks due to various injuries. They might all be back for Thursday's game (7 p.m., ESPN2).  If that's the case, it will certainly make Penny Hardaway happy. But it will also leave him and the rest of his staff with some potentially difficult decisions when it comes to the rotation and the roles each player will take on.  Beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dissect those subjects on this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast. They also preview the Cincinnati game and highlight the job first-year women's basketball coach Katrina Merriweather has done so far this season.