Penny Hardaway Mysteriously Removes Key Members Of Memphis Staff Just Weeks Before Season
University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway madee sweeping changes to his coaching staff with just weeks until the start of the new college basketball season. It is unclear as to why.
The surprising, last-minute moves come less than two months before the Tigers host Missouri at FedEx Forum on Nov. 4.
According to Jason Munz of the Commercial Appeal, Jermaine Johnson, Faragi Phillips, Jamie Rosser and Rick Stansbursy were let go as of Tuesday evening. They previously served as director of analytics, adviser to the head coach, director of player development, and a top assistant coach.
It is worth noting that this decision to shuffle the staff took place shortly after the university’s new athletic director officially took office and less than two weeks after he hired a new senior deputy athletic director and men’s basketball sport administrator. However, it is unclear as to whether the new hires correlate to the ousters. The moves have yet to be formally announced. No further information has been provided.
Hardaway made a lot of moves during the offseason!
Memphis also saw the departures of assistant coach Andy Borman, strength coach Darby Rich, director of basketball operations Garrett Kelly, director of recruiting Jeremy Kipness, and director of analytics Andy Pennington. The late decision to dismiss Johnson, Phillips, Rosser and Stansbury is a surprise.
The shakeup does not only apply to the staff. The Tigers’ roster looks completely different as well.
Penny Hardaway returns only one scholarship player for 2024/25. He acquired an abundance of talent through the transfer portal, including 10 scholarship players. Tyrese Hunter, P.J. Haggerty, Dain Dainja and Tyreek Smith are the most notable names.
Stansbury and Phillips’ sons are also walk-ons with the program, which is kind of awkward…
Memphis is at a crucial point in the local legend’s coaching career. It made the NCAA Tournament just twice in six years and has yet to advance beyond the second round.
Hardaway’s seat is not hot, but warm. Another year on the wrong side of the bubble might lead him to be the centerpiece of the next coaching shakeup. In the meantime, most of the staff will look different during the 2024 college basketball season— for mysterious reasons unknown…
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