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Articles by Jason Munz
Nemanja Popović declared eligible, but Memphis basketball center must sit out 6 games
Nemanja Popović was officially cleared for two seasons of collegiate eligibility, but the NCAA has mandated the 24-year-old Memphis basketball center must sit out the first six games of this season, the school announced Oct. 26. The Tigers will appeal the "withholding period," according to a news release. If the NCAA's ruling is upheld, the first game Popović will be eligible to play would be on Nov.
Penny Hardaway expects expedited ruling for Memphis on Nemanja Popović appeal
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway expects "an expedited decision" on the school's appeal of the NCAA's recent eligibility ruling on forward Nemanja Popović. "It's supposed to be right away. We should know something this week," Hardaway told Greg Gaston and Eli Savoie during an interview on 107.5-FM on Oct. 27. "Hopefully, the committee will see things differently from what the NCAA saw." On Oct.
Lock in with Memphis basketball, join Tigers Insider text group for free
Lock in with Memphis basketball, join Tigers Insider text group for free Penny Hardaway and his new Memphis basketball team have high hopes this season. And The Commercial Appeal will be there alongside them throughout it all, making now the perfect time to join beat writer Jason Munz's Memphis Tigers Basketball Insider text group — for free.
What Jayden Reid, Memphis basketball wanted to prove in exhibition win
STARKVILLE, MS — Jayden Reid quietly took a seat in front of a small group of reporters after his 26-point night in Memphis basketball’s 75-58 exhibition win over Mississippi State. Reid’s teammate, Rihards Vavers, then slid a copy of the box score in front of him. He leaned forward intently, then let the room know exactly what the outcome meant both for him and the Tigers. “We’ve been working since June,” Reid began. “Everybody had a lot of questions about us.
Jayden Reid soars, Tylik Weeks' impact, other takeaways from Memphis basketball's exhibition win
STARKVILLE, MS — If Memphis basketball was looking to make a strong first impression ahead of the 2026-27 season — mission accomplished. The Tigers torched Mississippi State 75-58 in exhibition action at Humphrey Coliseum on Oct. 23. Penny Hardaway and his program have their sights set on big success after Memphis finished last season with a disappointing 13-19 record — the worst for any Tigers team in 56 years. The preseason victory supplied quite a few reasons for optimism.
Memphis basketball dominates Mississippi State in exhibition win
8:18 pm CT Memphis basketball imposing its will now Jason Munz The Tigers stormed out of the gate in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 19-4 through the first eight minutes. 7:48 pm CT HALF: Memphis basketball 39, Mississippi State 35 Jason Munz Jayden Reid led all scorers with 14 points in the first half. The Tigers, who led by as many as 12 points, had trouble getting shots to fall late in the half, missing six of their last nine field goal attempts.
Plans in motion to make Hoops For St. Jude a regular-season event
Planning is under way to shift the Hoops For St. Jude Tip-Off Classic from a preseason doubleheader to a full-fledged, regular-season multi-team college basketball event. The event, held in 2024 and 2025, was initially conceived as a fundraiser to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It featured both the Memphis men and Memphis women playing back-to-back games at FedExForum against high-profile power conference programs.
What we're looking for when Memphis basketball faces Mississippi State
It's been more than seven months since most of us have seen the Tigers in a game setting against another team. But, on Oct. 28, Memphis will face Mississippi State in an exhibition contest at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, Jason Munz and Jonah Dylan highlight the biggest things they'll be looking for when the Tigers and Bulldogs square off.
Penny Hardaway says he and Tennessee coach Rick Barnes are 'on a great page right now'
There may be hope for a Memphis basketball-Tennessee rivalry renewal yet. What was once a simmering feud between the programs' coaches, Penny Hardaway and Rick Barnes, might be trending toward a peaceful resolution. During the Q&A portion of a Memphis Rotary Club luncheon at the Pink Palace, Hardaway was asked by a Tennessee fan about the future of the series and his relationship with Barnes nearly eight years removed from a very public spat that made headlines nationwide.
What Memphis basketball's Penny Hardaway says when people ask, 'Why do you still do it?'
Penny Hardaway can still vividly picture the scene in his mind’s eye. When he was hired as Memphis basketball coach in 2018, the Tigers' legend gave the program, the school and the city a booming spark that had been missing for far too long. On Oct. 20 — less than two weeks before his new team opens the 2026-27 regular season against Iowa State (6 p.m., Nov. 2) — Hardaway stood before a group of more than 50 during a Memphis Rotary Club luncheon at the Pink Palace and reckoned with reality.
Savannah Bananas' Banana Ball returning to Memphis. How to get tickets
Banana Ball , the Savannah Bananas' popular brand of baseball, will return to Memphis in 2027, the organization announced Oct. 15. The Party Animals and Indianapolis Clowns will play April 2-3 at AutoZone Park, home of the Class AAA Memphis Redbirds. Banana Ball ventured to the Bluff City in 2026, when the Party Animals and Clowns played in front of back-to-back sold-out crowds on March 7-8.
Savannah Bananas' Banana Ball returning to Memphis. How to get tickets
Banana Ball, the Savannah Bananas' popular brand of baseball, will return to Memphis in 2027, the organization announced Oct. 15. The Party Animals and Indianapolis Clowns will play April 2-3 at AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds. Banana Ball ventured to the Bluff City in 2026, when the Party Animals and Clowns played in front of back-to-back sold-out crowds on March 7-8.
ESPN bringing 'SportsCenter' to Memphis. How you can be part of it
ESPN is coming to Memphis — more specifically, Tiger Lane ahead of the football game against East Carolina. "SportsCenter On Campus," co-hosted by Matt Barrie and Chase Daniel, will originate from just outside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Oct. 22. Memphis football coach Charles Huff has the Tigers off to a 5-1 start in his first season as coach, most recently beating UAB 38-13 on Oct. 10. Huff was hired in December 2025 following Ryan Silverfield's departure for Arkansas.
How Memphis women's basketball looked in first scrimmage under Hana Haden | Exclusive
The Memphis women's basketball team quietly made a short trip to Mississippi State for a closed preseason scrimmage on Oct. 7. The Tigers, in their first action against another team under first-year coach Hana Haden, lost 69-60. But Haden said the Bulldogs weren't the only team in the Tigers' way. "That was really good film for us to learn from when we realize how much of that was what Memphis did to Memphis," she told The Commercial Appeal at American Conference media day in Tampa, Florida, on Oct.
How Memphis women's basketball looked in first scrimmage under Hana Haden | Exclusive
The Memphis women’s basketball team quietly made a short trip to Mississippi State for a closed preseason scrimmage on Oct. 7. The Memphis women’s basketball team quietly made a short trip to Mississippi State for a closed preseason scrimmage on Oct. 7. The Tigers, in their first action against another team under first-year coach Hana Haden, lost 69-60. But Haden said the Bulldogs weren’t the only team in the Tigers’ way.
Why Penny Hardaway, Hana Haden left Memphis Madness basketball event encouraged
Thousands of fans brought the "energy" to Memphis basketball's annual preseason pep rally. As Penny Hardaway walked from the Farm Expo Building back toward the portable half-court that was set up at the Memphis Zoo, a family of five asked the Memphis basketball coach for a photo. He didn’t hesitate, posing with three delighted children who were among the 3,594 fans who turned out for Memphis Madness presents Zoo Hoops, this year’s incarnation of the men’s and women’s programs’ preseason pep rally.
Memphis AD Ed Scott clarifies Penny Hardaway's comments about $2.6 million
Less than 24 hours after Penny Hardaway said he put $2.6 million "of my own money" toward Memphis basketball's revenue sharing total, athletic director Ed Scott publicly clarified those comments. "We have not received a check from Penny and then given that money to players," Scott told Gary Parrish during an appearance on Grind City Media on Oct. 13. "That would be a clear violation of the CSC (College Sports Commission) and the House settlement.
Memphis AD Ed Scott clarifies Penny Hardaway's comments about $2.6 million
Less than 24 hours after Penny Hardaway said he put $2.6 million “of my own money” toward Memphis basketball’s revenue sharing total, athletic director Ed Scott publicly clarified those comments. “We have not received a check from Penny and then given that money to players,” Scott told Gary Parrish during an appearance on Grind City Media on Oct. 13. “That would be a clear violation of the CSC (College Sports Commission) and the House settlement.
Penny Hardaway confident Nemanja Popović 'will play' for Memphis basketball | Exclusive
TAMPA, FL — Memphis basketball's long wait for the NCAA to formally declare Serbian big man Nemanja Popović eligible continues. But, at American Conference media day on Oct. 12, coach Penny Hardaway provided the strongest sign of hope yet in the saga that began when the 24-year-old international prospect gave his commitment in June.
Penny Hardaway confident Nemanja Popović 'will play' for Memphis basketball | Exclusive
TAMPA, FL — Memphis basketball's long wait for the NCAA to formally declare Serbian big man Nemanja Popović eligible continues. But, at American Conference media day on Oct. 12, coach Penny Hardaway provided the strongest sign of hope yet in the saga that began when the 24-year-old international prospect gave his commitment in June.
What American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti said about adding James Madison
Oct. 12 was a busy day for the American Conference. It was holding its basketball media day as news was breaking about James Madison joining the conference. The Dukes will join "no later than July 1, 2028," but commissioner Tim Pernetti said at media day that the exact timing hasn't been worked out yet. "That'll all have to unfold in the coming weeks or the coming months," Pernetti said in Tampa, Florida.
Memphis basketball sets up secret scrimmage with Jacksonville State, per sources
Memphis basketball has lined up a good, old-fashioned secret scrimmage ahead of its two open exhibition games. The Tigers will host Jacksonville State on Oct. 18 at FedExForum, multiple sources with direct knowledge told The Commercial Appeal. The Sources requested anonymity because no official announcement will be made.
Penny Hardaway, Memphis basketball, picked 2nd in American preseason poll
Will Memphis basketball win the American Conference in 2026-27? Will Memphis basketball win the American Conference in 2026-27? Looking to rebound from a gruesome 13-19 campaign, there is plenty of skepticism in the Tigers' chances nationally, and they are running short on goodwill locally. But there are those whose faith in coach Penny Hardaway and the Tigers' contention potential was not shaken by what happened last season.
Who are these guys? Get to know every 2026-27 Memphis basketball player
The countdown to the 2026-27 Memphis basketball season is on. The Tigers have preseason exhibition games coming up in a matter of weeks, then tip off the regular season on Nov. 2. Which means it's time. Time to get familiar with the players that coach Penny Hardaway has assembled to get the program back on solid ground. Fair warning, there are a lot of them. Fifteen, in fact. Only two of them were at Memphis last season. And only one of them saw significant playing time. Never fear.
Which former Memphis basketball stars are on NBA preseason rosters?
The NBA preseason, which tipped off Oct. 3, will feature a strong contingent of Memphis basketball representation. A group of former Tigers — most of whom competed for current Memphis coach and NBA legend Penny Hardaway — will spend the next two-plus weeks vying for NBA roster spots. Among the more notable ones is James Wiseman. The 25-year-old, now listed at 6-foot-11, has become a bit of a journeyman as he has battled injury problems at various points during his professional career.
Memphis Zoo to host Memphis basketball preseason expo 'Zoo Hoops'
The Memphis basketball preseason event once known as "Memphis Madness" is on the move again — this time to the Memphis Zoo. After last year's festivities were held on Beale Street, the Tigers are taking their show to the zoo for the first time. Dubbed "Memphis Madness presents Zoo Hoops," the men's and women's basketball teams will set up shop in Midtown Memphis for the first time on Oct. 13. The 90-minute program is set to begin at 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public.
Fair expectations for Memphis women's basketball and other burning questions
The Hana Haden era of Memphis women's basketball begins in earnest on Nov. 2, when the Tigers open the season against LeMoyne-Owen. It comes at a crucial time for the athletic department, which needs as many proverbial hands on deck as it can get while it tries to favorably position itself for the next round of conference realignment. But, even if that weren't in play, the program is also in dire need of a jolt of energy.
Memphis basketball releases 2026-27 American schedule dates, opponents
Memphis basketball will open American Conference play against East Carolina on Dec. 30 at FedExForum. The Tigers released the dates for their 18-game conference schedule on Sept. 30. Game times and broadcast plans will be announced later. Penny Hardaway's team will play two of its first three league games at home, then close out the regular season by playing four of its final five games on its home floor.
Memphis basketball releases 2026-27 American schedule dates, opponents
Memphis basketball will open American Conference play against East Carolina on Dec. 30 at FedExForum. The Tigers released the dates for their 18-game conference schedule on Sept. 30. Some tip-off times have been announced, while broadcast plans will be announced later. Penny Hardaway's team will play two of its first three league games at home, then close out the regular season by playing four of its final five games on its home floor.
Memphis women's basketball finalizes 2026-27 schedule dates
Memphis women's basketball finalizes 2026-27 schedule dates First-year Memphis women's basketball coach Hana Haden and her team will open American Conference play on New Year's Eve at Tulsa. The Tigers released the dates for their 18-game conference schedule on Sept. 30. Game times and broadcast plans will be announced later.
Memphis women's basketball finalizes 2026-27 schedule dates
First-year Memphis women's basketball coach Hana Haden and her team will open American Conference play on New Year's Eve at Tulsa. The Tigers released the dates for their 18-game conference schedule on Sept. 30. Game times and broadcast plans will be announced later. After starting league play on the road, Memphis enjoys a three-game homestand (its second-longest of 2026-27, behind a five-game stretch to open the 2026-27 regular season) against Temple, Charlotte and FAU.
Redbirds manager Ben Johnson confident team's long-term future is in Memphis
Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson sat on the bench inside the third-base dugout at AutoZone Park on Sept. 24. His team’s season ended less than an hour earlier with a 3-2 loss to the Rochester Red Wings in Game 3 of the best-of-three International League Championship Series. Johnson replayed Chase Davis’ deep fly ball from the bottom of the ninth inning that he thought would’ve left the yard and tied the game a week earlier (before a cold front moved through the region).
Redbirds manager Ben Johnson confident team's long-term future is in Memphis
Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson sat on the bench inside the third-base dugout at AutoZone Park on Sept. 24. His team's season ended less than an hour earlier with a 3-2 loss to the Rochester Red Wings in Game 3 of the best-of-three International League Championship Series. Johnson replayed Chase Davis' deep fly ball from the bottom of the ninth inning that he thought would've left the yard and tied the game a week earlier (before a cold front moved through the region).
How these former Memphis basketball players helped G League United win global title
Former Memphis basketball players Lester Quiñones and Nick Jourdain stood tall on the international stage after helping the United States claim the FIBA International Cup for the first time in 52 years. Quiñones had 11 points, two assists and four steals for NBA G League United in its 89-86 win over Rytas Vilnius (Lithiuania) in front of more than 8,000 in Beijing on Sept. 27, 2026. Jourdain had four points, five rebounds and a steal in the tournament's title game.
How these former Memphis basketball players helped G League United win global title
Former Memphis basketball players Lester Quiñones and Nick Jourdain stood tall on the international stage after helping the United States claim the FIBA International Cup for the first time in 52 years. Quiñones had 11 points, two assists and four steals for NBA G League United in its 89-86 win over Rytas Vilnius (Lithiuania) in front of more than 8,000 in Beijing on Sept. 27, 2026. Jourdain had four points, five rebounds and a steal in the tournament's title game.
Memphis basketball is going to shoot a lot of 3's. What else we saw during its latest scrimmage
Memphis basketball has made one thing abundantly clear: the 3-point shot will be a major part of its arsenal this season. Penny Hardaway's team attempted 52 of them – by The Commercial Appeal's unofficial count – during a fully officiated, 40-minute intrasquad scrimmage Sept. 26. The Tigers wrapped up the first week of fall camp by practicing in front of fans who attended a free prostate cancer screening at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center.
Memphis basketball is going to shoot a lot of 3's. What else we saw in latest scrimmage
Memphis basketball has made one thing abundantly clear: The 3-point shot will be a major part of its arsenal this season. Penny Hardaway’s team attempted 52 of them (by The Commercial Appeal’s unofficial count) during a fully officiated, 40-minute intrasquad scrimmage Sept. 26. The Tigers wrapped up the first week of fall camp by practicing in front of fans who attended a free prostate cancer screening at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center.
Memphis Redbirds' season ends after International League Championship series loss
1 / 16 The Rochester Red Wings won the International League championship Sept. 24, beating the Memphis Redbirds 3-2 in the third game of the best-of-three series. Four outs from victory and a spot in the AAA national championship game, the Redbirds were victimized by a rash of clutch hits from the Red Wings.
Memphis Redbirds' season ends after International League Championship series loss
The Rochester Red Wings won the International League championship Sept. 24, beating the Memphis Redbirds 3-2 in the third game of the best-of-three series at AutoZone Park. Four outs from victory and a spot in the AAA national championship game, the Redbirds were victimized by a rash of clutch hits from the Red Wings.
Redbirds rip Red Wings to set up decisive Game 3 in championship series
The Memphis Redbirds blasted the Rochester Red Wings 15-4 in Game 2 of the International League Championship Series at AutoZone Park on Sept. 23. The blowout win sets up a decisive Game 3. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Memphis. Jimmy Crooks powered the Redbirds (the St. Louis Cardinals ' Triple-A affiliate) with two hits (including his second home run in as many nights and 16th of the season) and five RBIs. Trey Paige also had a pair of hits and drove in three runs.
ESPN's 'ceiling' for Penny Hardaway, Memphis basketball. Our reactions
ESPN's 'ceiling' for Penny Hardaway, Memphis basketball. Our reactions The Memphis basketball team's "ceiling" is 19 wins, a third-place finish in the American Conference and no March Madness appearance, according to ESPN. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, Jason Munz and Jonah Dylan share their unfiltered reactions to such a take and explain why recent history suggests Penny Hardaway and Co. could be in for a far better outcome than that.
ESPN's 'ceiling' for Penny Hardaway, Memphis basketball. Our reactions
The Memphis basketball team's "ceiling" is 19 wins, a third-place finish in the American Conference and no March Madness appearance, according to ESPN. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, Jason Munz and Jonah Dylan share their unfiltered reactions to such a take and explain why recent history suggests Penny Hardaway and Co. could be in for a far better outcome than that.
Redbirds rip Red Wings to set up decisive Game 3 in championship series
Redbirds rip Red Wings to set up decisive Game 3 in championship series 1 / 20 The Memphis Redbirds blasted the Rochester Red Wings 15-4 in Game 2 of the International League Championship Series at AutoZone Park on Sept. 23. The blowout win sets up a decisive Game 3. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Memphis.
Redbirds rip Red Wings to set up decisive Game 3 in championship series
The Memphis Redbirds blasted the Rochester Red Wings 15-4 in Game 2 of the International League Championship Series at AutoZone Park on Sept. 23. The blowout win sets up a decisive Game 3. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Memphis. Jimmy Crooks powered the Redbirds (the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate) with two hits (including his second home run in as many nights and 16th of the season) and five RBIs. Trey Paige also had a pair of hits and drove in three runs.
Memphis Redbirds fall to Red Wings in Game 1 of playoff series
A solo home run, an RBI double and a pair of sacrifice flies were all the offense the Rochester Red Wings needed to beat the Memphis Redbirds 4-3 in Game 1 of the best-of-three International League Championship Series on Sept. 22 at AutoZone Park. Game 2 is set for 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 23 at AutoZone Park. If necessary, Game 3 would be at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Memphis.
Memphis Redbirds fall to Red Wings in Game 1 of playoff series Original
Updated Sept. 22, 2026, 9:55 p.m. CT Memphis scored on two solo home runs and an RBI single but left 10 runners on base. The Red Wings now lead the best-of-three series 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for Sept. 23 in Memphis. The series winner will advance to the AAA national championship game in Las Vegas.
Inside Penny Hardaway's Memphis basketball coaching staff rebuild | Exclusive
Penny Hardaway is trying something new this season: A slightly less hands-on approach behind the scenes in favor of a more supervisory one. After previously devoting most of his time and energy to orchestrating the offense and directing the defense, the ninth-year Memphis basketball coach is delegating more of those day-to-day responsibilities to his overhauled staff, which includes assistants Tony Madlock, Sean Mock, Trevor DeLoach and Steve Wright.
'No pressure' on Penny Hardaway. Memphis basketball coach only feeling momentum
Penny Hardaway has just one thing on his mind as Memphis basketball gears up for the official start of practice. “No pressure on me,” said Hardaway, who is entering his ninth season as coach following a disappointing 13-19 campaign. “I’m from this city, I’m for this city. I want to win, so that doesn’t bring pressure to me. “I keep saying ‘momentum,’ because that’s what I believe in.
'No pressure' on Penny Hardaway. Memphis basketball coach only feeling momentum Original
Sept. 10, 2026, 7:22 p.m. CT Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway is focused on building momentum for his team. Hardaway stated he does not feel pressure despite a disappointing 13-19 record last season. He credits the university's football team for creating a positive spark for the city and school. Penny Hardaway has just one thing on his mind as Memphis basketball gears up for the official start of practice. Momentum. Pressure? Hardly.
Memphis basketball roster rebuild is complete. Grading Penny Hardaway acquisitions
Although one formal order of business remains unresolved — Nemanja Popović is still awaiting the NCAA's official eligibility confirmation, even though he is enrolled in classes and has been a full participant in team workouts and activities since arriving on campus July 3 — the Tigers are still confident it will be cleared up before the season begins.
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