Tigers Coach Penny Hardaway Wants ‘Marquee’ Games on Schedule.

Tigers Coach Penny Hardaway Wants ‘Marquee’ Games on Schedule.

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – August 8, 2025 — University of Memphis men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway has made it clear: he wants more high-profile matchups on the Tigers’ future schedules.

In comments made during a recent media session at the university’s athletic complex, Hardaway emphasized his desire for the program to play in “marquee games” — nationally televised, attention-grabbing matchups against elite opponents.

“We need more marquee games on our schedule,” Hardaway said. “We want the smoke. We want to compete with the best, and we want our guys to be battle-tested before we get to conference play and the NCAA Tournament.”

Hardaway, now entering his seventh season at the helm of the Memphis program, has consistently pushed for national relevance. Under his leadership, the Tigers have signed top recruiting classes, made NCAA Tournament appearances, and developed a tough, defense-first identity. But with the landscape of college basketball shifting rapidly — from conference realignments to NIL-driven recruiting — the Memphis coach believes high-visibility games are key to keeping the program competitive.

“It helps in so many ways — recruiting, exposure, experience,” Hardaway said. “When we play a blue blood on ESPN or in a major tournament, that’s when the spotlight is on Memphis. That’s when the country sees who we are.”

Last season, Memphis faced a relatively balanced non-conference schedule but lacked consistent matchups against top-tier programs. While the Tigers participated in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament and had a few key games, Hardaway wants more of those moments — especially games that can be circled on the calendar as can’t-miss events.

“I’m talking about Duke, Kansas, Kentucky — those types of games,” he added. “Neutral sites, home-and-homes, even early-season showcases. We’re open to it all.”

The Tigers’ current 2025-26 non-conference schedule has not yet been finalized, but sources close to the program suggest talks are underway for a potential high-profile matchup at Madison Square Garden and interest in joining one of the early-season multi-team events (MTEs) featuring top-10 programs.

Fans have echoed Hardaway’s sentiments on social media, where many have long called for tougher schedules that would give Memphis a stronger NCAA Tournament résumé. Last season, the Tigers missed the tournament bubble, in part due to a lack of Quad 1 wins.

“We need those Quad 1 opportunities,” Hardaway said. “And our kids want to compete. That’s how you grow — by playing the best.”

While the American Athletic Conference has added new members and continues to develop, it lacks the consistent national spotlight that Power Five leagues enjoy. Hardaway sees marquee non-conference games as a way to bridge that gap.

“Memphis is a basketball city. We deserve the biggest stages,” Hardaway said. “We’re not backing down from anyone.”

As scheduling negotiations continue behind the scenes, one thing is clear: Penny Hardaway is raising the bar, and he wants the rest of the college basketball world to take notice.