Hardaway
gamble on.
“You know, people always talk to me about, ‘Why don’t you get a technical?’ and all that,” he said. “I’m almost trying to be a chess player. I’m thinking about the game and, in certain cases, I’ve said a lot to the refs. (But) I’d rather have a relationship with these guys and understand how they think, so they don’t use it against you. Because they will use it against you. I know they’ll do that more so than they will give you a call.
“Just because you get a tech doesn’t mean they’re going to give you the next 10 calls. That just means you’re a butthole and they’re probably going to use it against you more. But I have said enough to guys in a game to get technicals and just never did. Hey, there’s nothing soft about me, bro. I’m from
Memphis. These questions sometimes make me feel like I’m too nice. I’m not nice to them. I don’t stomp my feet and slam my hand on the table, but I say enough.”
The Tigers (19-9, 8-7 AAC) will look to channel their frustration when they take the floor at 7 p.m. Saturday at Fogelman Arena in New Orleans against last-place Tulane (12-16, 4-12).
“Tulane is a team that’s very capable and they’re showing that right now,” Hardaway said. “They have a coach in his first year in the league (Ron Hunter), who’s had a lot of success in other leagues. (Tulane) hasn’t had the season they wanted to have. But they’ve fought every single game. They’re going to look at this as an NCAA Tournament game.
“We can’t overlook them. Every game is an NCAA Tournament game for us moving forward.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.