Hardaway optimistic on transfers, upcoming season
Penny Hardaway describes himself as “impressed” one week into his team's return to group activities.
The Memphis basketball team finally got back on the court together Monday following a delay prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Hardaway said all of his returning players are back on campus and working out. In addition, newcomers Moussa Cisse, Landers Nolley II and Ahmad Rand are also in Memphis and participating. Division I transfer Deandre Williams is expected to join the team Monday.
“Really impressed with the shape they're in,” Hardaway said in a recorded video interview distributed to the media Friday. “I would like to say a lot of the guys have come back better than what they left. They had glaring weaknesses. We had the youngest team in America last year, so rightfully so. Freshmen make freshman mistakes. But you can tell their bodies are better, their mindsets are better.”
While the entirety of the Tigers' roster will be together next week, the level of uncertainty across multiple fronts will also be on hand. The eligibility statuses of Nolley and Williams, who transferred this offseason from Virginia Tech and Evansville respectively, are in limbo. But Hardaway said he remains confident both will be on the
floor at Memphis this season.
“Both Deandre and Landers' waiver applications have been submitted. We're just waiting on the word,” Hardaway said. “My gut is that they're both going to be eligible. I just think they both have great waivers that we put in and that the NCAA can approve them both.”
Despite the limited nature of the team's early workouts, the Tigers are just grateful to be back in the gym as a team. Exactly how long they'll be practicing before the 2020-21 season begins remains to be seen as the air of uncertainty continues to hover over collegiate athletics.
Hardaway has kept his fingers crossed the season will be allowed to start on time in November.
“With (the NCAA) allowing us to be with our players, (that's) a good sign,” he said. “We haven't heard any horror stories with COVID(-19) or anything with other teams nor our team. So I think with the progression with what's going on, it's a good sign something positive will happen out of that.
“We all just need to stay healthy. Stay smart. We understand that there are a lot of things at stake for this year. Hopefully we'll start on time. If not, hopefully we'll get something in in January.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.