MEMPHIS SET TO HIRE HARDAWAY

Former Memphis All-American Penny Hardaway is heading back to his alma mater — as its men’s basketball coach.

Memphis will announce its hire of Hardaway on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old Hardaway replaces Tubby Smith, who was fired after going 40-26 in two seasons with Memphis.

Hardaway is a four-time NBA all-star and three-time all-NBA player who will be making his college coaching debut with the Tigers. He has been coaching for years with his own AAU pro- gram, Team Penny, and won his third straight Tennessee high school championship at Memphis East last weekend.

Cavs coach Lue on leave.

CLEVELAND» Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is taking a leave of absence from the team to address health issues that have included chest pains and loss of sleep.

Lue said Monday in a statement that tests have offered no conclusion about what the issue is and offered no timetable for his return.

The coach said he feels he needs to step away “and focus on trying to establish a stronger and healthier foundation” from which to coach the rest of the season.

“We all want great players, we all want the best teams, but with that comes pressure as well,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “And what Ty Lue has had to go through this year with that team, with the trades and the injuries and the pressure, it’s unrelenting.”

Jackson’s NBA debut on hold.

ORLEANS» Pelicans rookie NEW guard Frank Jackson won’t make his NBA debut this season after having follow-up surgery to remove residual scar tissue from earlier right foot operations.