Memphis basketball has signed 12 players for the 2025-26 season.
Coach Penny Hardaway can sign as many as three more. But, he said, that’s unlikely.
“I don’t know if we’re going to use all 15. In the beginning, I thought I was going to use all 15 (scholarships),” he told reporters June 17 outside the Owners Box in Lakeland where he and several other Memphis coaches were for the school’s first Tigers On Tour stop of the summer. “If we do, cool. If not, then that’s cool.
“But now, the way it’s working, probably going to be around 13.”
As much work as Hardaway has done since March revamping his roster, some are concerned by a relative lack of depth in the frontcourt. Ohio State transfer Aaron Bradshaw, who is 7-foot-1, is the only player currently on campus for summer workouts whose listed height is taller than 6-8. South Dakota State transfer William Whorton – the most recent addition – is the only other newcomer with experience as a traditional post player.
But transfers Hasan Abdul-Hakim and Ashton Hardaway, both 6-8, as well as 6-7 guard Zachary Davis provide some length.
The Tigers still have hope that first-team all-AAC center Dain Dainja will be granted an extra season of eligibility and return to Memphis. But Hardaway said there has been no final ruling yet from the NCAA on the 6-9 Dainja’s waiver request.
“Our compliance department is working really hard with him and his mother,” said Hardaway. “We’re praying that goes in our favor. That would be awesome.”
If not, Memphis would almost certainly explore every option available to it to shore up its frontcourt depth. At the same time, Hardaway likes the dynamic the current group brings to the table.
“I think we have so much skill in the frontcourt – bigs that can shoot,” he said. “That definitely gives us a different game than we’ve ever had before. All the bigs can roll to the basket for lob threats and pop for 3s. I think those are great options to have.”
One area Hardaway has plenty of options is in the backcourt, where he has signed seven guards, including Division I transfers Dug McDaniel, Sincere Parker, Quante Berry, Curtis Givens III, Zachary Davis and Julius Thedford, as well as incoming freshman Daniel Vieira-Tuck.
Hardaway avoided singling out any players who have been more impressive than others since summer workouts began June 9. But he said he’s been pleasantly surprised by one guard in particular.
“A surprise, let’s see. Maybe Sincere Parker,” he said. “I knew he can score it, but he can really score it. He’s working hard. His hard work is definitely paying off right now.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.
