Penny Hardaway: Memphis Basketball’s Key to Winning Is Simple – Just Care

January 30, 2026

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway believes the answer to the team’s recent struggles is straightforward.

“All we have to do is care,” Hardaway said after the Tigers defeated Florida Atlantic University 92-65 on January 29 at FedExForum, ending a two-game losing streak.

“We have the system, we have great coaches who put the game plan in place. We just haven’t been following the game plan properly because it hasn’t felt important enough. Maybe individual stats have come before the team, and we only want players who will put the team first,” he added.

The Tigers, with a 10-10 overall record and 5-3 in the American Conference, had a tough week that included back-to-back losses to Tulsa and Wichita State. Compounding their challenges, a winter storm in the South delayed their travel back home from Wichita.

During this difficult period, Hardaway said the coaching staff mostly gave the players space to reflect.

“I think that silence was pretty loud there,” said Memphis guard Sincere Parker.

The loss to Tulsa was a close one, decided in the final moments, while the game against Wichita State faltered early. Leading scorer Dug McDaniel left the Wichita game due to injury. Yet, Hardaway saw a positive silver lining in this setback.

“I don’t know if I would’ve seen this coming if Dug hadn’t gotten injured in the second half. We might never have tried that lineup without him. It showed us we can rest Dug when needed,” Hardaway explained.

McDaniel bounced back to score 23 points and provide six assists in the win against FAU.

Though Florida Atlantic was missing their top two scorers, Devin Vanterpool and Kanaan Carlyle, Memphis’s victory was a strong statement, especially after a heavy loss to the Owls earlier this month in Boca Raton.

Looking ahead, Memphis will host Tulane on February 1 at 2 p.m. on ESPN2.

“We’ve been playing a bit soft at the start, and we want to change that,” McDaniel said. “From now on, we’ll focus on setting the tone early and being more physical. Today’s game was a good step forward.”