Memphis Head Coach Penny Hardaway, a 14-year NBA veteran, couldn’t help but spill his emotions out after a tough loss to USF.
Memphis HC Penny Hardaway, fighting back tears while discussing the Tigers’ blowout loss to USF:
“I wanted that game, bro. You know what I’m saying? I just wanted the game.” pic.twitter.com/Smn1L6fFPO
— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) February 20, 2026
Hardaway, in his eighth season as head coach at Memphis, is set to finish with the worst record in his tenure.
He led the team to an NIT Championship in 2021 and has made three NCAA Tournament appearances.
With the team set to miss the postseason entirely this season, fans are begging for the team to remain loyal.
Man I want him to succeed so bad because I know how much he cares. The hate he receives is ridiculous. Even if you think he needs to go the vitriol is unnecessary. Trust me he cares about this program & city just as much or more than you do. https://t.co/NDmNCExIjw
— Isaac (20-33) #tank 🐻🐯🏀 (@Isaac__NBA) February 20, 2026
F’ING guy Cares …. I’m team @Iam1Cent .. This year has been tough but that’s college basketball with all the movement. I have Trust he will get the train back on the track. 🐅🐅 https://t.co/ejk4D2fPxA
— Elliot Perry (@elliotlperry) February 20, 2026
I don’t want Penny Hardaway fired or to resign.
I don’t want Penny Hardaway fired or to resign.
I don’t want Penny Hardaway fired or to resign.
I don’t want Penny Hardaway fired or to resign.
I don’t want Penny Hardaway fired or to resign.
— Francis Carlota (@SluggaSports) February 20, 2026
Hardaway was a standout player for the Tigers from 1991-93, earning All-American honors and going No. 3 overall in the 1993 NBA Draft.
Penny Hardaway was a BEAST at Memphis 🏀🔥pic.twitter.com/7785fDZj4Z https://t.co/fnbKMwJTOX
— Sports Highlights Digest (@SportsDigestHQ) February 20, 2026
Will Memphis move on from Hardaway after a down year, or stand by the Memphis legend who’s proven he can succeed?
