Why Penny Hardaway is 'much happier' about Memphis basketball now than last summer

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway expressed significantly improved optimism at the 'Tigers on Tour' event on May 12, 2026, contrasting with last summer when he faced setbacks including the transfer of All-American guard PJ Haggerty and the NCAA denying a eligibility waiver for big man Dain Dainja. Those losses hampered last offseason's roster-building efforts. Hardaway indicated he feels 'much, much happier' heading into this offseason compared to the same period a year ago.