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Jul 07, 2023

Memphis basketball: Penny Hardaway says NIL is 'getting out of hand'

Penny Hardaway made clear his stance on the name, image and likeness (NIL) era

Penny Hardaway made clear his stance on the name, image and likeness (NIL) era of college athletics.

The Memphis basketball coach, addressing the media Monday morning before the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Golf Classic at TPC Southwind, acknowledged it has had a significant effect on the Tigers’ recruiting efforts this offseason.

"For me, being a former athlete, I think it's great," he said. "But some of this stuff is kinda getting out of hand. It's definitely the main reason why we can't get what we want. If we were just flat-out recruiting, then we would have an advantage.

"But now, it's a little more difficult with NIL."

Memphis has signed four incoming freshmen (Mikey Williams, JJ Taylor, Ashton Hardaway and Carl Cherenfant). The Tigers are in line to add six transfers (Caleb Mills, Jonathan Pierre, Nick Jourdain, Teafale Lenard Jr. and Jayhlon Young). Most recently, St. John's grad transfer forward David Jones (6-6) gave his commitment to Hardaway.

That leaves Hardaway with two open scholarships at present. It's no secret that Memphis has been right in the thick of things with several high-profile recruits: Khalif Battle, Jaden Bradley, among others. But the Tigers have struggled to close the deal more often than Hardaway is accustomed to.

"(NIL) has been a huge part of the recruiting process this year, more than ever," he said.

Hardaway also addressed a number of other hot topics before teeing off, including DeAndre Williams' efforts to return, Malcolm Dandridge's standing with the program and recruiting in general.

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Last week, Williams publicly acknowledged he is open to a return to the Tigers – something he was under the impression was not possible until recently.

The 26-year-old all-AAC forward played the past three seasons at Memphis after transferring from Evansville. He played one season for the Purple Aces but was forced to sit out the season before that (2018-19) as a penalty for delayed enrollment. That season counted against his NCAA clock, which he and others thought meant he was out of eligibility.

But sports attorney Don Jackson told Williams recently that he can appeal to the NCAA for reconsideration of their initial decision. Hardaway said Monday he is all for it.

"I feel really good about it," Hardaway said. "I think it's a good chance for him to get that year back. The city loves DeAndre. We know what he brings to the table. It would be a blessing not only for him but for us if he could come back one more year."

Jackson represented Hardaway during the NCAA infractions case that was resolved in 2022 by the Independent Accountability Resolution Process.

Last month, Malcolm Dandridge, the last remaining member of Hardaway's first No. 1 recruiting class in 2019, entered the transfer portal.

The senior big man's move came as a surprise to some, considering he also played for Hardaway at East High. But Dandridge has not announced his next move. Hardaway said there's still a possibility Dandridge returns to the Tigers.

"I haven't cut the cord with Malcolm," Hardaway said. "We go too far back. He's just kind of exploring, seeing what's out there. You can't fault these guys for wanting to see what's out there."

If Dandridge came back to Memphis, that would address what is potentially the team's most glaring need: the center position. But Hardaway said he is not sweating it either way.

"It's about small-ball now," he said. "You’ve got your Hunter Dickinsons, your Zach Edeys. But Fairleigh-Dickinson small-balled Purdue last year and beat them. If we get someone bigger, that's fine. As long as they can play the style we need to play."

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected] or on Twitter @munzly.