Penny Hardaway, the coach of Memphis basketball, promptly resumed recruitment activities following a lull. Last week, he hosted a contingent of potential transfers for official visits, resulting in a commitment from sharpshooter Colby Rogers. Rogers, a 6-4 native of Covington, Georgia, is set to join the revamped Tigers roster alongside transfers PJ Haggerty and Dain Dainja, as well as incoming freshman guard Jared Harris.
The recent influx of visitors, including Aaron Scott, Davon Barnes, and John Buggs III, underscores Penny Hardaway’s intentions for the upcoming season. It is abundantly clear that Hardaway is focused on enhancing the team’s performance in various key areas.
Emphasis on 3-Point Shooting
One noteworthy trend in the recent recruits is a focus on 3-point shooting. Memphis has faced challenges in this area in recent seasons, and the addition of players such as Rogers, Scott, and Barnes indicates a concerted effort to improve in this aspect. Rogers’ impressive 40.9% shooting from deep at Wichita State and Scott’s 37% from the line make them valuable additions to the team.
Heightened Focus on Defense
Likewise, Hardaway is intensifying the team’s defensive capabilities, an aspect he has emphasized in the past. Players like Scott, who recorded 45 blocks and 38 steals at North Texas last season, highlight the team’s renewed dedication to defensive prowess.
Tigers’ Emphasis on Fit
Hardaway also recognizes the importance of assembling a cohesive roster that complements each other’s strengths. By bringing in players with diverse skill sets, such as a scorer, rim protector, and shooter, Memphis is set to create a more balanced and effective team.
It is evident that Hardaway’s recent string of visitors reflects a strategic and intentional approach to enhancing the Memphis basketball team for the 2024-25 season.
For the latest updates on Memphis basketball, readers can follow sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected] or connect with him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.