Penny For Your Thoughts

Penny For Your Thoughts

Accusations have surfaced against Memphis men's basketball head coach Penny Hardaway, alleging significant NCAA infractions related to recruiting and academic violations, as detailed in an anonymous letter. The University of Memphis is aware of the allegations and has forwarded the letter to the NCAA for further investigation. This comes on the heels of Hardaway's recent decision to dismiss several assistant coaches and an adviser, raising questions about the program's stability. Despite having been cleared of personal wrongdoing in the past, Hardaway and the Tigers continue to navigate a landscape of ongoing scrutiny and previous NCAA penalties.

—Nick DeFeo, Editor

P.S. Podcast & YouTube Channel coming soon!

The Starting Five

1. WNBA: Caitlin Clark has made history by recording her second triple-double of the season, leading the Indiana Fever to their fifth straight win over the Los Angeles Sparks. With an impressive stat line of 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, she has become the only rookie in WNBA history to achieve multiple triple-doubles. Her strong performance has not only highlighted her skill and comfort in the league but also played a crucial role in securing the Fever's playoff spot for the first time since 2016, ending a seven-year drought. Clark's achievements are setting her apart as a standout player, with numerous records already to her name.

2. NBA - Shaq v. Gobert: The ongoing feud between Shaquille O'Neal and Rudy Gobert has sparked significant debate among basketball fans. Shaq's harsh critique of Gobert, labeling him the "worst NBA player of all time," stems from concerns over his hefty contract and perceived deficiencies on the court. In response, Gobert has defended his strong defensive skills and contributions to his team's success, pushing back against Shaq's financial focus. While acknowledging Gobert's offensive limitations, the discussion ultimately highlights the unfairness of branding him as the worst player, emphasizing that opinions in sports can often be sensationalized.

3. NCAA: The NCAA is exploring major reforms to its amateurism rules that would impact athletes across all sports, not just football. Key proposals include allowing athletes to compete in a limited number of games during a fifth season while maintaining their redshirt status, and enabling them to earn prize money before entering college. The review also suggests replacing the National Letter of Intent with a new signing model and providing athletes with greater freedom to connect with agents for professional opportunities without jeopardizing their college eligibility. These changes aim to modernize the NCAA framework and will be considered for approval through October 2025.

4. Women’s College Hoops: South Carolina women's basketball standout Ashlyn Watkins faces serious charges, including first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping, following an incident captured on campus surveillance. In a disturbing display, she reportedly assaulted a victim by forcefully grabbing her and preventing her from leaving. Watkins has confessed to the charges and was released on a $30,000 bond. As a key member of the team that clinched the 2024 NCAA women's basketball championship, her upcoming season with the Gamecocks, which begins on November 10 against North Carolina State, is now overshadowed by these events.

5. Rankings: ESPN recently updated its national high school rankings for the Class of 2025. AJ Dybansta, a Brockton, MA native, leads the way as the top overall player in the class. Prolific Prep’s Tyran Stokes leads the way in 2026 and newcomer Babatunde Oladotun finds the top spot in the Class of 2027.

Recruiting 101 - Tough Sledding Ahead for Memphis

• Penny Hardaway's tenure as head coach of the Memphis basketball program has been marked by significant turmoil and challenges. From recruiting violations to NCAA investigations and off-court player issues, the program has faced a series of controversies that have overshadowed its potential. Despite initial optimism about Hardaway's leadership, the disappointing on-court results have led to growing concerns about the program's future. As questions arise regarding the sustainability of the current situation and the coaching staff's direction, there is a palpable sense of pessimism about the need for change moving forward.

• Kentucky has made a major splash in recruiting by landing five-star guard Jasper Johnson, outpacing elite programs like North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisville. Johnson's choice to remain local and join the Wildcats is a significant boost for head coach Mark Pope, highlighting his ability to attract top talent. Known for his impressive scoring, particularly at the rim, Johnson does have a reputation for being a streaky shooter. His commitment, alongside another local recruit, signals a bright future for the program and underscores the growing support for Coach Pope among fans and potential prospects.

Get off the Bench!

Players need to do whatever it takes to get off the bench in today’s game. What separates you from the other players? How do guards get recognition from the coaching staff? How about college coaches? Players, add these suggestions into your game to help you stand out:

• COMPETE! Whether it is summer conditioning in July, first day of tryouts in November, or the last game of a long season and your team is not making the playoffs. Competition is a skillset that can be taught and worked on over time. Get yourself in the habit of competition no matter what time of year it is. It will always pay off!

• Work on your game…ALONE. Yes, I said alone. Everyone these days has a trainer to shoot with or someone to put us through ball handling drills. But how often are you actually working on your game alone? Do you rep out drills in your basement or garage? What about running sprints in your driveway or on your street? Nobody needs to be with you in order to improve especially to work through the difficult times. In fact, working through difficult times or hard workouts by yourself builds character and mental toughness. Write up a workout for yourself and do it. See how it goes. I bet you it’s worth it!

  —Nick DeFeo

In the Huddle - Prevent 3’s on Defense!

YouTube - PJ Tucker Mic’d Up!

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