Memphis HC Penny Hardaway reveals his coaching philosophy: "I give them a voice"

Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway outlined his coaching philosophy during an appearance on The OGs podcast earlier this week. The 53-year-old claimed that he encourages his athletes to have a voice in how the team runs their plays.

The former Orlando Magic star thinks that the coach has to regularly check in with his guards on how they want to run certain sets in today's game. You can't force your will on the team and demand blind loyalty. There has to be some common buy-in on the strategy.

“What I do is I give them a voice,” Hardaway said. “They have to have a voice in what's going on.” [Timestamp - 7:37]

“I'm the coach but still today you have to meet in the middle with these guys,” he added. “Let them feel like you have the confidence in them, and instill confidence in them and have their back.”

The system also reflects his shift from the coach-first models he experienced as a player. Hardaway understands the thought processes of the player. But he does believe that a player has to earn his respect before getting a seat at the table.

“To me, when you earn their respect, I allow you to have a voice,” he said. “If you're not taking care of your business, then we're going to stand on the truth. If I tell you the truth, then we have to stand on that. And we have to adjust. If you say something to me that makes sense the same way, then I'll adjust.”

According to Hardaway, showing belief in his players often leads to increased effort and buy-in. The Tigers coach views this style of coaching as essential in developing today’s athletes.

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Memphis reloads roster ahead of 2025–26 season under Penny Hardaway

Memphis enters the 2025–26 season led by eighth-year coach Penny Hardaway, following a 2024–25 campaign that featured an AAC regular season and tournament title along with a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Tigers will feature an almost complete roster overhaul. Forward Ashton Hardaway returns to the program after spending one season at Saint Mary’s. Veteran guard Sincere Parker, a double-digit scorer at McNeese State, also joins the rotation.

The 2025 recruiting class includes Daniel Vieira-Tuck, Felipe Patino, Quante Berry, Dug McDaniel, Aaron Bradshaw, Julius Thedford, Ashton Hardaway, Sincere Parker, and Zachary Davis. Bradshaw is the only traditional frontcourt addition through the portal.

A key non-conference matchup is scheduled for Dec. 13, when Memphis renews their rivalry with Louisville. Home games at FedExForum will operate under a reduced capacity of 14,470, with curtains installed to compress the seating bowl and enhance the in-game environment, according to Go Tigers Go.