5) Memphis is a brand again
The Memphis Tigers are back.
No, they’re not very good this year and they probably won’t make the NCAA Tournament – but they matter.
Memphis hasn’t been relevant on the national stage since John Calipari left, which played a role in why they hired Penny Hardaway. He has already made a major impact on the recruiting trail and has the Tigers on a path that suggests they’ll start having a good deal of success next year, and that has rejuvenated the fan base.
Memphis sold out FedEx Forum on Saturday for the first time since Coach Cal’s last game, showing that one of the country’s most passionate fan bases in engaged in a way they haven’t been in a decade.
Even though they lost to Tennessee, Hardaway spoke after the game about the support the program is getting from the fans.
"“For this team, fairly new, to sell the arena out, to sell the Forum out for a game like this, it just shows that everybody is buying in. I’m excited about that.”"
Yes, Memphis has to get back to winning basketball games at a high level and they will have lofty expectations next year. But Memphis had to matter again before the program could go anywhere – and Saturday showed Hardaway has already accomplished that.