Memphis Basketball Team Welcomes New Talent for 2025-26 Season

News Summary

The Memphis Tigers basketball team is making significant changes ahead of the 2025-26 season. Coach Penny Hardaway is enhancing the roster with the return of local guard Julius Thedford and player Ashton Hardaway. Thedford brings experience from WKU, while Hardaway is returning home after a year at Saint Mary’s. These additions aim to strengthen the team and invigorate fans as they prepare for an exciting season.

Memphis Basketball Team is on the Rise!

Exciting changes are happening on the Memphis Tigers basketball team as Coach Penny Hardaway is making moves to bolster the roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This week, the buzz around town is all about Julius Thedford, a promising guard who has decided to return to his hometown and bring his talents to the Memphis court.

Meet Julius Thedford: Memphis Native and Promising Talent

Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Julius Thedford is gearing up to wear the Memphis jersey after transferring from Western Kentucky University (WKU). Thedford, who has three full seasons of eligibility left, made the announcement of his commitment through his Instagram, expressing excitement and a sense of belonging as he said he felt homesick yet ready to represent his city.

Thedford isn’t just any player; he has a strong background that reinforces his skills on the court. He had a stellar high school career at both Whitehaven and Cordova, where he showcased his abilities to score and play effectively. Although his time at WKU saw him average 12.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in just 18 games due to unfortunate injuries that hampered his season, he still made a significant impact. He earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors, demonstrating his prowess by shooting 42.8% from the field and an impressive 36.6% from beyond the three-point line.

Fans will remember Thedford’s explosive performances where he scored in double figures 13 times, highlighting his skills with game high points of 19 against Marshall and 18 at Kentucky. This kind of talent is exactly what Memphis needs as they look to revitalize their lineup for the upcoming season.

Ashton Hardaway Returns: A Family Affair

In addition to Thedford’s commitment, Memphis basketball is set to welcome back another key player—Ashton Hardaway, who is the son of Coach Penny Hardaway. Ashton is returning to his roots for his junior season after spending a year at Saint Mary’s. Last season, he contributed by appearing in 30 games for Memphis, where he reached a personal best of 17 points in a game against Michigan. His return will surely add depth and familiarity to the team.

During his time at Saint Mary’s, Ashton averaged around 10 minutes per game, participating in 33 games, and is now poised to make an impact at Memphis again. His family connection to the program undoubtedly adds a special touch to the team dynamics.

Roster Changes and the Road Ahead

As the Memphis Tigers gear up for a new season, Coach Penny Hardaway is busy making adjustments to the roster. With several player departures, including guards Jared Harris, Baraka Okojie, and PJ Carter, Hardaway is turning to the transfer portal and high school recruiting to fill those gaps. The addition of both Thedford and Hardaway is just part of the strategic planning to ensure a strong year ahead.

The deadline for Division I players to enter the transfer portal is right around the corner on April 22. However, the signing period for new commitments will stretch from April 16 to May 21, allowing plenty of time for additional changes in the lineup.

The Excitement Builds

As the Memphis Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement in the city is palpable. With these promising additions to the team, fans are eager to see how the Tigers will perform on the court. The combination of new talent like Thedford and returning players like Hardaway paints an optimistic picture for Memphis basketball enthusiasts as they look forward to a thrilling season ahead. Stay tuned for more news and updates as the Tigers gear up to show off their skills!

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Basketball and Julius Thedford
• Action News 5: Ashton Hardaway Returns
• Daily Memphian: Ashton Hardaway Analysis
• Athlon Sports: Memphis Tigers Transfer News
• ESPN: Memphis Basketball Early Exit
• Wikipedia: Memphis Tigers Basketball
• Google Search: Memphis Basketball
• Google Scholar: Penny Hardaway Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis Tigers Basketball
• Google News: Memphis Tigers 2025