Memphis has opened 2-0 with wins over No. 18 Iowa State and a VCU team ranked No. 57 by KenPom, giving Penny Hardaway an unexpected early boost in a make-or-break season. The Tigers are No. 26 in CBS Sports’ rankings, and transfer Jayden Reid has led the way.

By the Numbers
  • Memphis beat Iowa State, 80-76, and VCU, 89-88.
  • Reid scored 32 points against VCU and is averaging 29.0 points per game.
  • Hardaway’s Memphis teams have made 3 NCAA Tournaments and won 1 game in the tournament.
Yes, But

It’s only the first week of the season, and Memphis’ recent history under Hardaway remains uneven: the Tigers have just 1 conference title in 8 seasons and finished fifth or lower in the American 4 times. A strong start is encouraging, but it does not resolve the pressure surrounding this make-or-break year.

What’s Next

Memphis visits No. 24 Vanderbilt on Tuesday. The Commodores are 2-0, and the game is the Tigers’ toughest test so far.

Bottom Line

Memphis has given Hardaway a timely reason for optimism, but the start must become sustained success to change the program’s trajectory.