When Memphis basketball plays North Carolina in an exhibition game on Oct. 15, it may be difficult for some fans to recognize most of the players.
Which is understandable, considering Nicholas Jourdain is the only player who has been with the Tigers for more than six months. Taking that into account, it would also be reasonable if it took coach Penny Hardaway’s new roster a little extra time to jell.
But ask these Tigers, and they’ll tell you they’ve already circumnavigated that learning curve.
“A lot of teams struggle, because guys on the team don’t really know their role,” said Dain Dainja, the 6-foot-9 big man who was one of four players pitching in at a FedEx Cares event Wednesday at FedExForum. “But that’s what’s so special about our group. Everybody knows their role.”
Dainja’s confidence stems, in part, from his first-hand experience. Practices, workouts and everything in between since the majority of the roster convened in Memphis back in early June have been very smooth, he said. Another factor is the amount of combined experience Hardaway has put together. Tyrese Hunter has been to March Madness multiple times. Colby Rogers, Tyreek Smith and Moussa Cisse will each be playing their fifth collegiate seasons. PJ Haggerty is entering his third season at the college level.
But, perhaps most of all, according to Dainja, is the overall talent level.
“I feel like, just with some of the players we have, it’s kind of like a super team in my eyes,” he said. “I have a good feeling about it. I feel like we have one of the best teams in the country.”
The same team Dainja is so high on is also the same team that still might be a work in progress.
Less than a month ago, Hardaway abruptly let four members of his coaching staff go – assistant Rick Stansbury and staffers Faragi Phillips, Jamie Rosser and Demetrius Dyson. Two weeks later, Hardaway added former Louisville assistant Nolan Smith.
Whether Hardaway fills any of the other vacancies on his staff before the regular season opener against Missouri on Nov. 4 is unclear.
Haggerty admits the staff shakeup was a bit of a surprise to the team, but said it has not had a negative effect.
“It’s been no challenge at all,” he said. “I think we all just came closer as a team.”
“We’ve got a good team, a good core,” said Tyreek Smith. “Penny is a good head coach. The (period of) transition was really smooth, to be honest.”
Memphis basketball’s new frontcourt
Dainja and Smith are expected to form the Tigers’ new starting frontcourt this season.
Dainja spent the last two seasons at Illinois, where he showed flashes of immense potential, but was ultimately limited by playing that only dwindled the longer he was on the roster. Smith, after two seasons at Oklahoma State, emerged last season at SMU as the Mustangs’ gritty, physical interior presence.
MEMPHIS BASKETBALL MAILBAG: Why Tigers stayed in AAC, Penny Hardaway’s potential starting lineup
“I wouldn’t say I’m the traditional five-man, not at all,” said Dainja. “I feel like I can do a lot of things. I can dribble. I can shoot. Bring it up the court. Pass. Penny’s a good coach. You guys will definitely see me in a lot of actions this year.”
Smith, who said he will line up primarily at the four, believes he has not unlocked his full potential on the court.
“I always knew I was capable of certain things, (but) at other places I was kinda put in a box,” said Smith. “(Hardaway) encourages me to be the best player I can be and not to shy away from anything.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
