On the controversial topic of name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements in the world of college sports, Memphis basketball head coach Penny Hardaway would do it give your frank opinion on the matter. After the Memphis basketball team upsets UConn on Nov. 25, it’s been a tough sled for the program, but Hardaway would make an appearance on the “Out The Mud” podcast hosted by former players Zach Randolph and Tony Allen to talk about the current state of college basketball.
There’s no doubt that money has ruled the world of college sports, with the recent announcement that highly touted prospect AJ Dybantsa has chosen to commit to BYU on a financial basis. the whopping sum of $7 million in zero money. Hardaway would argue on the podcast that this is the case “remove hunger from the game.”
“I witness it because I’m in the middle of it all, it definitely takes the hunger out of the game,” Hardaway said. “Most guys say, hey man, I don’t even care about the league. If I can collect $2 million in a row, I can just ride off into the sunset. I might go watch the league for a little bit, if it doesn’t work out, I have that money to fall back on. They look at it as backup money.”
“They don’t even think I have to work hard this year to get into the league, because you know that was the motivation,” Hardaway continued. “That’s not the motivation anymore. They think I could just take this money and ride off into the sunset. What they bring that year is what they bring. You can’t rush them, you can’t force them to try harder, it’s like it’s me.”
Memphis Basketball’s Penny Hardaway Speaks Out on Player Recruiting
The college basketball coach would further explain that even if you were able to convince a player to commit to your program, you would likely have to “recruit” the same players, something he can’t imagine some of the top coaches doing.
“Can you all imagine Coach Sutton and Coach Izzo recruiting you again every year? » » asked Hardaway. “You have to re-recruit your own guys. As soon as the season ends, say, ‘Hey man, come on, let’s meet.'”
While the topic of NIL in college sports will undoubtedly continue, the Tigers must look to find a resurgence in their season before it’s too late. THE The Memphis basketball team has undergone coaching changes aside from Hardaway, but he still hopes the Tigers “learn” since their most recent loss to Arkansas State this past Sunday, according to The Commercial Appeal.
“I don’t know, I just hope we learn from it,” Hardaway said. “In my seventh year, I understand that no game is worse or bigger than another. Especially at the start of the season. But only if you learn from it. If we learn from it, everything will be fine. If we don’t, it will be bad.”
Regardless, the team is currently 7-2 on the season as they look to bounce back against the No. 0. 16 Clemson Saturday.
