WKNO-TV's Behind the Headlines gets into the game this week with discussion about Tigers' coach Penny Hardaway.
Dave Woloshin, the voice of the Tigers, and Daily Memphian sports writers Geoff Calkins and Don Wade talk about the impact Hardaway has made on the team at the start of his first coaching season.
Woloshin says that the end of coach Tubby Smith's tenure left fans feeling hopeless. But Hardaway has brought a new hope to the University of Memphis because Hardaway "brings people together."
Hardaway has also made a financial impact on Memphis basketball through increased interest. Calkins reports that the Tiger Bookstore has already outsold what they made last year in team merchandise. Wade says the number of season tickets has tripled since Hardaway's hire.
In addition, Hardaway will save U of M more than $25 million, according to Woloshin.
Guests agree: Hardaway is making a difference in local basketball, but the biggest sign of success will be measured in number of wins.
