Penny Hardaway likes how his Memphis basketball roster is coming together so far.
But there are still some specific positional needs he’s looking to meet in short order.
“Gotta get the bigs addressed and the (point guards),” the ninth-year coach said April 22, when he and dozens of other coaches and players representing most of the school’s other sports took part in Blue & Grey Cleanup Day.
The sixth annual event is held in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention campaign.
Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.Jan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesWashington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.Memphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.Briarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.Memphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.1 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsMemphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.1 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsMemphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.2 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsJan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images3 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsWashington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.4 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsMemphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.5 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsBriarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.6 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsMemphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.7 / 7Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additionsBriarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.Memphis has eight roster spots accounted for so far, leaving him with as many as seven to fill. He has guards (Julius Thedford, Brandin “Beebah” Cummings, Cello Jackson Jr.), wings (Rihards Vavers, Jerry Deng, Parker Pounds), and forwards (William Whorton, Fred Smith Jr.).
Hardaway hopes he is close to filling the post player and point guard voids soon. The Tigers are hosting North Alabama 6-foot-9 big man Corneilous Williams on an official visit April 22. The redshirt senior averaged 10.2 points (on 58.2% shooting) and 9.2 rebounds over the past two seasons.
Northwestern point guard Jayden Reid visited Memphis on April 21. The 5-10 playmaker, whose career began with two seasons at South Florida, had 171 assists with the Wildcats last season, which ranked 48th among all Division I players. His 5.0 assists per game average was sixth-best in the Big Ten.
The Tigers also hosted 6-7 big scoring guard Tylik Weeks, who led the Sun Belt with 19.7 points per game at Southern Miss last season.
While NCAA rules prohibit coaches from making public comments about specific recruits before they sign, Hardaway can discuss Cummings, Vavers, Jackson and Pounds, since each player has formally joined the program.
Cummings averaged 12.5 points, 2.1 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 19 games at Pitt last season. Vavers was 29th in the country with a 41.2% three-point percentage at Washington State in 2025-26.
“Scoring and shooting,” said Hardaway. “Brandin is dynamic. Played in the ACC, so he’s played against the best.
“And Rihards is one of the best shooters in the country. We needed to space the floor. I think shooting is needed on any team, but definitely our team, because we’re trying to get those guys that can drive it downhill to have space (so) teams can’t load up. So, those two guys bring a lot to the table.”
Jackson and Pounds will be freshmen next season, but they have the added bonus of being Memphians. Jackson spent his freshman and sophomore years at Freedom Assembly Christian School, then transferred to Columbus High (Miami) to finish his prep career. Pounds has been Smith’s teammate at Briarcrest for four years.
“Any young man we get, especially as freshmen, that means we have a lot of respect for them and we feel like they can add a lot of value to the team,” said Hardaway. “Parker, I had a lot of respect for his game. One of the best shooters in the city and we’re always going to need shooting. A guy with a care factor like Parker Pounds’ adds a lot.
“Then, Cello he’s a guy that played with the Boozer twins and won a national championship – not just a state championship. He has a lot of exposure playing at a high level. He brings that toughness and that grit we want here as well.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Penny Hardaway said are Memphis basketball's top roster needs