The Memphis Tigers are gearing up for a challenging start to the 2025-26 basketball season. The team is set to face the San Francisco Dons at FedExForum on November 8 at 2 p.m. This matchup follows a tough preseason for Memphis, which has left fans and coaching staff concerned about the team’s readiness. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway remains hopeful, despite recent losses in exhibition games. The Tigers will need to quickly establish their identity on the court against a disciplined San Francisco squad.
Memphis Basketball Season Outlook
After a promising offseason, the Memphis Tigers now confront a daunting opening game. Coach Penny Hardaway initially praised his roster’s talent, comparing it favorably to the 2021-22 team. However, following two exhibition losses to Arkansas and Auburn, Hardaway’s sentiment has shifted. His focus now centers on finding a reliable core of players who can meet his expectations.
Player Rotation and Starting Lineup
As of November 5, Hardaway has not finalized the starting lineup. Key players Dug McDaniel and Ashton Hardaway have started both exhibition games, but others like Aaron Bradshaw, Sincere Parker, Curtis Givens III, Zach Davis, Julius Thedford, and Thierno Sylla have appeared intermittently. Hardaway intends to narrow his rotation to seven or eight players, emphasizing efficiency and trust on the court.
Player Injuries and Impact
The status of players Hasan Abdul Hakim and Tariq Ingraham remains a concern for Memphis. Abdul Hakim is nursing a quad injury and has not fully regained his form. “When he’s healthy, he’s pretty good,” said Hardaway, acknowledging the player’s frustration. Ingraham, who joined the team late due to NCAA clearance issues, is also behind his peers in terms of readiness.
San Francisco Basketball Preview
San Francisco enters the game after a successful opening against UC Santa Cruz, where they shot 53% and connected on 11 three-pointers. Players to watch for the Dons include freshman Legend Smiley, who scored 18 points, alongside Oregon transfer Mookie Cook and returning player Veniamin Abosi. Coach Chris Gerlufsen’s team is expected to exhibit strong ball movement and defensive strategy against Memphis.
Expert Predictions
In this anticipated matchup, predictions suggest a close battle. The Memphis Tigers are forecasted to win with a score of 81-77. While they are still finding their rhythm, the home-court advantage and recent exhibition struggles may motivate Memphis to perform better against San Francisco.
