Memphis Tigers: Penny Hardaway finds hope in Joe Cooper’s ‘dream’

On wednesday night, Joe Cooper made a significant impact during Memphis basketball’s victory over Charlotte. Despite being a walk-on player with a unique journey to Division-I basketball, Cooper’s contributions on the court were vital. His first basket extended the Tigers’ lead and solidified their commanding win.

What made Cooper’s performance even more special was his gesture off the court. After the game, he generously gave away his shoes to a child in the front row, a tradition passed down to him by former Tigers players Joe Jackson and Trey Draper from his childhood. This act of kindness symbolized the sense of community and support within Memphis basketball.

Cooper’s story of perseverance, combined with his selfless gesture, resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike. It served as a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting others, adding an extra layer of significance to his impressive performance on the court.

“This is a dream situation for him to be playing in a Memphis Tigers uniform, and every moment he’s going to savor,” Penny Hardaway said, “and you’re going to see why he plays the way he plays because he’s trying to represent the city in a good fashion and he’s pulling some people along with him.”

Memphis had designated the game as a blackout night, hoping to inject some energy into a season marked by recent disappointments. Despite the ominous atmosphere, the Tigers staged a remarkable turnaround against Charlotte.

Key players like Jahvon Quinerly and Nae’Qwan Tomlin stepped up, displaying a level of intensity that had been lacking in previous games. Even Jaykwon Walton, who kicked off the game with a double technical foul, contributed to setting the tone. The Tigers’ defense was relentless, limiting Charlotte to just 17 points in the second half and dominating the rebounds.

Despite the impressive victory, there was a sense of bewilderment and mixed emotions among fans and even Coach Penny Hardaway. Questions lingered about the team’s inconsistency, contrasting their strong performance against Charlotte with their recent struggles, particularly the loss to SMU.

For spectators like Chuck and Marla Nitsch, the game left them grappling with conflicting feelings about the team’s trajectory and the uncertainties surrounding the remainder of the season.

“Almost didn’t want to come,” Chuck said, and lots of folks around Memphis had the same thought.

“I wanted to come. That’s why I made a sign,” Marla interjected.

It read: “Tigers Don’t Quit Play To The End.”

“We’re gonna do something,” she said. “That’s a big word, but something’s going to go our way.”

Despite recent frustrations, Coach Penny Hardaway expressed optimism about the team’s potential moving forward. He shifted from criticism to encouragement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their current level of play. Hardaway suggested that if the Tigers continue to perform as they did against Charlotte, they could secure victories for the remainder of the season and potentially make a strong showing in the conference tournament.

While acknowledging the uncertainties, Hardaway remained hopeful, pointing out the potential benefits of a late-season surge in performance, including favorable consideration from the NCAA tournament selection committee. Although the outcome is uncertain, Hardaway’s positive outlook contrasts with the disappointment and criticism that had overshadowed the team in recent days.

“This is just such a massive change in a few weeks or a month, going on a 10-game win streak and then just imploding right in front of our eyes, and it’s more shocking to me than anybody because I’m living it,” said Hardaway, who then chafed at the criticism pointed at him in recent days. “… The job’s not done, but this game was for ourselves and the people who are really rallying behind us.”

Thus, this also concerned a 24-year-old walk-on point guard who had recently gained eligibility to compete and made his SMU debut during garbage time.

Cooper said that he and a few other squad members had united the group before to Wednesday’s game with the straightforward motto, “Get with us or get away.

However, he has never truly doubted that.

According to him, it has been a huge thing merely to wear a Memphis practice jersey and be a part of this civic institution. He’s playing for his stepdad’s team, donning his stepdad’s number, under the tutelage of a coach he previously faced in high school, and in front of supporters who seem willing to see him go barefoot once he departs the court.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” Cooper said. “I came here to win whatever way I could.”

Maybe his teammates are finally getting the meaning of it.