Memphis basketball is 3-2 in its last five games and has allowed an average of 86.2 points per outing during that stretch.

Last week's Quad 2 loss at Tulane has given pause to more than a few people's optimistic outlook on the Tigers' prospects the rest of the way.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto examine the implications of that setback against the Green Wave, discuss the primary factors behind some of the shakiness of the past few weeks and how much Memphis has missed senior big man Malcolm Dandridge since he went down against Alabama on Dec. 13.

Memphis basketball has traversed the bulk of its non-conference schedule in favorable fashion.

The Tigers (8-3) have Texas A&M (6 p.m. Saturday) and Alabama State (8 p.m. Dec. 21) left before entering AAC play. They will likely be favored in every game the rest of the season − with the likely exceptions being the two games against top-5 Houston.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto examine the possibility that this Memphis team might be the program's best from an overall record standpoint in 10 years. Munz and Giannotto also pore over the Tigers' win over Auburn and their loss to No. 4 Alabama with a fine-tooth comb and discuss the most encouraging development of the past week as well as the least encouraging development of the past week.

Extreme early-season narratives are nothing new.

Hot takes, knee-jerk reactions and Monday-morning quarterbacking are universally a part of sports. Seven games into this Memphis basketball season, there has been plenty of all three. One that has popped up frequently so far is the notion that this season's brand of Tiger basketball isn't as exciting as those many have become accustomed to under coach Penny Hardaway.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto unpack and patently reject that concept. They also recap the win over North Alabama and discuss the potential implications of what might be the toughest stretch of the entire schedule, which begins Saturday against Ole Miss.

Memphis basketball is 2-1 and headed to Orlando for the ESPN Events Invitational.

The Tigers most recently dismantled VCU, rebounding from a tough loss at Saint Louis. Kendric Davis scored 26 points and dished out 7 assists. Meanwhile, the defense shut the Rams down.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto discuss which one of the two is the most important development for Memphis moving forward. They also provide the latest update on transfer guard Damaria Franklin's eligibility status, chime in on the debate making the rounds recently about former Tigers (such as Landers Nolley II, Tyler Harris and Emoni Bates) and break down what this week's tournament could eventually mean for Memphis' resumè.

The reaction Memphis basketball team's loss at Saint Louis varied widely.

Some viewed it as a winnable game in which the Tigers doomed themselves by neither shooting nor defending well enough. Others came away from it encouraged by the fight and resolve Penny Hardaway's team exhibited in the closing minutes. And others still acknowledged both good and bad.

All of which is OK. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto explain why that is and examine some of the layers of the 90-84 setback, including DeAndre Williams' leadership, Kendric Davis' health, the team's shot selection and Johnathan Lawson's collegiate debut. In addition, Munz and Giannotto run through the Tigers' recruiting wins over the past week, discuss the latest with Damaria Franklin and look ahead to the home opener (VCU, 4 p.m., Sunday).

Memphis basketball − devoid of "chaos," as DeAndre Williams put it − calmly dismantled Vanderbilt Monday, kicking off the 2022-23 season with a 76-67 win.

It was the exclamation point on a three-day stretch of success for Penny Hardaway on and off the court. On Saturday, he landed 5-star guard Mikey Williams and 4-star wing JJ Taylor. On Sunday, Hardaway earned a pledge from 3-star wing David Tubek.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto analyze Memphis' recruiting wins and discuss their potential implications (Bronny James?). Also, Munz and Giannotto try to single out the most impressive aspect of the Tigers' win at Vandy, then give an early scouting report on Saint Louis, the team's next opponent.

The regular season is finally upon us.

In less than a week, the Memphis basketball team will make the short trek to Nashville, where it will meet Vanderbilt (7 p.m., Monday, Memorial Gymnasium). Before we get there, though, there are still a few things to unpack from the Tigers' preseason showings. There are also some new details with regard to UIC transfer Damaria Franklin's pursuit of immediate eligibility.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dive into those two subjects, before attempting to sort out the relative lack of buzz surrounding the program, then getting into what Memphis is going up against on Monday against the Commodores.

It was only one game − and an exhibition at that.

But that doesn't mean there's not plenty to break down and analyze from Memphis basketball's 69-60 preseason win over Christian Brothers University last week. Who looked good and who didn't. What is worth worrying about and what's not.

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto offer their respective perspectives on where the program stands after one exhibition game, what they'll be looking for in Sunday's 1 p.m. exhibition game against Lane College, a recap of the Damaria Franklin situation and some recruiting updates.

It’s (exhibition) game week!

The newest iteration of the Memphis basketball team will make its on-court preseason debut when it locks up with Christian Brothers at 4 p.m. Sunday at FedExForum.

In this week’s episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto delve into the top storylines around Penny Hardaway’s program – specifically, what the Tigers’ starting lineup and rotation might look like this season and the common thread throughout this preseason. Munz and Giannotto also reflect on the Memphis Basketball Block Party and discuss some recruiting news.

From the looks of things, the Memphis basketball team might well be on its way back toward the top of the metrics leaderboard in terms of defense.

Two seasons ago, the Tigers were No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Last season, they dropped back to No. 33 in those same rankings. In last week's open practice, Penny Hardaway's team was split up for an intrasquad scrimmage in front of hundreds of fans and a couple dozen media members. Points (a combined 13) were at a premium. Elite-level defense or a sign of offensive issues?

On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto dissect what they saw and examine ways the team can overcome what might be its biggest weakness. They also recap what Hardaway and his players said about the IARP decision and look ahead to the program's Pro Day.