Someone pinch Julius Thedford. He’s a Memphis Tiger. For real.
University of Memphis Julius Thedford (15) fights for a loose ball during a Nov. 8, 2025 game against the University of San Francisco. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Season opener. FedExForum. Penny Hardaway coaching the Memphis Tigers.
There was Julius Thedford, smack dab in the middle of it.
Pinch him and say it was real.
Because it was – even if it seemed difficult for Thedford to believe that after Hardaway’s Tigers kicked off their 2025-26 season Saturday with a 76-70 nonconference home win over San Francisco.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Memphis vs. San Francisco Memphis Tigers Basketball Subscriber Only Julius Thedford Penny HardawayWe’re in the final countdown of 2025. ⌛🪩🎉
Will you make a donation before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve to fuel trustworthy reporting in the new year?
➡️ Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now!
Tim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.