Ashton Hardaway, after spending his freshman year playing under his father, Penny Hardaway, at Memphis, has decided to transfer to Saint Mary’s. The Gaels made the announcement on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for the young forward.
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 210 pounds, Ashton was a former four-star recruit from California. During his freshman season at Memphis, he made three starts in 30 games, averaging 2.3 points over 8.3 minutes per game. Despite his efforts, the Tigers, who ended the season with a 22-10 record, did not make it to the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Mary’s, on the other hand, is coming off a successful season, having won their first West Coast Conference tournament title since 2019. They ended their season with a 26-8 record after losing to Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Alongside Ashton, the Gaels have also welcomed Arizona forward Paulius Murauskas and three new recruits to bolster their lineup.
Penny Hardaway, a legendary figure in Memphis basketball history, has been coaching at his alma mater for six seasons. The former NBA All-Star has a coaching record of 195-133 and has led the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Despite his illustrious career and connection to Memphis, Ashton has chosen to continue his collegiate basketball journey elsewhere.
As Ashton transitions to Saint Mary’s, he brings with him three years of eligibility and the potential to make a significant impact on the Gaels’ future success. This move marks an important step in his basketball career, providing him with a fresh start and new opportunities.
