BREAKING NEWS: Memphis tigers Legend Penny Hardaway Returns as Chief Financial officer In a monumental announcement, Memphis tigers General manager Greg Gaston and family has officially declared that Penny Hardaway the legendary point guard and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as Senior coaching..……. see more

BREAKING NEWS: Memphis Tigers Legend Penny Hardaway Returns as Chief Financial Officer

In a stunning twist that has left both sports and financial analysts equally baffled, the Memphis Tigers have announced that legendary point guard and longtime face of the franchise, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, will return to the organization in 2025 — not as head coach or consultant, but as Chief Financial Officer.

The news was delivered at a surprise press conference by Memphis Tigers General Manager Greg Gaston and family, who stood proudly at the podium as Penny made his entrance in a crisp navy suit, calculator in one hand and a laminated playbook in the other.

“We’re thrilled to bring Penny back in a new capacity,” said Gaston. “He’s not just a basketball mind — he’s a numbers guy. We’ve seen the way he draws up plays; it’s practically algebra. Who better to manage our budget than someone who once managed a fast break with mathematical precision?”

Hardaway, 54, appeared calm and confident as he addressed a shocked room of reporters.

“I’ve conquered the hardwood. Now it’s time to conquer spreadsheets,” he said, smiling. “Basketball is a game of numbers: points, rebounds, assists — and now, budgets, audits, and quarterly forecasts.”

Sources inside the organization say Hardaway has already proposed a full audit of concession stand pricing, plans to restructure the mascot’s salary package, and is working on a cost-benefit analysis of switching the arena lighting to eco-friendly LEDs.

While most fans expected Hardaway to return in a coaching role, especially after his long tenure as the team’s head coach from 2018 to 2025, the pivot to finance caught many off guard.

“I mean, I love Penny, but CFO? That’s like putting Shaq in charge of IT,” said one confused alumnus outside FedExForum. “But hey, maybe he’ll bring the same magic to the books as he did to the court.”

Despite the unusual move, reactions have been largely positive, with boosters hoping that Hardaway’s leadership can help the Tigers get their financial game in shape — and maybe free up some cash for a new water fountain in the locker room.

Still, speculation continues to swirl about whether Hardaway’s new title is just a stepping stone to a deeper role. Late in the press conference, Gaston let slip:

“Of course, we’re still finalizing titles. There’s also talk of him joining our senior coaching team next season.”