Penny Hardaway to add Memphis basketball legend Andre Turner to coaching staff

Jason Munz, Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis basketball legend and Lane College coach Andre Turner is expected to soon join Penny Hardaway's coaching staff.

On Wednesday, Lane College athletic director Derrick Burroughs told The Commercial Appeal that Turner informed him this week of his plans to return to his alma mater and work for Hardaway.

“He has alerted me that it’s imminent,” said Burroughs. “It’s just a matter of time. I think that’s the perfect place for him to be. I hate he’s leaving, but I’m happy for him. I always wanted Andre to hopefully one day join Penny’s staff.”

Turner's specific role at Memphis is unclear.

Turner had been the coach at Lane for three seasons and compiled a 36-47 record. Before his stint at Lane, Turner spent 11 seasons as either head coach or assistant coach at Mitchell High School, winning three consecutive state championships.

Hardaway has not made any announcements regarding changes to his coaching staff, although Rick Stansbury is set to return as an assistant for the 2024-25 season.

Hardaway has been outspoken over the years about his fondness and adoration for Turner. Nicknamed the "Little General," Turner became a hero at then-Memphis State, leading the Tigers to the 1985 Final Four, hitting back-to-back game-winning shots against UAB and Boston College, respectively, to propel the team to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. When Hardaway added Lane College as an exhibition opponent prior to the 2021-22 season, he said he "fell in love" with Memphis basketball because of Turner and the success of those 1984-85 Tigers.

Andre Turner, #10, Memphis State Basketball vs. Louisville at the Mid-South Coliseum, March 2, 1985
Andre Turner, #10, Memphis State Basketball vs. Louisville at the Mid-South Coliseum, March 2, 1985

PENNY HARDAWAY: Memphis basketball coach talks David Jones, team identity

Turner scored 1,442 points at Memphis (14th-most in school history) and is the Tigers' all-time leader in single-game assists (15), single-season assists (262) and career assists (763). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1986 NBA draft and played six years in the NBA before embarking on a lengthy career overseas that included winning the 1997 Spanish King's Cup MVP Award.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Penny Hardaway to add Memphis basketball legend Andre Turner to staff

Advertisement