Josh Holloway, a Memphis basketball target, expresses excitement about a potential return to his hometown team. The 6-foot-3 guard is considering a move back after playing at Samford and Texas A&M.
Key points
Josh Holloway is a Memphis basketball target.
He played two seasons at Samford.
Holloway transferred to Texas A&M as a junior.
He feels honored by the interest from Memphis coach Penny Hardaway.
A potential move could bring him back to Memphis.
Mentioned in this story
Memphis basketballSamfordTexas A&MPenny Hardaway
Josh Holloway
How Memphis basketball target Josh Holloway feels about a potential homecoming
Josh Holloway is a Memphis kid, through and through.
Holloway, a 6-foot-3 guard played two seasons at Samford before transferring to Texas A&M as a junior, is ready to move again. This time, though, the move could be right back to where he started.
The Tigers are actively pursuing Holloway, a former St. George’s standout who finished his high school career at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. While he is also being recruited by other programs – such as Ole Miss, Butler, West Virginia and more – Holloway likes what he is hearing from Hardaway and new assistant coaches Trevor DeLoach and Steve Wright.
Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Jan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Q&A
What are Josh Holloway's basketball career highlights?
Josh Holloway played two seasons at Samford before transferring to Texas A&M, showcasing his skills as a 6-foot-3 guard.
How does Josh Holloway feel about potentially joining Memphis basketball?
Holloway feels honored and excited about the possibility of returning to Memphis, where he has strong ties.
Who is the coach of Memphis basketball that contacted Holloway?
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway reached out to Josh Holloway, marking a significant moment in his recruitment.
What schools has Josh Holloway played for before considering Memphis?
Before considering Memphis, Josh Holloway played at Samford and Texas A&M during his college basketball career.
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Washington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.
Memphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Briarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
Memphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Memphis Tiger Julius Thedford (15) handles the ball against North Texas during a game on Dec. 31, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Jan 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Brandin Cummings (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Washington State Cougars forward Rihards Vavers (15) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Memphis Tigers’ William Whorton (12) looks to make a move in the paint against UAB during an American Conference game on Feb. 22, 2025 at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Briarcrest’s Fred Smith Jr. smiles after putting on a Memphis Tigers hat and shirt to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Memphis basketball commit Cello Jackson looks on after Fred Smith Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Memphis in the gym at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn., on April 9, 2026.
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Memphis basketball roster 2026-27 for Penny Hardaway after transfer portal additions
Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds (2) shoots the ball during the DII-AA state quarterfinal against Baylor in Eads, Tenn., on February 28, 2026. Briarcrest defeated Baylor 55-53.
“We’ve talked a lot about what my role would be, what I want to bring to the city, how I can impact the team and impact winning,” Holloway told The Commercial Appeal April 16. “Just about me being a leader on the court and in practice. Being one of those second coaches on the court.”
Holloway played in all 34 games for Texas A&M last season, averaging 4.6 points, 1.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds. He shot 50.5% from the field (40% from the 3-point line) and had 26 steals.
One of Holloway’s best games at Texas A&M came in its March Madness loss to Houston in the Round of 32. He scored 12 points and grabbed a season-high four rebounds while playing a season-high 22 minutes.
Holloway’s best season in college came at Samford as a sophomore, when he put up 8.8 points, 2.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game for a Bulldogs team that won 22 games. As a freshman, Holloway averaged 4.2 points, 1.9 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game to help Samford reach the NCAA Tournament.
The potential homecoming for Holloway is further evidence that the Tigers are making a concerted effort to stockpile as much homegrown talent as possible. The last season to feature more than a couple of players with deep Memphis roots was 2022-23.
But Hardaway already has more than that lined up for the 2026-27 season, including Julius Thedford (Cordova/Whitehaven), Fred Smith Jr. (Briarcrest), Cello Jackson Jr. (FACS) and Parker Pounds (Briarcrest). And he is after more, including Holloway and St. Bonaventure transfer Daniel Egbuwine (FACS).
“We’ve talked about that – bringing Memphis back to Memphis again,” said Holloway. “Being hometown kids, the name on the jersey means a lot. It’s a big deal.
“And I know all them. I grew up with those guys. To have the opportunity to come back home and put on for the city, it’s really exciting.”
Eight of Memphis' 15 roster spots are accounted for by Thedford, Smith, Jackson, Pounds, William Whorton, Rihards Vavers, Brandin "Beebah" Cummings and Jerry Deng.
