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Memphis basketball, led by coach Penny Hardaway, will participate in the 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas. The event is typically held over three days during Thanksgiving week.
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Penny Hardaway, Memphis basketball to play in 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis
Memphis basketball will take part in the Battle 4 Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas in November, coach Penny Hardaway said during a radio interview on May 8 with Sports 56's Dave Woloshin.
Specific dates have not yet been set, although the event is typically held over three days during the week of Thanksgiving. It is also unclear what other teams will make up the eight-team field, but teams typically play three games.
Hardaway also told Woloshin that Memphis' neutral-site game against Dayton — which was previously announced as part of a scheduling alliance with the Atlantic 10, dubbed the "American-Atlantic 10 Challenge" — will be played at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 29.
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
Memphis basketball will participate in the 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis, typically held in November during the week of Thanksgiving.
The specific teams for the 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis have not yet been announced, but it will feature an eight-team field.
The 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis will take place on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
Memphis will play against Dayton on November 29, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago.
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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 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 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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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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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 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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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 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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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.
Participating in the Battle 4 Atlantis likely fills 11 of the Tigers' 13 non-conference schedule dates. The other eight non-conference games for 2026-27 that have been previously confirmed include:
"You know me, ever since I’ve stepped on campus … I’ve just went after the heavy hitters," Hardaway said.
The Tigers are very familiar with the Bahamas, as this will mark the program's third trip there in a four-season span. They last took part in the Battle 4 Atlantis in 2024, when they defeated Michigan and Arkansas before falling to Villanova in the title game. Last season, they played in the Baha Mar Championship, losing to Purdue and Wake Forest.
The Tigers are working to put the finishing touches on the 2026-27 roster. Hardaway has filled 13 of 15 spots. He told Woloshin he is looking to sign a big man, adding he expects to hold one spot open.
"One more big is what we’re looking for. Then, we’ll chill and see where that lands us in the future," said Hardaway. "Unless we get an opportunity to sign somebody that we didn’t think we’d have an opportunity to. Like one of these fifth-year guys that a waiver goes through for them and they’re eligible."
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Penny Hardaway on Memphis basketball added to Battle 4 Atlantis, roster update