Memphis native Josh Holloway eyes homecoming with Tigers

Top college basketball transfer target excited about potential return to hometown team

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:35pm

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An abstract painting with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the energy and motion of a basketball player in action, conceptually representing a local talent's potential homecoming to play for the Memphis Tigers.A hometown hero considers a return to Memphis to lead the Tigers' quest for national basketball glory.Memphis Today

Josh Holloway, a 6-foot-3 guard who played two seasons at Samford before transferring to Texas A&M, is considering a move back to his hometown of Memphis to play for the Tigers under coach Penny Hardaway. Holloway, a Memphis native, said receiving the first call from Hardaway was "a real big honor" as he weighs his options for his final year of college eligibility.

Why it matters

Memphis basketball has struggled in recent years to keep top local talent from leaving the city, so landing a player like Holloway would be a major boost for Hardaway's program and its efforts to rebuild. Holloway's potential homecoming would also generate excitement among the Tigers' fan base.

The details

After two seasons at Samford, Holloway entered the transfer portal and is now being heavily recruited by Hardaway and the Memphis coaching staff. As a junior at Texas A&M last season, Holloway averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

  • Holloway played two seasons at Samford from 2023-2025.
  • Holloway transferred to Texas A&M as a junior for the 2025-2026 season.
  • Holloway is now exploring options for his final year of college eligibility in 2026-2027.

The players

Josh Holloway

A 6-foot-3 guard from Memphis who played two seasons at Samford before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior year.

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team, who has been recruiting Holloway to return to his hometown.

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What they’re saying

“When I got that first call from Coach Hardaway, it was a real big honor.”

— Josh Holloway, Texas A&M Guard

What’s next

Holloway is expected to visit the Memphis campus in the coming weeks as he continues to evaluate his options for next season.

The takeaway

Keeping top local talent like Holloway has been a challenge for Memphis basketball in recent years, so landing the Memphis native would be a major recruiting win for Penny Hardaway and a boost of energy for the Tigers' program.