Penny Hardaway expresses respect for Rick Barnes amid rivalry discussions

Penny Hardaway and Rick Barnes have resolved past tensions as they discuss a renewal of the Memphis-Tennessee basketball rivalry. At a Memphis Rotary Club luncheon, Hardaway stated he respects Barnes and hopes to communicate about the rivalry. The two coaches had previously clashed publicly after a heated game in December 2018, which intensified the rivalry. The teams have not faced each other since 2019, when Memphis beat Tennessee. The third game of their series was canceled due to COVID-19 in December 2021. Memphis is set to play Mississippi State in an exhibition game on October 23 and will start the regular season against Iowa State on November 2.

• 9:27 PMYahoo Sports — Penny Hardaway says he and Tennessee coach Rick Barnes are 'on a great page right now'