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Penny Hardaway provides updates on Rasheed Wallace, recruiting and vaccinations

Penny confirmed that the former NBA All-Star is a candidate to become a Tigers assistant coach

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Penny Hardaway confirmed that former NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace is a candidate to become a Tigers assistant coach.

“I’ve talked to Rasheed,” said Hardaway, speaking to reporters ahead of his participation in the Danny Thomas Celeb-Am at Spring Creek Ranch. “He's definitely a potential candidate. He’s one of the guys I’ve talked to over the last couple weeks."

When asked about the likelihood of Wallace coming on board, Hardaway deferred to how qualified the 16-year NBA veteran is for the job.

“Obviously, he brings a lot to the table," he said of Wallace. "He’s played the game at a high level. He’s a champion. He does have that in his corner. Anytime you can add someone like that, just to be able to have a conversation with him about joining our team, has been great; the conversations we’ve had.”

Jalen Duren, the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class, will announce where he will continue his basketball career late Friday afternoon. The five-star prospect reportedly could reclassify so that he can play this fall. Duren's top five options are the G League, the NBL, Memphis, Kentucky, and Miami.

Hardaway was asked if he was hoping for good news this week.

"I hope so, I hope so. We've been fighting really hard and working really hard," Hardaway said with a grin. "I'm smiling because I want it to happen."

Emoni Bates, the No. 2 ranked recruit for 2022, is reportedly reclassifying to 2021, according to Joe Tipton. Bates has also reportedly narrowed his options to the G League, Memphis, Oregon and Michigan State.

Finally, Hardaway said the Tigers are making progress on getting vaccinated.

"It’s getting there,” said Hardaway, who also revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine. “We’re not going to force anybody to do anything, (that’s) our point of view. The kids have to be comfortable with that and their parents have to be comfortable with it.”

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