Memphis News: Kendric Davis Returns to Memphis to Train with Penny Hardaway and the Current Tigers Roster

Former Memphis Tigers star Kendric Davis, now a standout in Australia's National Basketball League, has returned to Memphis to train with Penny Hardaway's current roster : a homecoming that bridges the program's past and future.

The return of one of the most prolific scorers in Tigers history has energized the Finch Center this summer. Davis, who played for the Tigers during the 2022-23 season and averaged over 21 points per game, is back in the Bluff City working out with the team and providing mentorship to the next generation of Tiger guards. His presence offers a unique professional perspective to young players like Jayden Reid and Josh Holloway as they prepare for the rigorous season ahead.

By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose

The Return of the "Floor General"

Memphis basketball has always been about more than just the four quarters on the clock; it is about the "Tiger Brotherhood." When Kendric Davis stepped back onto the practice floor this week, it wasn't just to stay in shape for his upcoming season with the Sydney Kings in Australia. It was an act of service to the program that helped launch his professional career.

Davis, who became a fan favorite for his fearless play and clutch performances at the FedExForum, has spent the last few years proving that "Memphis Made" talent travels globally. His return to the 901 signals a healthy culture within Penny Hardaway’s program, where former stars feel a responsibility to "pour back" into the current roster. For fans of Memphis News, this story is a testament to the lasting bonds formed through sport and faith.

Mentoring the Next Generation: Reid and Holloway

The primary focus of Davis’s visit has been his work with the current backcourt, specifically sophomore Jayden Reid and newcomer Josh Holloway. These young guards are expected to carry a heavy load this season, and who better to learn from than a man who swept the AAC honors and dominated as the league's MVP runner-up in Australia?

Sharing the "NBL Blueprint"

Davis’s success in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) is no small feat. He recently finished a stellar 2025-26 campaign with the Sydney Kings, where he averaged nearly 25 points and 7 assists per game. By bringing this international experience to the Memphis practice facility, he is teaching Reid and Holloway the nuances of professional pick-and-roll coverage, the importance of pace, and the mental toughness required to lead a team.

"Having Kendric here is like having a coach who can still play at an elite level," said one team observer. "He doesn't just tell them what to do; he shows them by going head-to-head with them in drills." This hands-on leadership is exactly what Coach Hardaway has sought to foster: a cycle of excellence where the veterans sharpen the freshmen.

The Sydney-to-Memphis Connection

Davis is currently starring for the Sydney Kings, establishing himself as one of the premier guards in the world outside of the NBA. His journey: from the American Athletic Conference to the NBA G-League, and finally to stardom in Australia: provides a realistic roadmap for the current Tigers.

In Australia, Davis has been lauded for his scoring efficiency and his ability to close out games. His transition to the international game has been seamless, largely due to the defensive intensity and high-IQ play he developed under Penny Hardaway. This "global bridge" serves as a reminder that the Memphis Tigers brand remains a powerful force in international basketball.

What This Means for the Tigers’ Upcoming Season

The impact of having a pro like Davis in the building cannot be overstated. It raises the level of competition in practice and forces the current players to elevate their game. For Jayden Reid, observing Davis’s work ethic: showing up early and staying late: is a masterclass in professional habits.

As the Tigers prepare for their season opener on November 2, 2026, against Iowa State, the lessons learned from Davis this summer could be the difference between a good season and a great one. The brotherhood is the foundation of the program’s success, ensuring that even when players move on, they never truly leave.

Christian Takeaway

The concept of returning to pour into the next generation is deeply biblical. In the New Testament, we see a beautiful example of this in the relationship between the Apostle Paul and his protégé, Timothy. Paul did not simply preach the Gospel and move on; he invested his life, his wisdom, and his struggles into Timothy so that the work of the Kingdom could continue long after Paul was gone.

Kendric Davis returning to Memphis to invest in Jayden Reid and Josh Holloway is a modern, secular reflection of this spiritual truth. We are called to be stewards not just of our money, but of our experiences. When God blesses us with success, the purpose of that success is often to empower those who are coming behind us.

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2).

How to Pray/Engage

• Pray for Mentorship: Pray that Kendric Davis and other former Tigers would be positive influences on the current team, modeling integrity and hard work.

• Pray for the Current Roster: Ask for wisdom and focus for Jayden Reid, Josh Holloway, and the rest of the Tigers as they prepare for a challenging season.

• Engage with the Community: Consider how you can mentor someone in your own field of expertise. Who can you "pour into" today?

Peacemaker's Perspective

In a world of competitive sports that often highlights individual egos and "getting mine," the choice to return and serve others is a peacemaking action. Peacemaking in sports isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about building bridges of unity. When a former star returns to help the current team, it breaks down the walls of "then vs. now" and replaces it with a shared vision of community success. It teaches us that we are stronger together than we are apart, and that true greatness is found in how we lift others up.

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❓ FAQ

Who is Kendric Davis? Kendric Davis is a former standout guard for the Memphis Tigers (2022-23) and currently an All-NBL First Team player for the Sydney Kings in Australia.

Why is he training with the Memphis Tigers? He has returned during his offseason to train with Penny Hardaway and mentor current Tigers players, specifically guards Jayden Reid and Josh Holloway.

How did he perform in Australia? In the 2025-26 season, Davis averaged approximately 25 points and 7 assists per game, finishing as the runner-up for the NBL MVP award.

When is the first Memphis Tigers game of the 2026 season? The Tigers are scheduled to play Iowa State on November 2, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

Where can I find more news on the Tigers? You can follow balanced, faith-based coverage at www.laynemcdonald.com/blog/categories/memphis-news.

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CTA: Are you excited to see the Tigers building on their legacy? Share your favorite Kendric Davis memory from his time in Memphis or leave a prayer for the team in the comments below!