Penny Hardaway has added a true project of a prospect to his 2025–26 roster with the signing of 7‑foot‑1 South Sudanese center Simon Majok. Majok, who has spent the past three seasons playing professionally in Serbia with KK Real Beograd, brings an imposing physical presence as well as promising efficiency. In a limited seven-game stretch during the 2024–25 season, he averaged a remarkable 17.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.9 assists per game—shooting an eye‑popping 66.7% from two-point range—and led the Serbian league in Performance Index Rating (PIR) at 26.7, finishing with a total PIR of 187, the highest in the league.([University of Memphis Athletics][1])
As only one of two players—alongside Aaron Bradshaw—listed at taller than 6′8″ in the Tigers’ rotation, Majok’s arrival represents a critical piece in Hardaway’s drive to boost his team’s physicality in the paint. Recognizing the program’s roster construction, Hardaway has candidly stated, “We’ve got to get big,” signaling that adding Majok remains a priority.([777score][2])
Hardaway’s urgency has a practical underpinning. While Majok officially signed with Memphis on June 30, his arrival on campus was not immediate. As of mid‑August, he remained in Serbia, with his visa application appointment scheduled for August 21—but with hopeful expectations of a quick turnaround, after which he could “take off for Memphis as soon as possible.”([PFSN][3])
In summary, Penny Hardaway views Simon Majok as a necessary and dynamic finishing piece to his frontcourt—one whose arrival depends on administrative hurdles but remains high on the coach’s strategic list.
[1]: https://gotigersgo.com/news/2025/6/30/mens-basketball-tigers-add-7-foot-1-south-sudanese-center-simon-majok-to-2025-26-roster?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tigers Add 7-Foot-1 South Sudanese Center Simon Majok to 2025-26 Roster – University of Memphis Athletics”
[2]: https://777score.com/news/basketball/2652058-penny-hardaway-identifies-key-need-for-memphis-tigers-roster?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Penny Hardaway Identifies Key Need for Memphis Tigers Roster – 777score.com”
[3]: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mens-cbb/penny-hardaway-simon-majok-update-memphis-timeline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Penny Hardaway’s 7′1″ International Signee Gives Major Update on Memphis Joi
ning Timeline”
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