Tyrese Hunter had seen enough.

With NBA scouts from the Grizzlies, Suns, Nets and Blazers watching Memphis basketball’s annual pro day, the Tigers’ newest point guard spoke up Thursday during a timeout in the scrimmage.

Hunter made it crystal clear to his teammates that they needed to lock back in and up their intensity levels.

“Don’t let what happens on one end (of the court) affect this end,” Hunter said.

That moment was among the examples of what a difference a year makes for Memphis.

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway has repeatedly said Hunter, Moussa Cisse and a couple others have exhibited the most leadership. On Thursday, forward Nicholas Jourdain said that’s only one thing that sets the 2024-25 Memphis team apart from last season.

“A hundred percent, (Hunter) takes that hat, every single day, no matter what,” said Jourdain. “Every single drill, he’s setting the tone. But, also, the best thing about this team is we don’t have guys taking it personal. When (Hunter) said that, we all turned up.

“That fact that we have guys out there saying it is great. But now, the receptiveness is another plus.”

The new Tigers will be on full display vs North Carolina at FedExForum on Oct. 15 (6 p.m.). The game is part of the Hoops For St. Jude Tip Off Classic preseason exhibition doubleheader. Memphis’ women’s team will face South Carolina at 8:30 p.m.

Here are four more takeaways from pro day and from what Hardaway had to say afterward.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis basketball lineup choices

Up until very recently, Hardaway has kept Hunter and co-lead guard PJ Haggerty on opposite teams during intrasquad runs.

But Hunter and Haggerty were on the same team Thursday, along with shooting guard Colby Rogers, Jourdain and big man Dain Dainja. On the other team were Ragi Phillips, Jared Harris, PJ Carter, Tyreek Smith and Cisse.

Is the Hunter-Haggerty team the starting lineup?

“That’s the way I see it now,” Hardaway said. “That doesn’t mean it couldn’t change before North Carolina. But I wanted to see that lineup (play together today).”

Who stood out at Memphis pro day

Haggerty showed off his three-level scoring ability. Hunter was every bit the steady hand and intense defender he has been at Iowa State and Texas. Dainja, Jourdain, Cisse and Smith brought significant physicality. And Rogers showed flashes of his 3-point stroke.

But freshman Jared Harris scored nine points in the first half and added several more buckets in the second to help lift the reserves to an overtime victory.

“Jared did do well for himself today,” said Hardaway. “We know his potential. His talent in the transition and being able to get downhill has been pretty good. He’s getting better and better every week.”

What’s worrying Penny Hardaway right now

Injuries.

Hunter began favoring his left hamstring in the first half, Hardaway said. Hunter did not miss a play and finished the run.

Hardaway said Cisse recently returned to practice due to a groin injury. Smith’s left hand was lightly wrapped, but he was also a full participant.

Guard Baraka Okojie, who underwent shoulder surgery in June, took part in pre-scrimmage drill work. But he has not been cleared for full-contact practice. Transfer forward Bouna Kebe did not participate.

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Memphis basketball roster, coaching staff complete?

Hardaway made some changes to his coaching staff in September, letting go of Rick Stansbury, Faragi Phillips, Demetrius Dyson and Jamie Rosser just two months before the season opener (Missouri, Nov. 4).

A couple weeks later, he added former Louisville assistant Nolan Smith. Former Indiana coach Mike Davis will work alongside Smith as an assistant.

Hardaway might not be done adding to his staff, though.

“It’s kind of up in the air right now on hiring someone else,” he said.

What about the roster, which has at least two scholarships available?

“Might get one more guy,” he said. “Thinking about it.”

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Penny Hardaway: Memphis basketball pro day lineups, stars, concerns