Former NBA star Penny Hardaway now devotes most of his time to the film room, practice and the sideline while guiding the Memphis men’s basketball team.

Hardaway, in his eighth year coaching the Tigers, revealed his plans for the upcoming brief holiday break.

Despite a holiday layoff from Dec. 22 through New Year’s Eve, Hardaway plans to watch 50 college games, saying on his weekly radio show that he prefers the college game over today’s NBA style.

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Hardaway argued the professional ranks lack an element of fun. “It’s just not fun to watch anymore,” the four-time NBA All-Star said. “It’s just not fun to watch anymore,” the four-time NBA All-Star said.

“It’s like, over the years, to me, it’s just getting worse and worse. Not in a bad way. But for me to watch, because I’m in college, I see the fundamentals and playing team ball,” he said. “And just shooting all the 3s now is just a little irritating to me to just watch an NBA game. No one shoots layups anymore. It’s fun to watch for fans.

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“But for guys that were pure in the game, it’s a little difficult.”

Hardaway was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft and the runner-up at the end of that season’s Rookie of the Year voting. While Hardaway has placed the pros on the back burner, there are still a few teams he enjoys watching.

Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts during the second half against the Houston Cougars at FedExForum on March 5, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“I do love watching (the Oklahoma City Thunder), not because they’re the best team in the NBA, but they play the game the right way,” he said. 

“(And the) Celtics, they play the game the right way. And I still enjoy watching the Grizzlies. I still like watching to see how they’re progressing. The Knicks, watching Jalen Brunson. I watch Minnesota with Anthony Edwards.”

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Jan. 5, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

While the advent of name, image and likeness (NIL) has been widely debated, it has undoubtedly shifted the college sports landscape. Hardaway acknowledged the changes in recent years but still concluded that college hoops’ style is more appealing than what the NBA presents.

“But I’ll take that style over the NBA,” he said.

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Hardaway has guided Memphis to three consecutive NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament appearances. The Tigers enter Saturday’s visit to Mississippi State with a 4-6 record.

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Greg Biffle, his wife and children were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said in a post on social media.

Biffle and his family members were on board a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW making its way to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. The plane had the tail number N257BW, which is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, according to federal aviation records. The company is owned by Biffle.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Hudson wrote on X.

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“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”

“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said in an earlier press conference he could “confirm there were fatalities” in the crash. Officials didn’t identify who the deceased were or how many people were on board the plane. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed to Fox News Digital that there were seven fatalities in the crash. 

NASCAR confirmed that Biffle, his wife and two children were killed in the crash, along with three others. 

“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport. 

“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. 

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”

The Federal Aviation Administration told Fox News Digital the C550 crashed around 10:20 a.m. ET. FAA officials and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating, with the NTSB leading the probe.

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A massive fire is seen at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)

The fire continued as emergency personnel rushed to the scene of a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)

Smoke is seen billowing from a plane crash at Statesvlle Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)

Later, the families of the deceased released a joint statement. Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle and children Ryder and Emma were among those identified as the victims of the plane crash along with Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.

“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the joint statement read. 

“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.

“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”

An official with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that the small jet crashed after it took off shortly after 10 a.m.

Video from the scene showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near the scattered wreckage from the plane.

Golfers at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club said they dropped to the ground as the plane flew overhead. They said the ninth hole was covered with debris.

“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” Joshua Green, of Mooresville, told The Associated Press. “It was scary.”

Statesville Regional Airport offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to the airport’s website.

Biffle, 55, drew significant praise last year when he used his personal helicopter to deliver supplies and internet service to those who need it in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in parts of North Carolina. He even located a stranded family while flying due to their use of a mirror against the sun.

Biffle had been delivering Starlink services to residents of western North Carolina and reflected on his experience helping out the stranded family whose mirror use saved them.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, on Feb. 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)

“Only way we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2 stroke oil, and sandwiches premade from Harris Teeter before we left,” Biffle posted at the time.

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Biffle had 19 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, six of them coming in 2005 when he finished second in the Cup standings. He won three consecutive Ford 400s from 2004 to 2006 at Homestead. He also earned 20 wins in the Xfinity Series, winning the 2002 title, and got 17 other checkered flags in the Craftsman Truck series, winning the championship in 2000. Biffle had originally stopped racing in 2016 but returned six years later.

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Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Manchester United have all been linked to him, and he appears tipped to become the next great defensive midfielder. It’s easy to see why.

He’s 6-foot-1 with a lean build, but strides forward with power and has a remarkable ability to quicken his step just enough to nip in and intercept a pass. He ranks in the 85th percentile in Ligue 1 for dribblers tackled, plus the 78th and 92nd percentiles for progressive passes and successful take-ons, respectively. This is a player who can halt opponents’ attacks, then start his own in seconds.

Earlier this month, Bouaddi signed a new deal with Lille until 2029, but that will do little to stop a big transfer next summer if he carries on as he is.

4. Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona 18-year-old center back

This time last year, the 2025 Golden Boy award looked like it was Cubarsí’s to lose. At 17, he was commanding a starting place at center back in a Barcelona team fancied to win the Champions League — they weren’t far off doing so, either, losing the semifinal in extra time — and he surely would have beaten Doué to the prize had Barça lifted the trophy.

Unfortunately, his route to challenging for it in 2026 looks much tougher. Barcelona do not look as strong, and a big part of that is due to their defense caving in: nine teams have conceded fewer goals than their 20 in LaLiga so far, and they’ve let 11 in from just six Champions League games.

To put all of that blame on Cubarsí would be ridiculous, but the sad reality for defenders when it comes to winning individual awards is that they require team success to prop them up. So for the 18-year-old to really stand a chance of winning the Golden Boy, his teammates need to step things up.

3. Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid, 18, FW

It takes a special player to move from South America to Europe aged 18, sign for Real Madrid, and immediately win a consistent role in the first team amid elite competition for places. So it’s a huge shame that Mastantuono has been knocked off course by injury, having already exceeded 500 LaLiga minutes and played three times in the Champions League by the start of November.

The Argentina international is a free spirit and a fine creator; he is often fielded on the wing for Madrid (and was previously for River Plate), but still exhibits the traits of a classic No. 10 playmaker. He underpins that with a relentless workrate, which is why manager Xabi Alonso took to him immediately.

When he returns from injury, the teenager will need to up his goal contributions (he’s scored just once) in order to maintain a grip on a place in the XI and stake his claim for the award — especially now star midfielder Jude Bellingham has returned from injury.

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Klinsmann calls Bayern goalscorer Karl a ‘super special talent’

Jurgen Klinsmann shares how impressed he’s been with young Bayern star Lennart Karl, after the 17-year-old scored in their win over Sporting.

2. Lennart Karl, Bayern Munich, 17, AM

Bayern hearts were broken at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer when star playmaker Jamal Musiala fractured his leg and was ruled out for the rest of 2025. But when one door closes, another opens, and Musiala’s absence provided a pathway for 17-year-old Karl to make his mark.

Last week, Karl became the youngest-ever player to score in three consecutive Champions League games. The second goal in that streak came at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, garnishing an excellent individual performance that showed remarkable maturity for one so young.

A diminutive presence at only 5-foot-6, he can ghost past opponents into little pockets of space, then lift his head to shoot or pick a pass. In fact, he has a particular penchant for a long-range effort and already boasts a fine catalogue of goals.

Karl is the true breakout star of the 2025-26 campaign so far, emerging from nowhere to play a sizable role at an elite European club. Musiala’s impending return to fitness is expected to eat into his playing time, but the 17-year-old should has shown what he can do and will surely play a large role next year too.

1. Estêvão, Chelsea, 18, FW

Estêvão’s immediate impact at Chelsea has been startling. Last summer, he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras for a fee that could reach €67 million amid the sort of fanfare and hype that could crush a young player. Instead, he’s taken everything in his stride. Enzo Maresca has had to force himself to measure the Brazilian’s playing time, admitting: “It’s too easy to put him on the pitch and let him play, play, play. In some moments, we have to manage him a little bit.”

But with every highlight reel moment Estêvão provides — be it a 95th-minute winner against Liverpool, or a spectacular goal against Barcelona — that task becomes more difficult. He has already clocked 852 minutes in all competitions for the Blues and will only feature more often from here. The fans demand it; they’ve fallen for him head over heels already.

The way he’s turning heads right now, he’s a natural pick for the Golden Boy favorite. He may not even need Chelsea to win a trophy to cement his claim, as he’ll go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and surely star — he already has five goals in 11 appearances for the Seleçao. — Tighe

GOLDEN GIRL

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Can Brighton and England cope without Michelle Agyemang?

Gabriele Marcotti and Don Hutchison react to Michelle Agyemang suffering a serious ACL injury in the Lionesses’ 3-0 victory over Australia

Honourable mentions: With Spurs’ Signe Gaupset and Bayern’s Momoko Tanikawa both set to age out before next year’s award cycle, neither could be considered for inclusion this time around. Tottenham’s Toko Koga also narrowly missed out, largely due to limited game time as she continues to adjust to a new league while managing a minor injury setback. After finding opportunities scarce at Barcelona, Giulia Dragoni has been on loan at Roma since 2024 but the club’s struggles have restricted her ability to make a sustained impact. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Emilia Szymczak also remains a promising long-term prospect, but a shoulder injury and a lack of minutes during her loan spell at struggling Liverpool have seen others move ahead of her in the pecking order. Finally, defender Veerle Buurman completed a permanent move to Chelsea at the start of the season following a productive loan spell at PSV, but it remains difficult to assess her progress as she fights to establish herself in an exceptionally competitive squad.

5. Sydney Schertenleib, 18, CM, Barcelona

A highly technical and creative attacking talent, Schertenleib has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in European football. Developing her career at Barcelona after moving from Grasshopper in 2024, she is comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or winger, thriving in space between the lines, and stands out for her control and movement in tight spaces. Her creativity in the final third is a key asset, combining awareness of teammates’ movements with the quality to deliver incisive passes or take responsibility around the box. Beyond technique, she shows advanced game intelligence for her age, reading space and timing runs.

However, Barcelona have restricted her minutes. She’s made just eight starts in Spain‘s Liga F and has yet to appear in the Champions League. Her development is dependent on gaining more consistent minutes and a lack thereof might hold her back from lifting the Golden Girl title next year.

4. Katie Reid, 19, CB, Arsenal

No injury ever comes at a good time, but Reid’s ACL issue arrived at arguably the worst possible moment. The defender, then 18, had just broken into Arsenal’s first team, displacing a WSL and a World Cup winner (Laia Codina) in the process. A run of commanding performances earned her a string of starts and, soon after, a maiden senior international call-up for England.

But a minor setback struck before Reid could report to camp and, several weeks later, disaster followed in training when she suffered an ACL injury that is expected to rule her out for much, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

The injury has done little to diminish the regard in which she is held at both club and international level, though. Comfortable at both right back and center back, Reid is tall, composed and a significant threat at set pieces. Calm in possession and authoritative in her defending, she possesses all the attributes of a future world-class defender, and a potential club captain.

Despite a limited sample of senior minutes, she still ranked highly for duels contested and fouls won, underlining why she remains one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the game.

3. Iman Beney, 19, FW, Manchester City

The Switzerland international has been tipped to be a star for some time, but her summer move to WSL heavyweights Manchester City — completed before her standout performances at Euro 2025 on home soil — was the big transfer many had been anticipating.

Rather than rushing to make the step up following an ACL injury in 2023, Beney chose to remain at a smaller club and focus on rediscovering her best form. That patience has paid off handsomely and now fully fit, she has emerged as a vital cog in a City side pushing for what would be their first WSL title since 2016.

In nine WSL appearances so far, she has contributed two goals and one assist, but it was on the international stage at Euro 2025 where her full potential truly came into view. Operating primarily at full back — though equally capable further forward as a winger — she ranked highest among her peers for progressive carries and passes, as well as tackles and interceptions, highlighting an impressive blend of attacking thrust and defensive intelligence.

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Why the ‘sky is the limit’ for USWNT’s Lily Yohannes

Lianne Sanderson speaks after Lily Yohannes’ performance for OL Lyonnes vs. St. Pölten in the Women’s Champions League.

2. Alara Sehitler, 19, AM, Bayern Munich

Sehitler is enjoying a breakout season with Bayern Munich, having risen through the club’s youth ranks to establish herself in the first team. She has made 17 appearances across the Frauen Bundesliga and UEFA Women’s Champions League, scoring four goals.

A technically gifted and creative midfielder, Şehitler thrives in possession and plays an important role in Bayern’s build-up play. She has composure on the ball, excellent awareness, and an ability to link defensive and attacking phases. Her passing accuracy and distribution underline her comfort in central areas, while her work rate and positional discipline allow her to contribute defensively and during transitions.

She has made a huge contribution to Bayern’s domestic and European campaign and, while still in the early stages of her career, she has four caps for Germany‘s senior team after a standout performance against England at U23 level fast-tracked her inclusion.

1. Lily Yohannes, 18, CM, OL Lyonnes

Still age-eligible, Yohannes remains firmly in contention for the Golden Girl award, and her case has been strengthened further by her move from Ajax to eight-time Champions League winners OL Lyonnes. While many expected the USWNT midfielder to be eased in slowly and spend much of the season on the bench, OL Lyonnes have instead shown immediate trust in her, and she has featured in all five Champions League games thus far.

The step up in quality has also accelerated her development. Yohannes’ standout attribute is her ability to read the game; she displays a tactical awareness well beyond her years, consistently finding pockets of space and breaking defensive lines with her passing and vision.

She has a maturity usually associated with far more experienced midfielders and there is a notable calmness to her play which allows her to dictate rhythm and tempo for both club and country. Her decision making is sharp, supported by an excellent first touch and close control that remains reliable even under pressure.

Training daily within OL Lyonnes’ star-studded squad has only refined these qualities, further elevating her already impressive game. — Keogh