Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren praises Memphis, Penny Hardaway in return to FedExForum

Jalen Duren got excited when the Detroit Pistons’ plane landed in Memphis on Thursday. He thought about seeing Beale Street again and his memories with the Tigers.

The best memory of his lone season in Memphis came to mind right away. It was Duren’s final home game at FedExForum when the Tigers won 75-61 over No. 14 Houston on Mar. 6. The win helped guarantee the Tigers’ first NCAA Tournament berth since 2014.

“That was one of the best games I’ve played in, in terms of atmosphere and energy,” Duren said at Pistons' shootaround Friday.

Now in his rookie season with the Detroit Pistons, Duren returned for his first NBA game back in Memphis on Friday (7 p.m. CT, Bally Sports Southeast). Although his Tigers career was just 29 games, he still has love and respect for the fans that he got to appreciate in a short time.

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“I think Memphis is one of the best basketball cities in the country. I think they’re underrated on the basketball side," Duren said. "The fans in the city showed a lot of love at all our games even though we were going through a rough time. They were always there, they showed love, they supported us and that’s one thing I really loved about the city.”

As the NBA's youngest active player, Duren's rookie season has been a challenge so far. The 13th pick in this year's draft, he opened his career with a double-double in his NBA debut with 14 points and 10 rebounds but has yet to score that many since. He posted a career-high 13 rebounds on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Duren, last year’s AAC Freshman of the Year, understands it's part of his NBA education as he comes off the bench for the first time in his career.

“College is different than high school just like the league is different than college,” Duren said. “So I’m going through that same transition now, leaving college early, trying to adjust to the new game, but I feel like I’m adjusting well.”

One benefit is that he felt well-prepared by Memphis coach Penny Hardaway and his staff. Not only did Hardaway teach him what to expect in the NBA, Duren said he still leans on former assistant Larry Brown for advice, especially with Brown as a former Pistons head coach.

“(Hardaway) was telling me a lot about some of his stories, his career went. How to conduct myself as a professional,” Duren said. “Just the amount of work you put in to stay on this level, maintain your body and to be a pro.”

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Even though Hardaway and his teammates will be in Atlanta this weekend, he still feels connected to the Tigers and the city. Whatever the reaction is when he takes the floor on Friday, he'll be glad he came to the city to further his basketball career.

He'll also think about plenty of good FedExForum moments like that Houston win while hoping he adds more as a professional.

"I'm just excited to be back and happy to play here," Duren said. "If I hear boos, I understand. If I hear cheers, it’s all love. It’s going to feel good that people still support me and love me out here."