As Mikey Williams awaits trial, Memphis coach Penny Hardaway 'still waiting'
Mikey Williams found out earlier this week his legal issues will continue and the odds of him playing for Memphis Tigers basketball this season decreased even more.
A California superior court judge ruled Tuesday that the gun charges Williams is facing can proceed to trial. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 24. That's likely when his trial date will be set.
Williams is a four-star guard who signed with Memphis coach Penny Hardaway in November 2022. In April, Williams was arrested on five charges of assault with a weapon and one count of firing into an occupied vehicle. His arrest stems from a shooting that occurred outside his California home on March 27. Williams has pleaded not guilty.
Last month, the Memphis athletic department announced Williams would not be permitted to be part of the team as long as his legal issues remained unresolved. In a statement on Sept. 27, the athletic department said it would "assess and determine his status with the team" once the legal process had run its course. The release also stated Williams is enrolled in online classes and would remain on the team's roster.
Hardaway, speaking publicly for the first time since Williams' preliminary hearing, said Saturday that the latest developments don't change how the program is approaching the matter.
MIKEY WILLIAMS: Memphis Tigers basketball signee to stand trial on gun charges | Report
"If it would have, it would've happened already," he said. "I think we're just still waiting."
Hardaway said he spoke to Williams earlier this week and encouraged him to "keep your head up and stay locked in."
The Tigers' first exhibition game is set for Oct. 29, while the regular season begins Nov. 6, when Memphis will host Jackson State at FedExForum.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway on Mikey Williams: 'Still waiting'
