The expectation that Memphis basketball will provide a bounty of entertainment and intrigue this season was already high enough.

Now, the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" is banking on it.

Penny Hardaway's Tigers in 2019-20 will be documented by an ESPN+ production crew and broadcast as a regular series by the video streaming subscription service throughout the season, according to a source with knowledge of the project. The university declined to comment.

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ESPN+, which reportedly surpassed 2 million paid subscribers in February, is expected to drop the premiere episode in mid-November. Filming had not yet begun as of Tuesday, when Memphis held its first official practice.

On top of Hardaway's draw, the Tigers boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, which includes James Wiseman, who some forecast as the top pick in next year's NBA draft.

ESPN+ produced an eight-episode series "Earn Everything" last college basketball season, focusing on the Duke basketball program.

Memphis will hold a pair of exhibition games (Oct. 24 and 28) before opening the regular season on Nov. 5 against South Carolina State at FedExForum.

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Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.