Rhodes becomes third Memphis player to transfer
Another member of the Memphis men's basketball team is headed elsewhere in the wake of coach Penny Hardaway's hiring.
Guard Malik Rhodes announced on social media Saturday that he asked for a release from his scholarship with the Tigers and plans to "explore other options for my future."
Rhodes is the third player to elect to leave Memphis over the past two weeks.
Freshmen Jamal Johnson and David Nickelberry both received their release and plan to transfer to another school as well.
Rhodes was a late addition to the Memphis roster this past season, committing to the Tigers in late June after playing at Barton Community College in Kansas.
The Cincinnati native's playing time fluctuated throughout the 2017-18 season. He appeared in 26 games and averaged 2.5 points and 1.2 assists as a backup point guard.
Rhodes was suspended for three games during conference play due to conduct detrimental to the team, but former coach Tubby Smith ultimately reinstated him.
His role then increased at the end of the year once leading scorer Jeremiah Martin suffered a season-ending injury.
Memphis has perimeter help on the way with the recent commitments of East point guard Alex Lomax and Hardaway's son, Jayden.
The Tigers are also hosting Chattanooga graduate transfer Nat Dixon on campus this weekend and brought Tulane commitment Connor Crabtree in for an official visit last month.
With Rhodes's departure, Memphis now has four scholarships available for next season.
College basketball's late signing period begins on April 11.