Louisville transfer Lance Thomas visits Memphis
Memphis men's basketball coach Penny Hardaway might add another piece to his roster this offseason.
Forward Lance Thomas, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Louisville, confirmed in a brief telephone conversation that he visited the University of Memphis on Thursday.
Thomas appeared in 12 games and averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds as a freshman with the Cardinals this past season, but he elected to continue his college career elsewhere earlier this month after the hiring of new coach Chris Mack.
The Norcross, Ga., native was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and ranked No. 120 in the country by 247Sports Composite rankings. According to his bio on the Louisville athletics website, Thomas chose the Cardinals over schools such as Miami, Florida and USC.
Thomas has three years of eligibility remaining, but must sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules.
It's unclear how Hardaway would make room for Thomas. Memphis has no scholarships available for next year following the signing of 6-foot-7 wing David Wingett earlier this month.
However, Hardaway's son, Jayden, is an incoming freshman and slated to be on scholarship. He could become a walkon if Memphis secured Thomas' commitment.
Forward Karim Sameh Azab is also undergoing treatment for leukemia and his status for next season remains in doubt.
Memphis signed junior college transfer Isaiah Maurice, who began his college career at Kansas State, to help fortify its front court next season. The Tigers return second-leading scorer Kyvon Davenport, forward Mike Parks Jr. and sophomore Victor Enoh down low.
East High School's Alex Lomax, Cordova star Tyler Harris and former Texas A&M signee Antwann Jones are also ncoming freshmen in Hardaway's 2018 recruiting class.