Memphis basketball transfer addition predictions
Penny Hardaway tipped his hand earlier this year when he said the transfer portal would be his main resource for Memphis basketball roster reconstruction.
The Tigers coach made his first move of the offseason Tuesday, securing the commitment of Georgia Southern graduate transfer Elijah Mccadden. The 6-4 guard (who plays more like a wing), brings a veteran presence along with solid career numbers (9.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 apg). Mccadden led the Eagles in scoring last season and was named the Sun Belt’s Sixth Man of the Year.
But the Tigers have more holes to fill following the departures of Landers Nolley II, Earl Timberlake, John Camden, Sam Onu, the expected departures of Jalen Duren and Josh Minott, and the uncertain statuses of Deandre Williams, Lester Quinones and Emoni Bates, among others.
Where might Hardaway turn to bolster his roster? Here are some ideas.
Kendric Davis
One of the newest names in the transfer portal, SMU star point guard Kendric Davis is already being coveted by the who’s who of college basketball.
And why not? He ranks as ESPN’S No. 1 overall player in the portal. He’s reigning AAC Player of the Year. He has averaged 19 points or more each of the past two seasons. Davis, who logged 20point performances 15 times last season, is also an elite distributor. Last season, he averaged 4.4 assists after finishing fourth in the nation the season before with 7.6 per contest.
The Tigers could have a need at point guard, depending on whether Alex Lomax decides to use his COVID year. Even if Lomax is back and you have a chance to land Davis, you seize it. Davis, whose career began at TCU, could envision a year under Hardaway as just what he needs to make progress in his quest for an NBA career.
I like Memphis’ chances with Davis. Confidence meter: 9
Terry Roberts
Whether Davis winds up at Memphis or not, Roberts is someone to keep an eye on. The 6-3 guard earned first-team All-missouri Valley Conference honors
and was named the league’s newcomer of the year after posting 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
A junior college product (Florida Southwestern State College), Roberts has already narrowed his list of suitors to 10, which includes the Tigers. But, it also includes Texas, Florida, Maryland and Oregon, among others.
Confidence meter: 6
Tristen Newton
Another name Memphis fans should be plenty familiar with, East Carolina point guard Tristen Newton has been a hot commodity since entering the transfer portal last month with two years of eligibility remaining.
Newton was the Pirates’ leading scorer last season (17.7 ppg) and their top assist man (5.03 apg). He also averaged 4.8 rebounds, which was second-best on the ECU team and helped him snag second team ALL-AAC honors.
Certainly capable of manning the lead guard spot, Newton can (and has) played well off the ball as well. A 33.3% shooter from 3-point land, Newton seems to be more at ease as a catchand-shoot guy.
Confidence meter: 7
Mystery big man
The Tigers have a massive need at the center position. Assuming Malcolm Dandridge and Chandler Lawson return, there is built-in depth down low.
But Hardaway saw firsthand just what a difference-making big can do for
you when Duren became a key cog during Memphis’ hot stretch drive.
There are top-tier post players available in the transfer portal now. The Tigers have been in touch with the likes of Morehead State center Johni Broome (6-10, 235) and Louisiana Tech big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. (6-7, 275). But it’s entirely possible — as names continue to flow into the portal — Hardaway will continue surveying the field, holding out hope that his next starting center hasn’t thrown his name into the ring yet.
Confidence meter: 8
Norchad Omier
The Sun Belt Player of the Year and two-time all-conference first-teamer, Arkansas State’s Norchad Omier is averaging a double-double (15.6 and 12.2) after his first two seasons in college.
Despite being an undersized big (6-7, 235), Omier’s active style helped him also land Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021-22.
The Tigers are in the mix for Omier, but it feels like it would take a swing in momentum to land him.
Confidence meter: 5
Honorable mentions
Illinois State guard Antonio Reeves (6-6, 185): 20.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.8 apg in 2021-22, his third college season
Alabama forward Juwan Gary (6-6, 218): 6.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg. Scored careerhigh 19 in win over Houston
Louisiana Tech center Kenneth Lofton Jr. (6-7, 275): 16.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.8 apg
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.