Memphis Basketball Star PJ Haggerty Enters Transfer Portal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis guard PJ Haggerty has entered the transfer portal, becoming one of the most sought-after players ahead of the upcoming college basketball season. Haggerty, who was named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year, averaged 21.7 points per game, ranking third nationally in scoring during the 2024-2025 season.

Haggerty’s decision, announced on April 17, comes after a standout year with the Memphis Tigers, where he also contributed 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. His efforts helped lead Memphis to a 29-6 record, marking the program’s best performance since the 2012-2013 season, and clinching both the AAC regular season and tournament championships.

“PJ has notified the athletic department that he wishes to test the NBA Draft process and enter his name in the NCAA transfer portal,” the Memphis athletic department stated. “We respect his wishes to explore all options.” Haggerty has two remaining seasons of eligibility, and while he explores the draft process, he hasn’t ruled out returning to Memphis.

This season, Haggerty showcased marked improvement, especially in his shooting, hitting 36.4% from beyond the arc. He also led the AAC in minutes played. Despite his impressive statistics, the Tigers faced an early exit from the NCAA Tournament, losing to 12-seed Colorado State in the first round, where he scored 18 points on 7-for-23 shooting.

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway now faces the challenge of rebuilding a roster that may lose all five of its starters next season. Notably, fellow starters are also out of eligibility, and a number of bench players have entered the transfer portal or graduated.

To rebuild, the Tigers have already secured commitments from four new players, including Temple’s Quante Berry and Western Kentucky’s Julius “King” Thedford. They are also welcoming junior college transfer Felipe Patino and freshman guard Daniel Vieira-Tuck.

“Replacing PJ will be a tall order, but we’re committed to quickly addressing our roster needs,” Hardaway said. “We’re excited about the new talent that will join our program.”

As Haggerty pursues his options, he enters the transfer portal as one of the top prospects. Discussions around his future have included the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Some estimates suggest his NIL valuation could be around $1.7 million, which could attract offers from other programs eager to enhance their lineups.

Hardaway has acknowledged the potential influence of NIL compensation in retaining players like Haggerty, emphasizing the importance of building a competitive roster through both talent and financial incentives.

With the NCAA’s deadline for players testing the draft waters approaching on June 15, Haggerty’s decision to enter the transfer portal adds a significant twist to the college basketball landscape. His future remains uncertain as he navigates his next steps, leaving Memphis fans eager for updates.