Memphis’ PJ Haggerty Earns All-America Honors Amid Strong Season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis sophomore PJ Haggerty was named to the 2024-25 The Sporting News All-America Second Team on Tuesday, a day after he received American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year and All-AAC First Team honors. Haggerty has been a standout for the Tigers, averaging 21.2 points per game, which ranks fifth nationally.

Haggerty’s impressive season includes leading the AAC in total points, free throws made (190), and games scoring 20-plus points (21). He is also fourth in free throws attempted (238) and averages 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. His contributions on the court have made him a key player for the Tigers, as he also leads the team in minutes per game with 36.5.

“I just try to compete every night and help my teammates,” Haggerty said. “Receiving these accolades is a testament to the hard work everyone puts in, not just myself.”

Notably, Haggerty is the only player in college basketball this season to average at least 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He celebrated a significant milestone earlier this season, scoring his 1,000th career point on Jan. 5 against North Texas, where he recorded 27 points in that game.

This award adds to Haggerty’s recognition, as he has also been honored as a First Team All-American by Andy Katz and made the Third Team by College Hoops Today. Furthermore, he is a top-5 finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award and a top-15 finalist for the Wooden Award.

The Sporting News All-America teams were selected after votes from a panel of college basketball journalists. The First Team featured Johni Broome (Auburn), Walter Clayton (Florida), Cooper Flagg (Duke), Mark Sears (Alabama), and Braden Smith (Purdue). Haggerty’s Second Team selection places him alongside Eric Dixon (Villanova), Kam Jones (Marquette), John Tonje (Wisconsin), and JT Toppin (Texas Tech). The Third Team included notable players such as LJ Cryer (Houston) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton).

Looking ahead, the No. 16 Memphis Tigers, sporting a record of 26-5 and 16-2 in the AAC, will enter the 2025 AAC Championship as the top overall seed. They will play their first game on Friday, March 14, against the winner of the No. 8 Wichita State and No. 9 South Florida matchup, with a noon tip-off on ESPN2.

For more updates on Memphis Tiger Men’s Basketball, fans can visit the team’s official site and follow their social media channels for the latest news and information.