TIGERS

First, Memphis basketball got hit with the news that consensus All-America guard PJ Haggerty was entering the transfer portal, potentially bringing an end to his Tigers career after just one season.

Then, widespread reports surfaced that unanimous first-team all-conference big man Dain Dainja − despite currently being out of eligibility to compete at the college level − was also planning to enter the portal.

But in less than an hour, Dainja refuted those reports.

“Not going anywhere. No decisions have been made,” Dainja posted on X the afternoon of April 17.

Dainja, whose career began at Baylor and continued at Illinois before spending this season at Memphis, is pursuing a waiver in hopes of playing another season. There is no guarantee the NCAA will grant his request.

Dainja struggled with consistency early in 2024-25, but came on strong late, playing like one of the best big men in the country. He averaged 15.0 points and 7.7 rebounds a game as a senior.

Haggerty’s move does not constitute finality with regard to his association with Penny Hardaway’s Tigers. Haggerty could decide to withdraw and return to Memphis. But the prospect of losing him (and his 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game) is a sobering one for a program coming of its best season in more than a decade.

Only guard Dante Harris and forward Bouna Kebe (who redshirted this season) are players from the 2024-25 roster with eligibility remaining who have not entered the transfer portal.

Hardaway has made headway in his efforts to rebuild his roster yet again. In April, he has secured commitments from transfers Quante Berry, Julius “King” Thedford, Ashton Hardaway and Zachary Davis. Memphis has also hosted official visits for Ohio State power forward Aaron Bradshaw, Villanova guard Kris Parker and McNeese State guard Sincere Parker in the past three days.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected], follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.