In a significant development for college basketball, Memphis star guard PJ Haggerty has announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Haggerty, who has been a standout player for the Tigers, made the announcement on April 17, 2025, and is now set to become one of the most sought-after players in the portal.
At just 21 years old, Haggerty is a redshirt junior and will be looking for his fourth program in four seasons. He began his college career at TCU, where he played only six games before transferring to Tulsa. At Tulsa, he made a name for himself by winning the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Freshman of the Year award. Most recently, he joined Penny Hardaway's program at Memphis, where he truly shined.
This past season, Haggerty averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game, ranking third in the nation in scoring. His performance also included averages of 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals. His remarkable scoring ability earned him the AAC Player of the Year award and a spot on the second-team All-American list. Haggerty's standout performance during the AAC tournament included a record-tying 42 points in a thrilling quarterfinal victory over Wichita State, helping lead Memphis to both the regular-season and conference tournament titles.
Haggerty's decision to enter the transfer portal opens the door for numerous programs to pursue him, and speculation about his next destination is already heating up. Alabama, Kentucky, and Texas have emerged as potential landing spots. Alabama recently lost star point guard Mark Sears to graduation and has the resources to make a strong offer. Kentucky, meanwhile, is rumored to be looking for a lead guard, especially with their interest in North Dakota transfer Treysen Eaglestaff. Texas, Haggerty's home state, also needs guards, making them a logical contender in this pursuit.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway faces a daunting challenge as he looks to rebuild his roster, with Haggerty's departure being just one of several changes. The Tigers are losing at least three, and possibly all five, of their starters from this season's team, which reached the NCAA tournament as a five-seed. Four backups are also either out of eligibility or have entered the transfer portal, leaving a significant gap in the lineup.
Despite the uncertainty, Memphis has already begun to address its roster needs by securing commitments from several transfers, including Temple guard Quante Berry, Western Kentucky guard Julius "King" Thedford, South Carolina guard Zachary Davis, and Saint Mary's wing Ashton Hardaway. Additionally, incoming freshman guard Daniel Vieira-Tuck and junior college transfer guard Felipe Patino have committed to join the Tigers. However, it remains unclear if guard Dante Harris or forward Bouna Kebe will return, and first-team All-AAC big man Dain Dainja is pursuing a waiver for an additional season.
Haggerty's future has been the subject of intense speculation for months, especially concerning the potential NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) compensation he could receive. Estimates suggest that Haggerty's NIL worth is around $1.7 million, which could be a significant factor in his decision-making process. After leading Memphis to a 29-8 record and a successful season, Haggerty seems poised to capitalize on his talents and explore new opportunities.
As the college basketball landscape continues to shift with the transfer portal's influence, Haggerty's move is emblematic of the changing dynamics within the sport. His scoring prowess and accolades make him a highly attractive prospect for any program looking to enhance its roster heading into the next season.
With the transfer portal now open, Haggerty's decision could reshape the future of several college basketball programs as they vie for one of the top talents available. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where the talented guard lands next, as his choice will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the teams involved.
