Following a tough 78-70 loss to Colorado State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball program is now navigating a wave of uncertainty.
The disappointing end to their season has been compounded by news of several players opting to enter the transfer portal, leaving fans and coaching staff alike with more questions than answers heading into the offseason.
Among the most significant departures is standout point guard PJ Haggerty.
After an impressive season where he averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, Haggerty has decided to explore opportunities elsewhere.
His performance has made him one of the most attractive prospects in the transfer portal, and there’s little doubt that a number of top-tier programs will be vying for his commitment.
In addition to Haggerty, Memphis is set to lose Dain Dainja, a 6-foot-9, 271-pound center who has also entered the portal.
Dainja emerged as a force in the paint during the 2024–25 season, averaging 14.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and nearly a steal per game, all while shooting an efficient 61.5% from the field.
His standout performance in the postseason included a 22-point, 12-rebound outing against Colorado State,
as well as a crucial 23-point, 11-rebound effort that helped Memphis edge out Tulane in the American Athletic Conference title game.
Before joining Memphis, Dainja spent time with both Illinois and Baylor, steadily developing his game across different systems.
His recent breakout year has fueled speculation about his potential as an NBA prospect, especially if he continues on this upward trajectory.
Although he may be considered slightly undersized for an NBA center, his strong post presence and evolving offensive game give him a unique edge.
For head coach Penny Hardaway, a former NBA All-Star, the coming months will be pivotal.
With two of his most reliable contributors on the way out, rebuilding the roster and maintaining team morale will be no small task.
As Memphis retools, the college basketball world will be watching closely to see how the Tigers respond to these significant changes.