Memphis basketball’s aggressive roster reconstruction hit another gear when guard Dante Harris entered the transfer portal on May 21, just one day after LSU transfer Curtis Givens III committed to the Tigers. The timing wasn’t coincidental as Memphis’s backcourt suddenly became overcrowded with talent.
Overcrowded Roster Causes Memphis Guard Dante Harris To Enter Transfer Portal
According to 247Sports, “after the University of Memphis added LSU transfer Curtis Givens III to the point guard table, the room got crowded and unfortunately Dante Harris was the odd man out.” Harris now searches for his fourth collegiate program after previous stops at Georgetown, Virginia, and Memphis.
NEWS: Memphis G Dante Harris has filed the paperwork to enter the transfer portal, source confirms.
Memphis just recently added Curtis Givens III, who slots in as the backup PG behind Dug McDaniel. This pushed Dante to the be the third-string PG, and it’s a key reason as to why… pic.twitter.com/9VAMTsHX8T
— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) May 21, 2025
NC State Wolfpack
NC State presents an intriguing opportunity for Harris to showcase his defensive prowess in the competitive ACC. The Wolfpack finished 12-19 last season and desperately need backcourt stability and veteran leadership that Harris can provide immediately upon arrival.
Head coach Will Wade’s aggressive defensive schemes would perfectly complement Harris’s 1.8 career steals per game and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Georgetown Hoyas
A homecoming to Georgetown, where Harris earned 2021 Big East Tournament MOP honors, could reignite his collegiate career. During his previous stint, Harris averaged 11.9 points and 4.1 assists per game while leading the Hoyas to their most successful postseason run in years.
Head coach Ed Cooley’s emphasis on physicality mixes perfectly with Harris’s defensive mentality. Georgetown’s current backcourt lacks a proven defensive stopper, and Harris would immediately upgrade their perimeter defense while mentoring younger guards in the program.
USF Bulls
South Florida offers Harris a clear path to significant playing time under new head coach Bryan Hodgson, who prioritizes disruptive defense and fueling transition offense. The Bulls finished 13-19 last season, ranking 11th in the AAC, allowing 78.2 points per game.
Hodgson’s experience developing two-way players at Arkansas State suggests he could help Harris refine his three-point shooting while maximizing his defensive instincts. Harris’s familiarity with AAC opponents from his Memphis tenure would provide immediate value to the Bulls’ scouting preparations.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies finished ninth in the ACC last season, partly due to defensive lapses, allowing 73.8 points per game. Harris’s addition to their pack-line defense would provide the perimeter containment they desperately need.
Mike Young’s motion offense requires guards to make quick reads, a skill Harris developed during his Georgetown years. Young’s track record of developing role players into key contributors suggests he could unlock Harris’s two-way potential in his final collegiate season.
Temple Owls
Temple witnessed Harris’s best Memphis performance firsthand when he scored 14 points with three rebounds, one assist and two steals in 29 minutes on February 9. The Owls set a program record, averaging 78.8 points per game, but ranked 254th in defensive efficiency.
Head coach Adam Fisher values guards who can pressure the ball, and Harris embodies that trait perfectly. His familiarity with AAC competition and defensive versatility would address Temple’s primary weakness while providing veteran leadership to their young backcourt rotation.
RELATED: Memphis Native Curtis Givens III Transfers Home to Tigers After One Season at LSU
Harris’s May 21 portal entry came nearly a month after the April 22 deadline, raising questions about NCAA regulations.
As a graduate transfer, he likely qualified for a hardship waiver or administrative exceptions that allowed his late entry despite standard portal windows closing weeks earlier.
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