What started as PJ Haggerty’s dream scenario quickly became a harsh reality check. The former Memphis star entered the transfer portal with extraordinary expectations, demanding over $4 million in NIL compensation while positioning himself as college basketball’s premier available talent.
However, as the May 28 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline approaches, Haggerty finds himself increasingly precarious. His initial frontrunner, NC State, has shifted priorities as Darrion Williams committed to the Wolfpack, leaving Haggerty with limited options.
NC State’s Reality Check Leaves Haggerty Scrambling
CBS Sports’ Jeff Goodman posted on social media about NC State’s massive pickup of Darrion Williams, noting, “It’ll also be interesting to see what happens now with Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty – who was a heavy NC State favorite.”
It’ll also be interesting to see what happens now with Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty – who was a heavy NC State favorite. https://t.co/RBm1z6bopI
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 22, 2025
Another subsequent social media analysis delivered an even more devastating blow, suggesting Kansas State was now Haggerty’s only serious suitor.
“And just like that Kansas State is the only suitor left for PJ Haggerty”, adding that the guard “will be taking a pay cut to play on a team that will be picked in the bottom half of a conference that is 5 million times tougher than the AAC.”
Williams’ commitment fundamentally altered Haggerty’s landscape. NC State’s NIL budget constraints forced difficult decisions, with resources potentially redirected from Haggerty to secure Williams. This left the former AAC Player of the Year scrambling as his $4 million asking price proved unrealistic in the current market.
Kansas State Emerges as Haggerty’s Unlikely Lifeline
As NC State’s interest seems waned, Kansas State emerges as Haggerty’s primary remaining option. The Wildcats have reportedly gained significant momentum in recent weeks, offering what sources describe as a “stronger financial package” than other remaining suitors.
However, this represents a dramatic shift from Haggerty’s original championship aspirations.
Kansas State finished last season with modest expectations and projects to struggle in the increasingly competitive Big 12 Conference. For a player who led Memphis to a 29-6 record and both AAC regular season and tournament titles, joining a potential bottom-half Big 12 team represents a significant step down in immediate competitive prospects.
The recruitment timeline has also worked against Haggerty. His focus on the NBA Draft process has slowed his college recruitment, allowing other programs to move on to alternative targets. With the May 28 withdrawal deadline looming, Haggerty faces a compressed decision window that limits his leverage in negotiations.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway’s program, meanwhile, has moved on completely. Sources indicate a return to Memphis is now “improbable,” eliminating what might have been Haggerty’s safety net. Ole Miss has similarly stepped back from active recruitment, leaving Kansas State as his primary viable option.
The contrast between Haggerty’s initial expectations and current reality reflects broader changes in the transfer portal landscape. His 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game at Memphis, along with consensus Second Team All-American honors, should have commanded premium compensation.
However, the market has proven less receptive to his $4 million demands than anticipated.
NBA Draft feedback has also complicated his decision. While Haggerty performed well at the NBA Combine, scouts project him as a potential second-round pick who could go undrafted.
This uncertainty has kept him in the college market longer than expected, allowing other programs to secure alternative targets and reducing his leverage in negotiations.
KEEP READING: Why College Basketball Players Keep Transfer Options Open After Declaring for the NBA Draft
Haggerty’s situation shows the harsh realities of modern transfer portal dynamics. Despite his impressive statistical production and accolades, the combination of unrealistic financial expectations and poor timing has left him with limited options as the deadline approaches.
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