College basketball analysts are sounding the alarm for Memphis basketball following the departure of star player PJ Haggerty.
In a recent basketball roundtable, analysts declared Memphis the most significant casualty of this year’s transfer portal frenzy. One expert bluntly stated, “Memphis, to me, is the biggest loser” after losing their second-team All-American.
Financial Reality Drives PJ Haggerty’s Decision
The Tigers’ portal woes have left coach Penny Hardaway scrambling to fill the void left by Haggerty, who averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field last season.
After earning AAC Player of the Year honors and leading Memphis to a 29-6 record, his departure represents a seismic shift for a program with high expectations.
According to the discussion between analysts, Haggerty’s decision to enter the portal was financially motivated, with one analyst defending the player’s choice
“I don’t know how much you can fault PJ Haggerty for to be able to go out and chase that bag.”
The market for top transfers has exploded, with reports indicating Haggerty’s camp is seeking a $4 million-plus NIL deal, along with point guard role guarantees.
One analyst revealed conversations with coaches who indicated Haggerty’s price tag was astronomical.
“I talked with one coach who told me that they were interested in bringing in PJ Haggerty, but they weren’t going to be able to sell to take out a second mortgage on the arena, so that they weren’t going to be able to afford him coming in.”
Memphis Struggling to Replace Star Power
While Hardaway hasn’t completely closed the door on Haggerty’s return stating “He’s focusing on the NBA… didn’t close the door on us. I’d love to have him back if NIL talks stall” the roster situation remains dire.
Memphis is losing its entire starting lineup with Tyrese Hunter, Colby Rogers, Nick Jourdain and Dain Dainja all exhausting eligibility alongside Haggerty’s portal entry.
The Tigers’ current transfer additions pale in comparison to their losses. As one analyst pointed out “Memphis I think their biggest ad right now is Sincere Parker which like he’s fine.
He was good for MCN State last year but when you are the Memphis Tigers and the biggest thing that you have coming in coming off of the season like you had is Sincere Parker while losing a second team all-American, it’s just that’s a tough pill to swallow.”
The Tigers still have talented young players, but the experience gap left by Haggerty remains a critical concern.
Aaron Bradshaw, once considered a potential impact player, has underperformed expectations according to one analyst: “The Aaron Bradshaw that I thought was going to show up in college hasn’t shown up yet.”
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
This comes after Memphis finished with 29 wins last season capturing both regular season and conference tournament titles before a disappointing First Round NCAA Tournament exit.
In this evolving college basketball ecosystem where NIL deals have created unprecedented player movement, Memphis represents a cautionary tale.
After achieving a No. 25 ranking in the final AP Poll, Hardaway faces the challenging reality of rebuilding with limited options as they attempt to overcome what analysts see as a devastating offseason for a program that can’t match the financial firepower of bigger schools.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
