PJ Haggerty, the All-American guard who recently left the Memphis Tigers, has shown signs recently that he might return to college basketball instead of advancing to the NBA. After an impressive stint at Memphis, Haggerty has become a hot commodity, with multiple programs vying for his commitment.
The latest reports indicate that Kansas State has emerged as a serious contender, potentially overtaking NC State, which had been considered the frontrunner for weeks. As of this report, the momentum seems to be shifting in Kansas State’s favor, and fans eagerly desire Haggerty’s final decision.
Kansas State Gaining Momentum In PJ Haggerty Sweepstakes
The race to land PJ Haggerty has been a rollercoaster, with several programs in the mix over the past few weeks.
Initially, Memphis was a major player, reportedly preparing a $3 million offer to keep Haggerty in the fold. According to a May 5 post from Hitmen Hoops on X, this was the highest guaranteed amount among competing schools like Ole Miss and NC State.
However, Memphis later removed itself from contention, leaving the door open for other programs to make their case. NC State quickly emerged as the favorite, receiving multiple crystal ball predictions over the weekend following Memphis’ withdrawal.
Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Multiple sources have confirmed that Kansas State is a serious contender, with some even suggesting they took the lead.
SOURCE: Kansas State has emerged as a serious contender for Memphis transfer and All-American G PJ Haggerty, multiple sources tell me.
NC State had been the favorites for the top transfer, but sources add that Kansas State “has the momentum.”
Source adds that Kansas State’s… https://t.co/qvyTZP8XA3 pic.twitter.com/CCv1JMJIvJ
— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) May 21, 2025
“Kansas State has emerged as a serious contender for Memphis transfer and All-American G PJ Haggerty,” Hitmen Hoops reported on X, adding that the Wildcats “have the momentum” over NC State. What’s driving this sudden change? Sources point to Kansas State’s financial package, which is reportedly stronger than what NC State has put forward.
PJ Haggerty Gives Stellar Performance At NBA Draft Combine
One factor that has undoubtedly elevated Haggerty’s stock is his recent performance at the NBA Draft Combine, which wrapped up earlier this month. The combine, held in Chicago, gave college players a chance to showcase their skills in front of NBA scouts, and Haggerty did not disappoint.
Despite his success at the combine, Haggerty is widely expected to return to college for another season. Source noted that only 31 of the 106 early-entry applicants this year are considered serious threats to stay in the draft, and Haggerty, along with players like Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako and Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, is likely to play NCAA ball next season.
This decision makes sense for Haggerty, who has remaining eligibility thanks to a COVID-19 waiver from his redshirt year at TCU. Returning to college not only gives him another year to develop but also allows him to cash in on lucrative NIL opportunities.
RELATED: PJ Haggerty Emerges As One of the Top Shooters Coming out of the NBA Draft Combine Drills
So, what exactly would Kansas State be getting if it secured Haggerty’s commitment? Let’s break it down. During his time at Memphis, Haggerty was nothing short of sensational. He led the Tigers to a 29-6 record and AAC championships, averaging 21.7 points per game, which ranked him third nationally in scoring, according to ESPN’s player profile.
His ability to score from all three levels, combined with his playmaking and defensive intensity, made him a nightmare for opposing teams. At 6’3”, Haggerty has the size and skill set to dominate at the point guard position, and his experience in high-pressure situations makes him an instant-impact player.
So, Kansas State, adding a player of his caliber could be a program-changer. The Wildcats have been building momentum under head coach Jerome Tang, prioritizing recruiting top talent through the transfer portal.
Haggerty’s scoring prowess and leadership would give Kansas State a legitimate star to build around, potentially elevating them into Big 12 contention next season.
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