The college basketball transfer market has a new headliner. PJ Haggerty, Memphis Tigers’ sophomore sensation and AAC Player of the Year, has officially entered the transfer portal. The 6’3″ guard from Crosby, Texas, averaged an impressive 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last season, earning Second Team All-American honors.
This isn’t Haggerty’s first rodeo in the portal. After brief stints at TCU and Tulsa, he found his rhythm at Memphis and established himself as one of the nation’s premier scorers. His elite scoring ability, improved three-point shooting (36.4%), and knack for drawing fouls make him the most coveted transfer available in this late phase of the offseason.
Top 5 Potential Landing Spots
Alabama Crimson Tide
Under Nate Oats’ guidance, Alabama’s high-octane, analytically driven offense could be the perfect landing spot for Haggerty’s scoring prowess. The Crimson Tide faces significant backcourt turnover with the graduation of Mark Sears and the potential departure of other key players, creating an immediate need for a proven scorer.
For Haggerty, Alabama offers a chance to compete at the highest level with a program that has made recent Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight appearances. Oats’ system, which gives guards significant freedom and scoring opportunities, aligns perfectly with Haggerty’s strengths and could further refine his NBA prospects while competing for SEC championships.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky’s legendary program enters a new era under head coach Mark Pope, creating a unique opportunity for Haggerty. With several guards departing for the NBA Draft, the Wildcats have glaring needs in the backcourt that align perfectly with Haggerty’s skill set as a volume scorer and playmaker.
Pope’s offensive philosophy emphasizes pace, three-point shooting, and efficient ball movement, all areas where Haggerty thrives. Despite Kentucky’s roster featuring talented guards like Collin Chandler and transfers Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams, Haggerty’s proven high-major production would likely secure him a starting role and chance to lead a blue-blood program.
Texas Longhorns
A homecoming to the Lone Star State might prove irresistible for the Crosby, Texas, native. Under newly appointed head coach Sean Miller, the Longhorns are rebuilding their roster after significant departures, including leading scorer Tre Johnson, which could create an opportunity for Haggerty to be a centerpiece.
Miller’s track record of developing talented guards throughout his coaching career at Xavier and Arizona could help elevate Haggerty’s game to the next level. The chance to play high-major basketball in his home state while serving as a key player for a program looking to make noise in the SEC presents a compelling case for the scoring guard.
Kansas State Wildcats
Coach Jerome Tang’s program presents an intriguing option. The Wildcats have lost their entire starting lineup, creating a significant opportunity for Haggerty to immediately step in as the primary offensive option.
While Tang’s reputation centers on defensive excellence, Kansas State’s noted need for improved offensive efficiency makes Haggerty a perfect fit. His scoring ability would be crucial in helping the Wildcats remain competitive in the challenging Big 12 Conference after their recent Elite Eight run, potentially forming the foundation of Tang’s next tournament team.
Providence Friars
Coach Kim English is actively rebuilding Providence’s roster to fit his up-tempo offensive system, making Haggerty’s scoring ability and improved three-point shot particularly valuable. Like Kansas State, Providence was among the schools that originally recruited Haggerty before his Memphis commitment, suggesting mutual interest.
Providence allows Haggerty to be the unquestioned offensive focal point in the respected Big East Conference. While the current roster includes players like Rich Barron and transfers Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers, Haggerty’s proven high-major production would immediately make him Providence’s top option and potentially accelerate their return to NCAA Tournament contention under English’s guidance.
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Wherever Haggerty ultimately lands, his elite scoring ability and experience will provide an immediate impact. After averaging over 21 points per game in consecutive seasons at different schools, he has proven he can produce regardless of environment, making him the rare transfer who truly lives up to the “plug and play” billing.
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