Memphis basketball entered the 2024-25 season with lofty expectations, and for good reason. Under head coach Penny Hardaway, they captured the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular-season and tournament titles, finishing with a 29-6 record and a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The frontcourt, anchored by unanimous first-team All-AAC selection Dain Dainja, was a cornerstone of their success. Dainja, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound force, averaged 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting an AAC-leading 61.5% from the field.
His 22-point, 12-rebound performance in the conference championship game against UAB epitomized his dominance, helping Memphis secure its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022. However, a first-round defeat to No. 12 Colorado State (81-74) exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the paint, where the Tigers allowed 44 points.
On June 26, 2025, the NCAA denied Dainja’s eligibility waiver request for a sixth season, ending his collegiate career. Dainja, who began at Baylor (2020-21, redshirt), played sparingly there (three games in 2021-22), and then starred at Illinois (2022-24) before transferring to Memphis, had hoped his limited Baylor minutes and a 2020-21 foot injury would justify an extra year. The NCAA’s ruling, citing his five seasons across three schools, forced Memphis to pivot. Dainja’s subsequent signing with the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster marked the end of his collegiate career, where he ranked third nationally in offensive rebounding and 21st in block percentage, per KenPom.
Dainja’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Memphis’ frontcourt. His 14.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game were critical to the Tigers’ 29 wins, and his 61.5% field goal percentage led the AAC. His ability to dominate the low post, secure offensive rebounds (3.1 per game), and protect the rim (1.2 blocks per game) made him a matchup nightmare. Without him, Memphis loses not only production but also a physical presence that anchored their interior defense and rebounding, where they ranked 14th (34.8 rebounds per game) and 22nd (6.8 blocks per game) in the AAC in 2024-25. The first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Colorado State highlighted the need for consistent paint defense, a role Dainja filled with his 255-pound frame. The emotional and cultural impact is equally significant.
More: Ranking the Top Transfer Portal Additions Under Penny Hardaway
Dainja’s heartfelt social media post after the NCAA’s ruling— “I love Memphis. I love the fans,” he said on Hardaway’s radio show—underscored his role as a team leader and fan favorite. His absence forces Hardaway to rely on unproven or less experienced bigs, risking a drop in frontcourt efficiency. The Tigers’ 2024-25 success (29-6) relied on a balanced attack, with Dainja complementing All-American guard PJ Haggerty (21.8 points per game), who also entered the transfer portal before committing to Kansas State. Without Dainja, Memphis faces pressure to rebuild a frontcourt capable of competing in a tough non-conference slate, followed by games in the American.
Aaron Bradshaw: A High-Upside Replacement
To fill Dainja’s void, Hardaway secured Ohio State transfer Aaron Bradshaw, a 7-foot-1, 225-pound center and former McDonald’s All-American. Bradshaw, who played at Kentucky (2023-24) and Ohio State (2024-25), brings elite potential but inconsistent production. In 2024-25, he averaged 6.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 22 games for the Buckeyes, shooting 49.0% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line. His 7-foot-5 wingspan and fluid athleticism make him a rim protector (1.3 blocks per game at Ohio State) and lob threat, but his slight frame and injury history—a foot injury limited him at Kentucky—raise questions about his physicality.
Fit Analysis: Bradshaw fits Hardaway’s system, emphasizing versatile bigs who can run the floor and finish in transition, as seen with past stars like James Wiseman and Jalen Duren. His 49.0% field goal percentage and ability to stretch the floor (31.6% from three in limited attempts) align with Memphis’s up-tempo offense, which ranked 18th nationally in pace (72.1 possessions per game) in 2024-25. Defensively, Bradshaw’s length can replicate Dainja’s rim protection, though his 2.7 rebounds per game suggest he must improve on the glass to match Dainja’s 7.4. Hardaway’s history of developing NBA-bound bigs—Wiseman (No. 2 pick), Duren (No. 13), Precious Achiuwa (No. 20)—bodes well for Bradshaw, who needs a breakout season to boost his 2026 NBA Draft stock.
Challenges: Bradshaw’s lighter frame (225 pounds vs. Dainja’s 255) may struggle against physical AAC posts, and his 22-game sample at Ohio State lacks Dainja’s consistency (37 games, 14.6 points). His injury history requires careful load management, especially with a thin frontcourt. However, his upside as a two-way player could see him average 10-12 points and 5-6 rebounds, making him a key starter if he adapts to Hardaway’s system.
Simon Majok: Immediate Impact or Long-Term Asset?
Memphis bolstered its frontcourt with Simon Majok, a 7-foot-1, 225-pound international prospect from South Sudan, who signed in June 2025. Described as a “major piece” by the University of Memphis Athletics, Majok joins a legacy of elite bigs under Hardaway. His size, length, and reported shot-blocking instincts draw comparisons to former Tiger Moussa Cisse, but his lack of college experience makes his 2025-26 role uncertain.
Immediate Impact Potential: Majok’s raw athleticism and 7-foot-1 frame could make him a defensive factor from day one, particularly in rim protection and rebounding, where Memphis needs help post-Dainja. His South Sudanese background suggests a high motor, akin to players like Bol Bol, and Hardaway’s staff excels at integrating raw bigs into defined roles. In non-conference games against lower-tier opponents, Majok could see 10-15 minutes off the bench, focusing on blocks (projected 1-2 per game) and offensive rebounds. However, his offensive game—likely limited to dunks and putbacks—may not be ready for significant AAC minutes, especially against skilled bigs.
Long-Term Asset: Majok’s ceiling is higher than his immediate impact. As a developmental prospect, he’s a long-term investment for 2026-27, when he could pair with Bradshaw or replace him if Bradshaw goes pro. Starting in June 2025, his summer workouts will be critical for learning Hardaway’s system and adding strength to his 225-pound frame. If he follows the trajectory of Jalen Duren, who went from raw freshman to NBA lottery pick in one year, Majok could emerge as a starter by 2026.
Projection: Majok is more likely a rotational piece in 2025-26, averaging 4-6 points and 3-4 rebounds in 10-15 minutes per game. His immediate impact will depend on adapting to college physicality, but his long-term potential makes him a valuable addition.
New Big Man Additions and Depth
Beyond Bradshaw and Majok, Memphis added frontcourt depth with William Whorton (6-foot-8, South Dakota State transfer) and Daniel Vieira-Tuck (Overtime Elite). Whorton, the only other newcomer with traditional post experience, averaged modest stats at South Dakota State (5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds in 2024-25) but brings size and rebounding (6.1 rebounds per 40 minutes). Vieira-Tuck is less proven and adds depth, but is unlikely to start. Hasan Abdul-Hakim (6-foot-8, UTRGV transfer, 13.3 points, 6.8 rebounds) and Ashton Hardaway (6-foot-8, Saint Mary’s transfer) provide length but play more like wings, limiting their post impact.
Rotation Scenarios for 2025-26
Memphis’ frontcourt rotation will hinge on Bradshaw’s development and Majok’s readiness. Here are two likely scenarios:
Balanced Rotation with Bradshaw as Anchor:
Starters: Aaron Bradshaw (C, 28 minutes, 10-12 points, 5-6 rebounds), Hasan Abdul-Hakim (PF, 25 minutes, 8-10 points, 6 rebounds).
Bench: Simon Majok (C, 12-15 minutes, 4-6 points, 3-4 rebounds), William Whorton (PF/C, 10-12 minutes, 3-5 points), Daniel Vieira-Tuck (5-8 minutes, spot duty).
Analysis: Bradshaw starts at center, leveraging his length for rim protection and lobs, while Abdul-Hakim’s versatility stretches defenses. This rotation prioritizes size but lacks Dainja’s scoring punch, projecting 25-30 frontcourt points per game.
Dainja’s waiver denial was tough for Memphis, but Hardaway always thinks two steps ahead regarding roster configuration. A plan will be in place when the team prepares for the upcoming season. The next course of action may not feature a player with Dainja’s skillset, but it should be formidable enough to remain competitive in the AAC.
Show Your Support
Show your support for the Memphis Wire on Sports View 360 by exploring and purchasing licensed NCAA fan gear. From stylish Memphis hats, jerseys, and t-shirts to cozy socks and much more, our collection offers a range of options to showcase your team spirit. By purchasing through the text link provided below, you contribute to the funding of the Sports View 360 platform, enabling us to continue providing comprehensive coverage and engaging content. If interested, click the link below and browse our Memphis Tigers fan gear selection. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Memphis Tigers Fan Gear Offers from Fanatics.com
