The NCAA transfer portal has transformed the college basketball landscape, and few programs have embraced its power quite like Memphis. In an era where roster continuity is a rarity and instant impact is everything, Penny Hardaway has used the portal as a tool and a foundation for building competitive teams year after year. From high-scoring guards to versatile wings and dominant bigs, Memphis has consistently reloaded through transfers, often outperforming programs with more traditional recruiting models. Today’s story ranks the best of those additions—the top transfer portal successes under Penny Hardaway—based on their production, impact, and legacy as Tigers.
Kendrick Davis (Transfer from SMU)
Kendrick Davis arrived in Memphis before the 2022–23 season as one of the most highly decorated transfers in the country. A prolific scorer and proven playmaker from his time at SMU, Davis wasted no time becoming the engine of Penny Hardaway’s offense. In his lone season with the Tigers, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, earning AAC Player of the Year honors. Davis led Memphis to a 26-9 record and a conference tournament title, securing an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Though Memphis fell to Florida Atlantic in a heartbreaking first-round loss, Davis’ leadership, clutch scoring, and All-America caliber production made him one of the most impactful players of the Penny Hardaway era.
DeAndre Williams (Transfer from Evansville)
Few transfers have left as lasting an impact as DeAndre Williams. Joining the program in 2020, Williams brought versatility, leadership, and a unique ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. Over his multi-year career at Memphis, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His basketball IQ, passing from the high post, and ability to defend multiple positions made him invaluable. Williams was instrumental in Memphis’ 2021 NIT championship run and helped lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons. Despite injuries and eligibility drama late in his career, his emotional presence and all-around skill set defined his era in Tiger blue.
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PJ Haggerty (Transfer from Tulsa)
PJ Haggerty may have only played one season with Memphis, but he made it count. After transferring from Tulsa, Haggerty quickly became the team’s go-to scorer, averaging 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during the 2024–25 season. He earned AAC Player of the Year honors and was a consistent offensive force throughout the campaign. Though the Tigers suffered an early NCAA Tournament exit, Haggerty’s shot creation, ability to draw contact, and poise under pressure elevated Memphis all year. His breakout season led to national recognition and positioned him as one of the best one-and-done transfers in the Penny Hardaway era.
Dain Dainja (Transfer from Illinois)
Dain Dainja transferred into Memphis for the 2024–25 season and immediately provided a stabilizing presence in the paint. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, giving Memphis a reliable interior scorer and rebounder. Dainja’s soft touch around the basket and physical presence made him a matchup problem in the AAC. He earned first-team All-AAC honors and was crucial in Memphis’ regular season and conference tournament title run. Though his eligibility waiver for a second year was denied, his single season in Memphis left a lasting impression and filled a key role that had been lacking in previous years.
David Jones (Transfer from St. Johns)
David Jones was a high-upside wing who transferred to Memphis ahead of the 2023–24 season. Known for his scoring potential and rebounding prowess, Jones averaged 21.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Tigers. He provided a consistent scoring punch from the wing and developed into one of the most reliable offensive players on the roster. While Memphis didn’t qualify for an NCAA tournament berth during his tenure, Jones’s ability to stretch the floor, crash the glass, and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset and one of the top wings Penny has brought in via the portal.
Tyrese Hunter (Texas)
Tyrese Hunter joined Memphis for the 2024–25 campaign and provided veteran leadership in the backcourt. The former Texas guard averaged 13.7 points and 3.6 assists per game while also serving as a defensive anchor on the perimeter. His ability to hit timely shots and set the tone with his on-ball defense gave Memphis a level of toughness and maturity. Hunter’s experience in high-major basketball helped elevate the Tigers’ guard play and provided balance next to PJ Haggerty. He may not have had the same scoring impact as others on this list, but his intangibles and leadership were undeniable.
Landers Nolley II (Transfer from Virginia Tech)
Landers Nolley II transferred to Memphis ahead of the 2020–21 season and played two impactful years under Hardaway. He averaged 13.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in his first season, helping the Tigers win the 2021 NIT Championship. Nolley was known for his three-point shooting and ability to score in bunches. Though his second season was more up and down, he remained a key contributor and one of the team’s most talented offensive weapons. His perimeter shooting and versatility as a wing gave Memphis an edge in multiple key games.
These seven players helped define the modern Memphis program under Penny Hardaway. Whether through star power, consistency, or postseason success, each left a distinct mark on the Tigers’ recent basketball history—and showed just how important the transfer portal has become in pursuing college basketball excellence.
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