Here's who can return to Memphis basketball in 2025-26, and what they said about futures
SEATTLE — Memphis basketball's season is over.
And so, as it goes these days in college basketball, next season has already started. The transfer portal window opens on Monday, and Tigers coach Penny Hardaway will undoubtedly be very active.
The Tigers had only one player — Nicholas Jourdain — who played the last two seasons for the Tigers. Memphis lost 78-70 to Colorado State in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday, and a handful of the players who took the floor for the Tigers could return next season.
That conversation has to start with All-American guard PJ Haggerty, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Memphis fans have showered him with "one more year" chants whenever they've had the opportunity over the past few weeks, but he hasn't made any definitive statements about his future plans.
"I don't really know right now," Haggerty said after the game. "I didn't expect the season to go like this. But I'm going to just talk to my family, just be with my family."
Here's a quick rundown of who else could return and what they said Friday.
Memphis basketball players with more collegiate eligibility
Big man Dain Dainja is out of collegiate eligibility, but he's said he may apply for an NCAA waiver after his freshman year at Baylor was cut short because of an injury and a decision to transfer. He didn't have an update on Friday.
"I haven't really paid too much attention to it," he said. "The game was all my attention. I'm going to circle back on it now and just see what it is."
Guard Baraka Okojie, who started Friday's game with Tyrese Hunter and Dante Harris out injured, said he hadn't made any decisions.
"I'm focused on spending my last couple times with these guys," Okojie said. "I love the city, I love the team, but I haven't made no decisions on anything."
Forward PJ Carter said he'd loved his experience in Memphis but did not comment on his future.
"Everything's just so fresh right now," he said. "Just kind of taking it slow."
While freshman guard Jared Harris (who did not play on Friday) said he'll remember "not really getting the playing time I wanted" this season, he told The Commercial Appeal he'll consider a return next season.
"I have to get back with my people. But I really like Memphis. And I'll probably consider coming back here next year. It just depends on how many people we have coming back and what it's looking like next year."
Harris has one more year. Forward Damarion "Dink" Yates, who has played sparingly this season, has at least two more years of eligibility. Bouna Kebe, who redshirted this season, could be back too.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Who can return to Memphis basketball roster in 2025-26?
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