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Hello, and welcome to the return of the Tigers Basketball Insider after a hiatus. Below, you’ll find the latest news and analysis from The Daily Memphian’s Steven Johnson and Geoff Calkins.
Greetings, Memphis fans.
This is my first Tigers Basketball Insider and it couldn’t be happening at a better time. For those that aren’t familiar with my work, I’ve been with The Daily Memphian over a year now.
I previously worked on the football beat before sliding over to basketball earlier this year. As a native Memphian, I know how important this beat is to the city. With that introduction out of the way, let’s get to some news.
The Tigers are putting the finishing touches on their 2021 recruiting class. Memphis added a commitment from Jalen Duren last Friday and sources say the Tigers are the leader for Emoni Bates, who also reclassified into 2021.
His decision is coming up rapidly and would be the final piece for a special class. The Tigers’ 2022 class could be just as potent when the dust settles.
Memphis holds three commitments from Bartlett guard Amarr Knox, Georgia guard Zocko Littleton and Maryland wing Noah Batchelor. That class currently ranks 17th on 247Sports.
All three are expected to be players that will be with the program and develop for a few years as they grow into their roles. Now expect Penny Hardaway and the rest of the Memphis staff to go big game hunting to finish off the class.
Here’s a look at the top prospects Memphis fans should know about in 2022.
Chris Livingston, SF: Livingston is the type of star that would take this class from good to great. He’s rated the No. 3 overall player in the class and is high on Memphis. Some think the Tigers are the leaders for the Ohio forward and the staff is still working on a setting up an official visit in the future.
AJ Casey, PF: Rated the No. 33 player in his class, the Chicago forward included Memphis in his top eight along with Marquette, Florida, Gonzaga, Illinois, Michigan, DePaul and Ohio State.
Malik Reneau, PF: A top 50 player in the class, Reneau has already taken an official visit to Memphis and included the Tigers in his top seven. The 6-foot-8 Florida forward was one of the most productive players at the Nike Peach Jam.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, CG: Hood-Schifino picked up an offer the Tigers late last month and subsequently made his final five. At 6-foot-4, Hood-Schifino is an explosive combo guard that is ranked No. 24 in the nation. He recently played with Team Thad in the Peach Jam alongside Knox.
Chandler Jackson, CG: The Christian Brothers standout guard is one of the hottest prospects in the country, having just picked up an offer from Kansas. 247Sports ranks Jackson just outside the Top 50 at 54.
Solomon Washington, PF: Another Team Thad standout, Washington is rated the No. 145 player in 2022. He included Memphis in his final five alongside Houston, Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU.
More from your Insider:
The Tigers’ nonconference home schedule is headlined by a matchup with Alabama in December.
Jalen Duren’s commitment, and the potential addition of Emoni Bates, have some believing Penny Hardaway’s University of Memphis Tigers are headed to the Top 20 ranking or better.
Yes, Penny Hardaway has landed big recruits before. But getting Jalen Duren is different. It could be the start of a glorious new era of Tigers basketball.
Penny Hardaway won one of the biggest recruiting battles of his career by securing the services of five-star big Jalen Duren.
Hornett spent a season with the Golden State Warriors and three seasons at Saint Louis University before coming to Memphis.
Johnathan Lawson is part of the name, image and likeness movement in which players at Memphis get paid for their time.
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