Basketball, football and NIL: Making money as a Memphis Tiger
With NIL becoming bigger and bigger — the disparity among how much each student-athlete is paid seems bound to grow wider and wider.
With NIL becoming bigger and bigger — the disparity among how much each student-athlete is paid seems bound to grow wider and wider.
Jeffries was a four-star, top-100 prospect out of Olive Branch High when he joined the Memphis Tigers as part of coach Penny Hardaway’s No. 1-ranked 2019 recruiting class.
Parth Upadhyaya and John Martin discuss Memphis basketball’s ongoing search for a wing, Caleb Mills’ pursuit of an eligibility waiver, the Tigers’ decision to hire Ed Scott as their new AD and more.
Nowadays — three years after NIL was made official on July 1, 2021 — some of college sports’ highest-paid athletes are millionaires in an ecosystem composed of kids, coaches, collectives and even agents.
Tomlin, a 6-foot-8 versatile big man, averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 39.6% from 3-point range for Memphis last season.
“My tool kit is robust, having dealt with major infractions at Morgan State,” new Memphis Tigers athletic director says.
While Ed Scott works toward leaving the University of Memphis athletic department even better than he found it, his very presence as the new athletic director can inspire others.
Ed Scott and his young daughter Tia are a hit with Memphis Tigers supporters as he is introduced as the school’s new AD. Ed Scott’s resume prepares him for whatever comes Memphis’ wayRelated content:
Ed Scott, who was introduced as Memphis’ new AD in a press conference Friday, spoke about the Tigers’ place in conference realignment, how the university could fare in a future revenue-sharing model in college sports, and more.
It’s hard to imagine that Penny Hardaway is done adding to his roster, but it’s fair to wonder if there’s anyone he could bring in at this stage of the year that would make significant contributions next season.
Jones, a 6-foot-4 wing, led Memphis with 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 38% from 3-point range last season.
As the U of M waits for its new athletic director’s first day on the job, the rest of the Tigers athletic department traverses a path of unknowns throughout a summer of uncertainty.
Ed Scott is the new AD at the University of Memphis. All he has to do is direct the largest construction project in program history, raise millions in cash, get Tiger hoops on track and lift the university into the Power 5.Related story:
Memphis’ new athletic director is called “a forward-thinking, transformative leader with the vision to help us achieve the full potential of Tiger athletics.”Related article:
Virginia deputy athletic director Ed Scott emerged as one of three finalists for the Memphis AD job and all indications are the Tigers plan to hire him.
A few former Tigers will wait to see where they land when the NBA Draft begins Wednesday.
“God we give you all the praise,” Penny Hardaway wrote on his Instagram. “I thank you for your favor for my mother. The Cancer is in Complete remission. #godisgood #godgotus”
During an hourlong radio show, the Tigers basketball coach spoke of what would happen to the program he loves if he ever left, and also discussed his mother’s health issues and what he believes has been unfair criticism from local media.Related story:
Mills, a 6-foot-5 guard who transferred to Memphis from Florida State in April 2023, suffered a patellar fracture in his left knee Jan. 4 in the Tigers’ road win over Tulsa. He underwent successful surgery Jan. 9.
The 6-foot-1 walk-on point guard says his departure from the Tigers wasn’t “really my choice” and last season playing for Penny Hardaway was “the worst experience I’ve experienced.”
A year after leaving Memphis for Creighton, Lawson is again looking for a new home. Shelby County Pro-Am League returns with familiar faces at new locationRelated story:
The Memphis Tigers now are expected to interview up to 10 candidates for their vacant athletic director job, including current interim AD Jeff Crane.
The league, which consists of glorified pick-up games featuring some of the best professional, college and even high school players with 901 ties, returns for a fifth year Tuesday at Crosstown High.
Cooper, the stepson of Rodney Newsom — a former Tigers forward from 1992 to 1996 who was teammates with coach Penny Hardaway — totaled eight points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in 50 minutes through six games last season.
What are the best and worst parts about the Memphis athletic director job?