There was plenty of roster movement last week for the Memphis Tigers. 

With losing four players to the transfer portal and Lester Quinones entering his name into the NBA draft, Memphis has gone through a tough period of attrition.

Some names like Sam Onu were expected. Others like Quinones and Earl Timberlake were slightly more surprising, but either way, it seems Memphis has mostly gotten through the period of players leaving.

Tigers Basketball Insider: Memphis makes the cut for transfer point guard

Things could always change; the deadline to enter the portal isn’t until May 1, but as of today, the Tigers have a better idea of what their core will look like in 2022-23.

Here’s a quick rundown on how the roster could shape out:

Still no declaration from Duren?

The final Tigers player expected to leave is freshman center Jalen Duren. He is projected to be a top 10 pick by multiple NBA draft analysts and should be a lock for the lottery. He has to go.

If you’re wondering why he hasn’t declared yet, don’t look too deep into it. The deadline to enter the draft isn’t until April 24, and about a week ago, a source said Duren was considering his options in terms of what agency he wanted to sign with. Other expected lottery picks, such as Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Duke’s Paolo Banchero, also have yet to declare.

It’s merely a question of when, not if.

What about the Memphis kids?

Memphis currently has seven local kids on the roster: Alex Lomax, Tyler Harris, Malcolm Dandridge, Chandler Lawson, Johnathan Lawson, Tadarius Jacobs and Jayden Hardaway.

At this point, odds are that most, if not all, will return next season. Lomax and Harris have an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID year and likely will use them. The one thing to consider with Lomax is how would bringing in a transfer guard or two affect his decision?

The Tigers have reached out to East Carolina’s Tristen Newton, and are in the running for Bradley’s Terry Roberts, among others. 

Aside from that, the development of Johnathan Lawson becomes crucial this offseason. As it stands, he’ll have to play significant minutes in the backcourt.

Emoni Bates returning?

Earlier last week, Bates’ father, Elgin, told The Daily Memphian that no decision had been made yet, and it would be Emoni’s decision to make.

There’s still optimism around the program that he will return and be the centerpiece to the roster next season. Bates has been spending plenty of time at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center working on his game.

With Landers Nolley II and Quinones likely gone, there’s less of a logjam on the perimeter. His decision, which I believe may already be decided, comes down to this.

What’s better for his NBA draft standing? Another year in college, getting stronger and being one of the leading options for the Tigers? Or trying his hand at the G League or another league where the competition will be tougher?

DeAndre Williams

Williams and his camp (his mother, and longtime coach Kenneth Roy) already have said publicly that he’s considering a return to Memphis.

New Tigers NIL initiative already has a number of athletes signed up

Williams recently signed a name, image and likeness deal with a local charity through the 901 Fund. Those agreements don’t bind a player to return to a school, but could be another reason to return in order to maximize those opportunities.

As for his role on the court, he once again would be the most important player, especially defensively, and theoretically would form a 1-2 punch with Bates. There’s still time for things to change, but I also think Williams will take advantage of his extra year of eligibility.

Needs going forward

Including walk-ons Jacobs and Conor Glennon, the Tigers have 10 on the roster if everything written earlier holds firm. They have an ever clearer picture of their needs going forward.

Whether it’s through the transfer portal or grabbing a high school prospect late in the game, I think Memphis needs to try and find two players for the backcourt and the frontcourt.

In terms of guard, Memphis needs another floor general to go along with Lomax and a shooter to complement Harris, Bates and Hardaway. 

Down low, a potential return of Williams significantly helps the situation, but how do you go about replacing Duren? It’ll probably take a committee approach, and Memphis reached out to Morehead State transfer Johni Broome yesterday, per ESPN.

The 6-foot-10 big averaged 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and a staggering 3.9 blocks. He will have plenty of high-major suitors, but that’s the caliber of big Memphis hopes to find in the portal. 

The second big could be more of a combo forward, someone capable of playing the 3 or 4 and provide quality depth.

Memphis a finalist for 2023 five-star

Even with the IARP investigation looming over the program, the Tigers are still in the running for one of the best players in the country.

New U of M president talks conference realignment, NCAA sanctions

Mackenzie Mgbako, the No. 3 player in the class of 2023, included Memphis in his four finalists of his recruitment. The Tigers are battling Kentucky, Ohio State and Duke for his services. 

The 6-7 forward took an official visit to Memphis on Oct. 29. Duke could be considered the Tigers’ toughest competition, so far receiving all of the crystal ball predictions on 247Sports.