Join Today
Memphis basketball to target North Texas forward Aaron Scott
![Image](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/resize-3-1.webp)
![Image](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/resize-3-1.webp)
Penny Hardaway finished his sixth season as the Tigers’ head coach at No. 105 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency rankings.
Memphis never finished lower than No. 54 in his first five seasons, and even finished No. 1 in the 2021 campaign that concluded with a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) championship. Hardaway has always cultivated a defensive-minded approach since beginning his post in 2018. But his 2023-24 squad, which missed the NCAA Tournament despite a 15-2 start, systematically destroyed that identity.
2024-25 will be a make-or-break year for Memphis’ favorite son, so it’s crucial that Hardaway reverts his team back to status quo. And he luckily doesn’t have to look far for players who can make that happen.
Sources tell Bluff City Media that Memphis is seriously involved with North Texas forward Aaron Scott, who entered the transfer portal Monday. The 6-foot-7 junior averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 41.9% from the field and 37% from 3-point range for the Mean Green this season. A tenacious defender, Scott also put up 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
The Spring, Texas native made 34 starts for Ross Hodge’s club, which finished its campaign ranked No. 74 overall and No. 54 in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. The Mean Green were also the No. 12 scoring defense in the country this year. UNT—the 2023 NIT champion with a sophomore Scott starting in 38 contests—ultimately advanced to the second round of the 2024 tournament before falling at Seton Hall 72-58.
North Texas embarrassed Memphis when the two schools met during American Athletic Conference (AAC) play in mid-February. The Mean Green beat the Tigers 76-66 at The Super Pit in Denton thanks to 16 made 3-pointers and 15 forced turnovers.
Scott scored just 8 points on 30% shooting during the contest, but he also blocked four shots and racked up a steal despite committing four personal fouls. His best performance of the season came on Jan. 31 at UAB when he recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal on 50% field goal shooting and 75% perimeter shooting. He also produced three double-doubles and six outings with at least 3 blocks during the campaign.
The 20-year-old, who enters next season with one year of eligibility remaining, would be one of many new pieces to Memphis’ puzzle. The Tigers are expected to lose Jahvon Quinerly, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Caleb Mills, Jaykwon Walton, Jordan Brown, Jayden Hardaway and Malcolm Dandridge due to expired eligibility. Jonathan Pierre and Jayhlon Young have also entered the transfer portal, so Penny Hardaway is tasked with replacing at least nine players this offseason.
Forward Nick Jourdain, a rising senior, publicly announced his return to Memphis back in February. But sources have recently indicated that he’s still deciding his plans for next year. The Tigers can also bring back David Jones, Joe Cooper, Ashton Hardaway, Carl Cherenfant and Noah Stansbury. Four-star high school recruit Jared Harris is the program’s only incoming player as of now.
Besides Scott, Memphis has reached out to the following players in the transfer portal:
Michigan guard Dug McDaniel
Southeastern Louisiana guard Roger McFarlane
Texas State forward Brandon Love
Iona guard Greg Gordon
Michigan center Tarris Reed Jr.
UT-Martin guard Jordan Sears
BYU center Abou Ousmane
Wichita State guard Colby Rogers
James Madison guard Terrance Edwards Jr.
Drake forward Kevin Overton
Louisiana-Monroe forward Nika Metskhvarishvili
Saint Louis guard Gibson Jimerson
Tulsa guard PJ Haggerty
Share
You can subscribe to more Insider content to get even more Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers coverage here.
Bluff City Media now covers every sport in the city of Memphis. Follow our Tigers, Grizzlies, and Soccer coverage on Twitter.
Follow Bluff City Media on Instagram and TikTok - and subscribe to our Bluff City Media YouTube Channel.
Make sure you check out all our podcasts that focus on Grizzlies, Tigers, Soccer, and more!
Memphis basketball acknowledges anonymous letter alleging major NCAA violations
![Featured image for “Memphis basketball acknowledges anonymous letter alleging major NCAA violations”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5052.jpeg)
![Featured image for “Memphis basketball acknowledges anonymous letter alleging major NCAA violations”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5052.jpeg)
Rick Stansbury leaves Memphis basketball coaching staff
![Featured image for “Rick Stansbury leaves Memphis basketball coaching staff”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/F8q1fWuXAAAkg80.jpg)
![Featured image for “Rick Stansbury leaves Memphis basketball coaching staff”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/F8q1fWuXAAAkg80.jpg)
Memphis basketball dismisses staffers Faragi Phillips and Jamie Rosser
![Featured image for “Memphis basketball dismisses staffers Faragi Phillips and Jamie Rosser”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/KJGWJ7WT4BAHXPKVSTT7J4D7E4.jpg)
![Featured image for “Memphis basketball dismisses staffers Faragi Phillips and Jamie Rosser”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/KJGWJ7WT4BAHXPKVSTT7J4D7E4.jpg)
What Impact could GG Jackson’s Injury have on the Grizzlies to start the season?
![Featured image for “What Impact could GG Jackson’s Injury have on the Grizzlies to start the season?”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/GG-Jackson.webp)
![Featured image for “What Impact could GG Jackson’s Injury have on the Grizzlies to start the season?”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/GG-Jackson.webp)
Tigers Soccer Double-Header: Men Lose, Women Win
![Featured image for “Tigers Soccer Double-Header: Men Lose, Women Win”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/Memphis-Soccer-1-scaled.jpg)
![Featured image for “Tigers Soccer Double-Header: Men Lose, Women Win”](https://bluffcitymedia.co/wp-content/uploads/Memphis-Soccer-1-scaled.jpg)
Get at least 2 good strong center or forward – 6’10” or above. Can Penney gets back Mikey Wiliams if he decided to enter portal? a terrific pg guard will always carry a good team far away.