Malcolm Dandridge to Return to Memphis for Fifth Season

Fifth-year senior Malcolm Dandridge will return to Memphis for his final season of eligibility, sources confirm to Bluff City Media.

BREAKING: Memphis C Malcolm Dandridge is withdrawing his name from the transfer portal and returning to Memphis, he tells me and @BluffCity_Media.

“I’ve chosen to return to where it all began, in my city, embracing the journey ahead.” -MD

One. Last. Ride. pic.twitter.com/Zq1YhHSIZM

— Hitmen Hoops Media (@HitmenHoops) August 25, 2023

The 6-foot-9 center entered the transfer portal on May 10, and fielded interest from multiple schools in the following months. Saint Louis, Western Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan and Gonzaga are among the programs that reportedly contacted Dandridge. He even took a visit to Saint Louis back in June.

Most, however, were always skeptical of whether or not Dandridge would actually transfer away from his hometown school. And they were seemingly proven right last week when John Martin of 92.9 ESPN in Memphis reported that Dandridge is listed in Memphis’ student directory. Dandridge then made the news of his return official with an announcement earlier today.

I can confirm that Malcolm Dandridge is indeed currently listed in the University of Memphis student directory, as reported on the radio by @JohnMartin929 of @929espn.

Decision from Malcolm is coming very soon, a source tells me and @BluffCity_Media. pic.twitter.com/AqQJGfORVx

— Hitmen Hoops Media (@HitmenHoops) August 17, 2023

What Dandridge’s Return Means for Memphis

Thanks to Dandridge’s return, Memphis’ frontcourt is now almost complete. Jordan Brown, another fifth-year senior and a transfer from Louisiana, committed to the Tigers on June 27. The 6-foot-11 center is one of the best big-men in college basketball, and projects as a fixture in Memphis’ starting lineup this season.

Brown averaged 19.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.1% from the field last season for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He also won the Lou Henson Award—given to the country’s best mid-major player—and led Louisiana to a Sun Belt conference title.

Despite his accolades, though, Brown was still the only true-5 on Memphis’ roster prior to Dandridge’s return. And since Dandridge is back, Memphis now has two reliable defenders in the paint and legitimate options to play center.

Dandridge isn’t nearly as skilled offensively as Brown is. But he’s still a solid player on both ends of the court.

He was on track for his best season yet as a Tiger last year before suffering a high ankle sprain in a game at No. 4 Alabama on Dec. 13 that sidelined him for 15 games in a span of over two months. In the 11 games prior to his injury, Dandridge averaged 6.2 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 55.8% from the field.

He wasn’t the same player upon his return, however, and finished last season with averages of 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest.

Health has been a constant obstacle for Dandridge dating back to his senior year at East High School. Simply put, he has to avoid injury to make the most out of his final season at Memphis.

Sources tell Bluff City Media that Dandridge recently had an operation on his knee that’s limiting his mobility right now. He should, however, be ready to go for opening night in November.

What’s Next for the Tigers?

Memphis is coming off a 2-1 trip in the Dominican Republic earlier this month, and still in the process of finalizing its roster. St. John’s transfer David Jones has yet to join the team. 4-star recruit Mikey Williams and fifth-year senior DeAndre Williams’ (no relation) statuses are both in question.

Fans shouldn’t worry about Jones. Sources confirm to Bluff City Media that he is officially signed to Memphis and will arrive on campus before fall classes begin on Aug. 28.

Mikey Williams, on the other hand, may never join the team. He’s still dealing with six gun-related felony charges that stem from an incident at his (San Diego, Calif.) home in March. The 6-foot-3 guard allegedly shot at a moving car filled with five people—including three minors—as it was driving away from the house.

He has been photographed several times over the past few weeks in the City of Memphis, but hasn’t been able to join the team despite this.

Discussing Mikey Williams in …. Memphis??? Now with J&J pic.twitter.com/V9YP4xJSX7

— 929ESPN (@929espn) August 17, 2023

All-AAC forward DeAndre Williams’ future is also up in the air. The 26-year-old senior, who turns 27 in October, is currently awaiting the NCAA’s decision on his waiver for an additional year of eligibility. His attorney, Don Jackson, reportedly submitted all required documents for the waiver to Memphis’ compliance department last month.

There is growing optimism within Memphis’ program that the NCAA will declare DeAndre Williams eligible, per sources.

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway confirmed as such during a session with the media on July 27.

“I’m definitely optimistic about it happening because of the case [DeAndre Williams] has and looking at other similar cases around the country that have been given a waiver,” Hardaway said. “So, I’m just hoping that [trend] stays true.”