Memphis freshmen Mikey Williams and JJ Taylor to enter transfer portal

Memphis basketball freshmen Mikey Williams and JJ Taylor are entering the NCAA transfer portal, sources confirm to Bluff City Media.

Williams, a 6-foot-3 guard, was signed with the program but never formally joined the team due to legal issues. He pleaded guilty to a single count of making criminal threats in connection to his nine gun-related felony charges on Nov. 30, per Fox 5 San Diego.

His charges stem from an incident at his (San Diego, Calif.) home back in March 2023. Williams allegedly shot at a moving car filled with six people—including three minors—as it was driving away from the house. If convicted, he could’ve possibly spent up to 30 years in state prison. The initial news release distributed to the public on April 12, 2023, states “there was a verbal argument about guests being asked to leave” and that Williams hit the car but nobody was hurt. His trial was scheduled for Dec. 14.

He instead is now in a plea deal where all his other charges will be dismissed, including five for assault with a deadly weapon and one for firing into an occupied vehicle. He’ll have to complete gun safety and anger management courses by his sentencing date—Aug. 12, 2024. Williams’ felony charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor if he completes the courses on time.

Memphis Athletics released a statement on Williams Monday afternoon.

”We can confirm Mikey Williams has chosen to enter the transfer portal,” the statement reads in part. “The University process for him to join the men’s basketball team was underway, but Williams elected to explore his options at this time.”

Taylor, a 6-foot-8 forward, is Williams’ close friend and former high school teammate. He was with the Tigers during most of their non-conference slate before he and Jonathan Pierre suspended for Memphis’ home game against Vanderbilt on Dec. 23 due to disciplinary reasons.

Pierre returned for the Tigers’ next game against Austin Peay on Dec. 30. Taylor, however, did not and ultimately never rejoined the team before he and Williams decided to enter the portal.

The two California natives have been training together for sometime in the area since Taylor went on leave from Memphis, and they fully intend on transferring to the same school if possible, per sources. Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway commented on Taylor’s absence following the Tigers’ 62-59 win over SMU.

”JJ Taylor right now is just still suspended,” Hardaway said. “We’re waiting on him to finish his suspension.”