PJ Haggerty Transfers from Memphis to Kansas State

Basketball players showcasing teamwork and athleticism during a game.

News Summary

PJ Haggerty, named the 2024-25 AAC Player of the Year, has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will transfer from Memphis to Kansas State University. Haggerty explored multiple options before deciding on Kansas State. His impressive performance last season at Memphis, where he averaged 21.7 points, makes him a significant addition to the Wildcats’ roster. Haggerty hopes to elevate the team’s performance after a challenging season, reuniting with former teammate Tyreek Smith to strengthen team dynamics.

Memphis

PJ Haggerty, recognized as the 2024-25 AAC Player of the Year, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and is transferring from the University of Memphis to Kansas State University. This decision marks a significant step in Haggerty’s college basketball career, following a brief period of contemplation regarding his future.

Initially, Haggerty expressed interest in transferring to other schools, notably Ole Miss and North Carolina State. However, he ultimately chose Kansas State, solidifying his commitment for “a lot less” than the $4 million his father had reportedly sought when he entered the transfer portal.

During his standout season at Memphis, Haggerty showcased exceptional talent, averaging 21.7 points per game, which placed him third in the nation in scoring. In addition to his scoring prowess, he contributed 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while demonstrating impressive shooting accuracy with 47.6% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.

Background and Career Progression

Haggerty’s pathway to Kansas State included a notable freshman year at Tulsa, where he was named the Freshman of the Year in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and averaged 21.2 points per game. Following his successful time at Tulsa, he transferred to Memphis for one season. His outstanding performance at Memphis earned him recognition as an All-AAC Third-Team selection during the 2023-24 season.

Haggerty’s move to Kansas State represents his fourth college destination, having played only six games at TCU before redshirting. His transfer to Kansas State will bring a significantly talented player to a team that experienced disappointing outcomes last season, finishing with a record of 16-17 and a 9-11 conference record.

Kansas State’s Strategy and Future Prospects

Kansas State has been active in enhancing its roster, welcoming Haggerty as the sixth player added from the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. The team’s head coach, Jerome Tang, is optimistic that Haggerty’s exceptional skill set will elevate the performance of the Wildcats next season.

Additionally, Haggerty will reunite with former Memphis teammate Tyreek Smith, who has also committed to Kansas State through the transfer portal, potentially strengthening the team’s dynamics and overall performance in the upcoming season.

As Haggerty transitions to Kansas State, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his performance will influence the Wildcats’ strategy and success in the competitive landscape of college basketball.