News Summary
The University of Memphis has signed 7-foot-1 center Simon Majok as a key addition to its men’s basketball team for the upcoming season. Originally from South Sudan, Majok spent three seasons in Serbia, showcasing impressive stats, including 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. This move reflects the Tigers’ commitment to strengthening their frontcourt, especially after the absence of key player Dain Dainja for the season. Majok joins other new recruits as the team aims to finalize its roster and enhance overall performance going forward.
Memphis – The University of Memphis has officially signed 7-foot-1 center Simon Majok as the 13th newcomer to its men’s basketball team for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant addition to the roster. The announcement was made on June 30, highlighting the program’s commitment to bolstering its frontcourt as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Majok, originally from South Sudan, has spent the previous three seasons playing with KK Real Beograd in the Serbian Prva Muška Regionalna Liga. During the 2024-25 season, he showcased his skills by averaging 17.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game. His impressive performance includes a remarkable field goal percentage of 66.7% on two-point attempts and a decent showing from beyond the arc, where he made two of five three-point attempts.
Despite his solid statistics, Majok faced limitations in game appearances, having been restricted to only seven games due to age restrictions in Serbia that prevent players over 18 from participating in youth leagues. Nonetheless, he led the Serbian developmental league in Performance Index Rating (PIR), achieving a score of 187, which was significantly higher than that of any other player in the league. His standout performance included a dominating game with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks against rival BKK Radnicki.
With the addition of Majok, Coach Penny Hardaway has secured a valuable asset for the Memphis Tigers. He is the second player recruited under Hardaway who stands above 6-foot-8, following Aaron Bradshaw. Currently, the roster some players, particularly in guard and wing positions, which is crucial for maintaining balance and performance within the team. Notably, Dain Dainja, who was recognized as a first-team all-AAC selection, will not participate in the upcoming season due to a denied waiver request.
In addition to Majok, the Tigers have welcomed several other newcomers, including Dug McDaniel, Curtis Givens III, Zachary Davis, Julius Thedford, Sincere Parker, Quante Berry, and Daniel Vieira-Tuck. Coach Hardaway has indicated plans to fill around 13 roster spots for the season but has also left open the possibility of adding up to 15 players on scholarship as the team evaluates its needs and potential for depth.
The arrival of Simon Majok is seen as a much-needed enhancement to the Memphis Tigers frontcourt, which has faced challenges in previous seasons. His height and skillset aim to provide the team with greater depth and improve their overall performance as they move forward into the new season. With the recruitment strategy actively ongoing, all eyes will be on the Tigers as they look to finalize their lineup and compete effectively in the upcoming basketball season.
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Additional Resources
- University of Memphis Athletics
- Commercial Appeal
- Local Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google Search: Memphis Tigers basketball
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
