A little over a year removed from winning his third consecutive high school state championship as the head coach of Memphis East, Penny Hardaway is making headlines on the collegiate level after reeling in the top recruiting class in the nation.
Video: 2019 Memphis commits
Tigers coach Penny Hardaway is stockpiling a legendary recruiting class.
The Tigers may also add Arkansas Little-Rock graduate transfer Rayjon Tucker, currently considering staying in the 2019 NBA Draft. If Tucker stays in the draft, Memphis may add yet another 5-star to the mix with speculation that
R.J. Hampton of
Little Elm (Texas) could join the loaded class as the Tigers remain in his final three.
Last season, Hardaway's first year at the helm Memphis, the Tigers finished fifth in the American Athletic Conference at 22-14 overall and 11-7 in conference play. While Memphis loses five of its top six scorers from last season, the influx of elite talent from the Class of 2019 is expected to do more than just replace the void.
Will this group of elite freshman be able to find success to win the NCAA tournament next season or will their run fizzle out during the second weekend of action like many other talented recruiting classes before them?
With such high expectations headed into the season, Tigers faithful should expect them to compete in the American Athletic Conference title and perhaps make a March Madness run.
Memphis recruiting class
James Wiseman, Memphis East 7-foot | Center
Ranking: No. 1 overall in Class of 2019, according to 247Sports
Breakdown: Wiseman will immediately be the best player once again for his former coach after averaging 25.1 points, 13.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game as a high school senior. Expect the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2019 to be a one-and-done after receiving national accolades as a freshman.
Precious Achiuwa, Montverde Academy
6-9 | Forward
Ranking: No. 14 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: Achiuwa likely will be inserted into the starting lineup immediately, as the versatile forward is relentless attacking the hoop and on the glass. He averaged 14 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this past year. An improved jump shot would help his NBA stock immensely after shooting 10-of-35 from 3-point range as a senior.
Boogie Ellis, Mission Bay
6-2 | Guard
Ranking: No. 37 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: After flipping his commitment from Duke, the talented California guard will likely become the primary ball-handler for the Tigers. After averaging 25.1 points per game as a senior, look for the talented combo-guard to provide a strong scoring punch to the backcourt next year.
D.J. Jeffries, Olive Branch
6-7 | Forward
Ranking: No. 48 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: Jeffries has one of the most college-ready games of any player in the Class of 2019 with a versatile skill-set and an elite frame. The Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year averaged 23.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per contest as a senior.
Lester Quinones, IMG Academy
6-5 | Guard
Ranking: No. 56 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: Quinones could find himself as the fifth starter or sixth man for the Tigers next season. Either way it appears the 4-star guard is ready to make an impact at the next level after averaging 17.5 points per game as a post-grad.
Malcolm Dandridge, Memphis East
6-8 | Forward
Ranking: No. 98 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: While Dandridge isn't expected to start as a freshman, expect the hard-working big man to earn key minutes off the bench for a deep and talented roster. While the one-and-dones cycle through the program, expect Dandridge to be a four-year guy.
Damion Baugh, Tennessee Prep
6-4 | Guard
Ranking: No. 108 overall in Class of 2019
Breakdown: Baugh is another recruit that is expected to stay around the program for a few years, as the defensive playmaker will provide depth in the backcourt next season. The talented guard will compete for immediate playing time with returning backcourt members Tyler Harris and Alex Lomax as well as the aforementioned newcomers.
