Memphis basketball roster overhaul 2.0: Grading Penny Hardaway's acquisitions

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway tried to pull off a hard reset last offseason.

He rolled the dice by filling the roster out with transfers and freshmen − almost exclusively, returning just one scholarship player from the season before.

The results were disappointing. Undeterred, Hardaway has gone down the same road. Nicholas Jourdain is the only returning scholarship player, while the rest of the 2024-25 roster for now are newcomers.

Does that mean one should expect a similar or even a worse outcome? Here is a player-by-player examination of each of Hardaway's newcomers and an evaluation of each addition.

Tyrese Hunter

What he does: The former Iowa State and Texas standout is an intense-yet-level-headed competitor on both ends of the floor. On offense, Hunter does most everything you need him to do without trying to do too much. And, defensively, he is tough, disruptive and relentless. Oh, and he wins. Hunter is 6-3 in the NCAA Tournament.

How he fits: One could make the case that even if he was just average on offense, Hunter is probably worth having on your team because of his defense. That may be especially true from Memphis' standpoint, considering how much value Hardaway places on defense and how little of it the Tigers played last season.

Overall grade: Solid A

PJ Haggerty

What he does: Haggerty, who will be Hunter's primary running mate in the backcourt, is a menace with the ball in his hands. He can score at all three levels, and last season he got to the free-throw line more than everybody in Division I not named Zach Edey. And he's unlikely to get you beat on defense.

How he fits: Haggerty is an alpha bucket-getter, and he's the only one of those on Hardaway's roster. Which is important.

Overall grade: A-

Baraka Okojie

What he does: The sophomore point guard is a versatile, young show-runner. He can score some, distribute some and rebound some. Defensively, Okojie was a high-value asset for George Mason last season, averaging 1.4 steals a game and 81.3% of his rebounds were on the defensive end.

How he fits: Think of Okojie less as a projected backcourt backup and more of a high-level complement to Hunter and Haggerty.

Overall grade: B

Colby Rogers

What he does: The well-traveled former Wichita State player is a floor-spacing sharpshooter. Rogers shot 40.9% from 3-point range last season and made 99 (17th-most in the nation).

How he fits: As experienced as any player on the roster, Rogers' long-distance ability should keep opposing defenses honest. But, historically, his defense has been suspect at best.

Overall grade: C

PJ Carter

What he does: A true wing, the 6-5 Carter gives Memphis some size on the perimeter, where he connected on 40.3% of his 3-point attempts at UTSA last season. The rest of his game has some catching up to do.

How he fits: Carter shouldn't be much of a dropoff beyond the arc when Rogers isn't on the floor. But Hardaway's non-negotiables are rebounding and defense, which he provide much of for the Roadrunners.

Overall grade: C

Jared Harris

What he does: The freshman guard brings impressive athleticism and has promise both as a scorer and defender.

How he fits: Harris gives the Tigers depth in the backcourt.

Overall grade: C

Tyreek Smith

What he does: Smith is sufficient in the low post on offense. But his primary value is working the boards and protecting the rim.

How he fits: Smith brings an unrivaled level of physicality and infectious intensity to the frontcourt.

Overall grade: B

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Dain Dainja

What he does: Likely Memphis' starting center, the Illinois transfer is a highly efficient scorer and a strong defensive presence.

How he fits: Dainja is mobile enough to keep up with the pace Hardaway likes to push and he pairs well with those around him in the frontcourt.

Overall grade: B+

Moussa Cisse

What he does: A member of the Tigers once upon a time, Cisse is a rim-runner, rim-protector extraordinaire.

How he fits: Experienced and familiar with Hardaway, Cisse might be as strong a backup center as there is in the country.

Overall grade: B-

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball roster overhaul 2.0: Grading Penny Hardaway's acquisitions