Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway is making no offseason, sealing the deal for a seasoned playmaker right before the year's turnover. As per reports from WREG, University of Virginia transfer Dante Harris has committed to the Tigers, a move that appears strategic considering the existing lineup's injury woes.
Despite having three guards including PJ Haggerty, Tyrese Hunter, and Colby Rogers, injuries have been the unwelcome sidekick, with both Haggerty and Hunter battling knee issues and Rogers missing significant action last season. As reported by the Commercial Appeal, Harris has already been practicing with the Tigers and is eligible to play immediately, surely a sigh of relief for Hardaway looking to squint at the depth chart without seeing the red of injury flags.
During his stint at UVA, Harris averaged modest numbers with 2.5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 13 minutes of gameplay, as confirmed by WREG. However, it's his tenure at Georgetown that flashes potential - after an impressive 2022-23 season, he entered the portal and joined UVA, with injuries curtailing his contributions.
With Harris's addition, Memphis isn't just injecting experience into the backcourt, but offering a potential salve to the minutes pileup that has been straining Hunter and Haggerty, per the Commercial Appeal. The former Georgetown star has the credentials to command respect, with notable highs like leading the team in assists and notching second in steals, credentials only that can justify the trust being placed in him.
