Hardaway’s Transfer Class Leading Memphis to National Success

Jaykwon Walton, G/W

After stints at Georgia and Wichita State, the former top-100 prospect has settled in as Memphis’ third scoring option averaging 9.8 PPG and 3.9 RPG as a starter. On the offensive end, Walton has been another important role player shooting 41% from the field, 33% from deep, with an effective field goal percentage of 49%. For the Tigers defense, he’s adding 1.4 STLPG and at 6-foot-7 is creating a mismatch nightmare on a Memphis roster that already bolsters a ton of length and size.

Even in games where Jones or Quinerly have struggled, Walton has shown he can be the top option in an opening night win over Jackson State with a team-high 19 points, or dropping a season-high 23 points against his former program Wichita State. After battling for minutes particularly during his time at Georgia, it’s not evident if the senior has any additional eligibility but he’s offering a lot to the Tigers in his lone season with the program.

Nicholas Jourdain, F

Proving a role player during three seasons with inter-conference rivals Temple, Jourdain has steadily improved since arriving at Memphis averaging a career-high 7.2 PPG while shooting 52% from three. Since entering conference play in fact, Jourdain has been critical, contributing a double-double with a season-high 18 points and 12 boards against UTSA and finishing out the week with 12 points at Wichita State.

According to TPR, his impact rating is currently the fifth highest amongst Memphis’ transfer class at 80.0 and he’s been one of the program’s best rebounders with a rating of 82.9. Jourdain didn’t necessarily get the same preseason hype as Jones, Quinerly, or Walton, but he’s been just as influential in the Tigers 15-2 record on the season.