Former Memphis guard PJ Haggerty has decided to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and will transfer to Kansas State, as reported recently. Haggerty was a standout player for Memphis last season, leading the nation as the third-highest scorer by averaging 21.7 points per game. His impressive performance also included 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals, earning him the AAC Player of the Year title and a place on the second-team All-America list.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Haggerty has had an intriguing college journey, being set to play for his fourth program in four years. After redshirting his freshman year at TCU, he transferred to Tulsa for one season before landing at Memphis under coach Penny Hardaway. During his time with the Tigers, Memphis achieved a record of 29-8 and secured both the AAC regular-season and conference tournament championships. Unfortunately, their season ended in the first round of the NCAA tournament, where they lost to Colorado State, with Haggerty contributing 18 points in the game.
Haggerty’s father previously sought $4 million in NIL compensation from potential programs, but it seems they had to adjust their expectations on the market. A significant factor in Haggerty’s decision to transfer was his desire to play primarily as a point guard, a role he did not fulfill while at Memphis.
While NBA Draft analyst Kevin O’Connor did not include Haggerty in his list of top 62 prospects, reports indicate that Haggerty impressed during the NBA draft combine. He demonstrated shooting prowess, achieving a 73% success rate in drills, marking him among the top five shooters present. He also put up 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a scrimmage.
With the deadline for early entrants to withdraw from the draft approaching on May 28, Haggerty’s transfer to Kansas State signifies his commitment to developing his game further at the collegiate level before possibly pursuing a professional career in the future. This decision may provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills in a new environment, potentially enhancing his prospects for the next draft.