The Tiger basketball team lost two of its top three scorers Wednesday as freshman guard Dajuan Wagner declared his intention to enter this summer’s NBA Draft while sophomore guard Scooter McFadgon announced he will transfer to another school.
Wagner, who was named MVP of the National Invitation Tournament last month after leading Memphis to its first-ever national championship, has already been projected as one of the draft’s top 10 picks after averaging 21.2 points and 3.6 assists per game for Memphis last season.
“This was a difficult decision, however my lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA and I am anxious to begin my professional basketball career,” Wagner said Wednesday. “I am going to continue to attend classes and finish the semester, as I promised my mother I that I would get my degree.”
Meanwhile, McFadgon told reporters that he plans to transfer to another university after the semester and is currently leaning toward the University of Tennessee. McFadgon didn’t elaborate much on his decision, saying he was simply ready to leave town. He said he would be willing to walk-on at Tennessee if no scholarships were available at.
McFadgon, who averaged 9.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, was Memphis’ third-leading scorer last season and one of only six Tigers to play in all 36 games.
Tiger head coach John Calipari had no comment on McFadgon’s departure Wednesday, but did say he was in agreement with Wagner’s decision.
“I agreed with Dajuan and his family,” Calipari said. “Looking at all the factors involved, this is the time for this young man to take on all the challenges of the NBA. It was a wonderful experience coaching Dajuan.”
Wagner set a school record by scoring 762 points this season.
