Redshirt-freshman guard RaShawn "Pookie" Powell plans to transfer away from the University of Memphis men's basketball team.
However, according to a source close to the team, the coaching staff talked with Powell's family and is making efforts to keep him at the U of M.
The Orlando, Fla., native sat out his freshman season after failing to meet the academic standard set by the NCAA.
Powell, a consensus top-100 recruit in 2013, was expected to play major minutes in the Tigers' backcourt next season with Memphis losing four senior guards at the end of this season.
As a senior at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Powell set the single-season scoring record, averaging 27.8 points per game. The 6-foot, 177-pound guard was named the Florida Class 8A Player of the Year in 2012 to 2013.
With the loss of Powell, redshirt-freshman Markel Crawford looks to be lead candidate for the starting point-guard spot next season. However, the U of M expects several incoming recruits to make a run at the two open guard spots.
Memphis head coach Josh Pastner was unavailable for comment, but he said in his final press conference if anyone was not "two-feet in" they would not be welcome with the program.
