The national signing period for college basketball officially got underway Wednesday, and local product and Mitchell High school standout Jeremiah Martin signed his letter of intent to play for the Memphis Tigers next season.
Martin, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound point guard, committed to the University of Memphis Saturday, only a few days after decommitting from Louisiana Tech University. Martin led Mitchell to two straight state titles and won the Class A Mr. Basketball award in Tennessee for his performance this season. 247sports.com rated Martin as a three-star prospect.
This is a huge pick up for Memphis, who already lost one reserve point guard this offseason, in Pookie Powell. Powell decided to transfer from the University. He didn't make a huge impact for the Tigers this past season—Powell averaged 4.3 points and 2.7 assists per game—but his departure left a thin backcourt even thinner. Martin adds much needed depth to that backcourt. He provides an option off the bench, as well as a point guard for the future.
In a scouting report, ESPN explains that Martin can excel in the half-court and transition games and provides Memphis with a very good option of the bench.
“Martin is a lefty point guard that can push the ball on the break and set and execute the halfcourt offense set. He is a good athlete that can get to the rim or stop and pop in and around the lane and hit the floater with good touch and body control. He can make the open three with time and space as well. He has a good handle and matching court vision as he attacks a defense and draws multiple defenders. Martin also is a pretty good on ball defender with potential to continued to improve in that category. Martin is a solid point guard that can play at different speeds. He will provide Memphis with excellent backcourt depth and provide some playmaking ability as well.”
Joining Martin in the Tigers 2015 recruiting class are Hamilton High school forwards Dedric and K.J. Lawson, both are considered four-star prospects, as well as point guard Randall Broddie, a three-star prospect from Potomac School in Maryland. The Tigers’ incoming class is ranked no. 10 overall by 247sports.com.
K.J. Lawson, the no. 44 overall prospect in ESPN’s Top 100, is a 6-foot-7, 200-pound small forward. Along with his brother, he helped lead Hamilton to their first state title since 2006 this season. K.J. was the first piece of the 2015 recruiting class to commit to the Tigers and signed his letter of intent during the early signing period.
ESPN explained in a scouting report that K.J.’s size will create plenty of problems for defenses at the next level.
“(K.J.) Lawson has the size and skill to be an excellent wing scorer at the major college level. He makes plays and shots and has all the tools to create match up problems at the small forward position with excellent upside.”
Dedric Lawson, the no. 28 overall prospect in ESPN’s Top 100, is a 6-foot-8, 195-pound power forward. He was originally part of the 2016 recruiting class, before reclassifying to 2015 to join his brother KJ. He also signed during the early signing period.
In his scouting report, ESPN explains how he creates matchup problems because he can play away from the paint.
“(Dedric) Lawson is a smooth and productive forward that can score and make high level smart plays inside the arc. He has a great basketball IQ that helps him take advantage of defensive mistakes. Lawson has feel, skill and great upside. Lawson is a high major forward with great versatility. He is a tough match inside and out for opponents.”
Broddie, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound point guard, was also part of the 2016 recruiting class, before reclassifying to 2015. Broddie helped lead Potomac to a state title victory in 2014 and committed to the Tigers that October.
Though he is only a three-star prospect, ESPN explained he has much potential and even compares him to former UConn standout Ryan Boatright.
“This kid has one of those handles that takes him anywhere. Lefty has the confidence of a Brandon Jennings with the ball in his hands. He's a creative shot maker. He's good off balance, with quick pulls and dashes around the floor seeking an opening. His footspeed and quickness is high level. Finds small openings and exploits them. Prefers to play using quick pull ups and darts to the rim. This is a potential high-major guard who could be a bigger Ryan Boatright; he's that style of player.”
Memphis is adding a very good class with two much needed and viable backcourt reserve options, as well as the two highly touted forwards. This recruiting class will greatly improve the overall talent of the team, but Memphis most likely won’t stop there.
The Tigers have been greatly invested in the transfer market the last few seasons, bringing in transfers like Clavin Godfrey (2014-15), David Pellom (2013-14), Michael Dixon Jr. (2013-14) and Geron Johnson (2012-14).
It seems like coach Josh Pastner and his staff are back at it again, with Alabama transfer Ricky Tarrant set to visit April 19.
Tarrant averaged 13.1 points per game this season before his junior campaign was cut short by a season-ending foot injury. Before his lone season at Alabama, Tarrant spent his freshman and sophomore year at Tulane. He averaged 14.9 points his freshman year and was named to the First Team All-Conference USA. He was also named the Conference USA freshman of the year in 2012. His number jumped even more his sophomore year, when he averaged 15.7 points and 3.6 assists per game.
Tarrant is also planning to visit Clemson on April 24. He will have one year of eligibility.
