In order for a college basketball program to be successful, it must attract elite talent, and that is exactly what is happening at the University of Memphis. Over the weekend, Penny Hardaway landed his first five-star recruit: DJ Jeffries of Olive Branch, Mississippi.
This is the first five-star recruit for the program since Austin Nichols in 2013. The 6-foot-7 small forward decommitted from the University of Kentucky and came to Memphis because of the rapport he has with the Tigers’ coaching staff.
“First off, it was the familiarity with the staff,” Corey Jeffries, DJ’s father, said. “DJ has known Penny and (Tony) Madlock since junior high. So, we were already comfortable with them. But the style of play that they’ll be playing is DJ’s game, fast-pace, transition type of basketball. But in the end, it was all about trust, and no other schools talked about that.”
Hardaway was brought in as head coach during the off season when the university parted ways with Tubby Smith. One of the biggest criticisms surrounding Smith was his lack of ability to bring in local or top recruits. Since taking over at Memphis, Hardaway was able to bring in several top-ranked players including Cordova-native Tyler Harris and shooting guard Antwann Jones from Florida.
In addition to the trust he has with Hardaway, Jeffries wanted to be a part of something special. Memphis having a Hall of Fame former player leading its program with other former NBA players brings a lot of expectations and potential. Jefferies’ father said it was an easy decision to accept the opportunity to play for Memphis.
“DJ has always taken his own route,” Corey Jeffries said. “Memphis is home to him, so the pride he has for the program and the city is his motivation. He wants to be part of something epic because that’s who he is. He’s going to play for the city. It doesn’t get anymore special than that.”
Hardaway getting Jeffries to flip from Kentucky to Memphis is a talking point in basketball circles. With him at the helm at Memphis, the landscape of recruiting has changed.
James Wiseman, who currently attends East High School, where Hardaway coached in the past, recently came to the U of M for his last official visit.
Both Kentucky and Memphis are on his list of schools he could potentially attend. There was once a time when basketball recruits would go elsewhere versus staying in the Bluff City. It is unknown where Wiseman will go; however, Hardaway’s position as the coach at Memphis makes the Tigers just as much of a likely destination as Kentucky.
Hardaway’s influence, not only on the game of basketball overall but especially locally, has many who grew up in Memphis eager to wear the blue and white jersey representing their city. That was the case for Jeffries and could be a trend that continues moving forward.
