David Jones' Memphis basketball career has come to an end. What that means for the Tigers
Penny Hardaway was long outwardly optimistic whenever the Memphis basketball coach was asked about star player David Jones’ potential return.
As it turned out, it was little more than wishful thinking.
Jones – the Tigers’ leading scorer (21.8 points a game) and rebounder (7.6 boards) in 2023-24 – plans to remain in the NBA Draft and forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Commercial Appeal on Wednesday. ESPN's Jonathan Givony first reported the news, and Jones acknowledged his report on social media.
The Dominican Republic native’s decision answers one of Memphis’ biggest questions of this critical offseason and arms Hardaway with clarity as he aims to put the finishing touches on his latest roster revamp.
Here is what Memphis will miss without Jones and what not having him means for the makeup of the team and for the Tigers' outlook.
What Memphis basketball will miss without David Jones
Apart from being one of the nation’s most prolific scorers last season, Jones had the ability to carry the Tigers when needed – his high turnover rate notwithstanding.
When the Tigers needed a bucket, they could put the ball in his hands and feel confident he would come through. Is there someone like that on Hardaway’s new-look roster? We’ll see.
The 6-foot-6 Jones’ versatility also allowed the Tigers vary lineup combinations, keeping opponents from being able to simplify their game plan. If Hardaway wanted to go big, he could line Jones up in the backcourt. If he wanted to go smaller, Jones was comfortable in the post and quick enough to create mismatches against bigger (and slower) interior players.
While his fundamentals left a little to be desired, Jones was a disruptive force on defense, notching 70 steals (the second-most in the AAC). He was also a fine 3-point shooter (38%) and free throw shooter (79.7%).
How the Memphis basketball lineup could look
Had Jones returned, he would have been a lock in the starting lineup – which likely would have meant another starter-worthy player would have been left to come off the bench.
Texas transfer Tyrese Hunter is probably the favorite to win the starting point guard job, while Tulsa transfer PJ Haggerty figures to be safe as the starting shooting guard. Although, former George Mason guard Baraka Okojie will make a case for himself, too.
Former Illinois big man Dain Dainja is the frontrunner at the five with Moussa Cisse his primary competition there.
Without Jones, former Wichita State sharpshooter Colby Rogers could earn a spot among the starting five, while either returning stretch four Nicholas Jourdain or incoming SMU transfer Tyreek Smith could grab the last opening.
Of course, now that Jones is no longer an option, the Tigers could very well scoop up another transfer that reshuffles the deck. Could it be someone who has recently withdrawn from draft consideration? Could it be a player who has already signed with another program that might be open to rethinking their position in light of the Jones news?
Memphis basketball’s outlook without David Jones
It’s easy to imagine Memphis as an AAC championship favorite and a second-weekend NCAA Tournament team with Jones. Making it easy to imagine the Tigers’ odds of achieving either of those things without Jones will be much slimmer.
Sure, not having Jones means they won’t have his points production, rebounding ability or ball-hawking prowess. But it also means there is one fewer turnover-prone player. One fewer player whose off-ball defense leaves a lot to be desired. One fewer player who needs a high percentage of the team’s shots (31.1% last season – 62nd in the nation) to maximize his skillset.
The Tigers won’t be projected to go as far without Jones. Hardaway − and many others − would absolutely rather have him back. But you don’t have to squint all that much to see the potential for a better overall team under these circumstances.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: David Jones' Memphis basketball career has ended. What that means
