On Monday, Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway received significant news from the transfer portal: veteran point guard Dante Harris has officially joined the program. This midseason addition bolsters Memphis’ backcourt depth as the team prepares for the challenges of American Athletic Conference (AAC) play.
A Timely Addition to the Backcourt
Dante Harris, a 6-foot, 170-pound guard from Washington, D.C., brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers. He began his collegiate career at Georgetown, where he played under coach Patrick Ewing. During his time with the Hoyas, Harris averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals over 55 games. Notably, he earned Big East Tournament MVP honors in 2021 after leading Georgetown to a conference championship.
After transferring to Virginia, Harris faced challenges, including an ankle injury that sidelined him for 10 games during the 2023-24 season. Despite these setbacks, his decision to join Memphis provides the Tigers with a seasoned playmaker capable of contributing immediately. His arrival is particularly timely, as starting guards Tyrese Hunter and PJ Haggerty have been logging heavy minutes and dealing with minor injuries citeturn0search0.
Reinforcing Memphis’ Defensive Identity
Coach Hardaway has emphasized a return to a defense-first mentality for the Tigers. Reflecting on the previous season, he expressed a desire to reestablish the team’s gritty and tough identity. “Going back to who I am, and that’s getting guys that are grit-and-grind and grunge guys,” Hardaway stated. “No knock on this year’s team, but we were an offensive-minded team. Anyone that knows me knows that all my teams have started with defense” citeturn0search3.
Harris’ defensive prowess aligns with this vision. His ability to pressure opposing guards and disrupt offensive schemes will be invaluable as Memphis navigates the competitive AAC landscape.
Navigating a Season of Transition
The addition of Harris comes amid a period of significant change for the Memphis program. This offseason, Hardaway made substantial adjustments to his coaching staff, parting ways with several assistants to bring in new perspectives citeturn0search1. On the roster front, the Tigers experienced considerable turnover, with only forward Nicolas Jourdain returning on scholarship. To address these changes, Memphis actively engaged in the transfer market, assembling a roster that includes notable additions like PJ Haggerty and Colby Rogers citeturn0search1.
Despite these transitions, the Tigers have demonstrated resilience. After missing the NCAA Tournament in the 2023-24 season, Memphis secured a No. 5 seed in the 2025 tournament, signaling a return to form under Hardaway’s leadership citeturn0search6.
Looking Ahead
As Memphis continues its season, the integration of Dante Harris into the lineup offers both immediate and long-term benefits. His experience and skill set provide the Tigers with additional options in the backcourt, allowing for more strategic rotations and rest for key players. Moreover, his presence reinforces the team’s commitment to a defensive identity, a hallmark of Hardaway’s coaching philosophy.
With conference play intensifying, Harris’ contribution could prove pivotal in Memphis’ quest for AAC supremacy and a deep postseason run. As the Tigers adapt to their new roster dynamics, the addition of a seasoned guard like Harris underscores the program’s dedication to competitiveness and excellence.
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