Jonathan Pierre is Memphis’ first transfer portal casualty of the off-season. Sources have confirmed to Hitmen Hoops and Bluff City Media that Pierre will enter the portal when it opens on Monday.
Pierre, a rising senior, has one year of eligibility remaining. He will not receive the COVID waiver for a fifth year of eligibility because he was not in college during the 2019-20 season.
Pierre Before Memphis
The versatile forward chose Memphis after spending his first two collegiate seasons at the Division II level. During his time with Nova Southeastern University, Pierre boasted an overall record of 78-2. In his sophomore season with the Sharks, he won a DII national championship, finishing with an undefeated 36-0 record.
Pierre was highly coveted out of the transfer portal, receiving interest from over 120 collegiate programs. He played as a positionless forward at the Division II level. At 6’9, he was a great shooter, shooting 40.5% from three in his sophomore season. Pierre could play multiple positions offensively and projected as a seamless fit in Penny Hardaway’s offense.
Pierre at Memphis
At Memphis, however, everything did not go as planned for the former DII star. Pierre saw limited time on the court and was likely unhappy with his role on the team. Pierre made just one start in 19 games played with the Tigers and averaged 6.1 minutes per game in a reserve role. Therefore, his decision to enter the portal should not come as much of a surprise for Memphis fans.
Pierre rarely saw the court for considerable time outside of a five-game stretch in February. He played 12.2 minutes per game in these contests and had his best performance of the season at Temple. He scored in double digits for the first and only time as a Tiger against the Owls, chipping in 10 points on 3/4 shooting from beyond the arc in 15 minutes.
Next for Pierre
Pierre may not face a recruitment process as hectic as last time, but his skill set will likely still attract interest from many schools. Numerous mid-major programs would be eager to acquire his talents and aid in his player development.
Hailing from Coral Springs, Florida, a return to his home state could be a viable option for Pierre this off-season.
Next for Memphis
Jonathan Pierre has the potential to become a solid college basketball player. However, this departure shouldn’t significantly impact the Tigers’ outlook for next season. It’s merely the first of several players on the Memphis roster potentially seeking new opportunities.
As the transfer portal officially opens tomorrow, more players around the country will enter, and Memphis will undoubtedly explore the plethora of options available.
