Memphis Basketball Target Kerr Kriisa Stays at West Virginia

Memphis basketball target Kerr Kriisa is withdrawing from the transfer portal to stay at West Virginia.

Kriisa, a transfer guard from Arizona, initially committed to West Virginia under Bob Huggins. He re-entered the portal on Friday, however, after Huggins’ resignation from West Virginia on June 17.

NEWS: Kerr Kriisa will withdraw his name from the transfer portal and remain at West Virginia to play for interim coach Josh Eilert, he tells @On3sports.

Transfer from Arizona.https://t.co/fg4AuK8P73 pic.twitter.com/Zok7DOVJ9H

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 25, 2023

Kriisa was quickly contacted by a multitude of programs upon re-entering the portal. Those included the likes of Memphis, Nebraska, Xavier, Cincinnati, Illinois and Indiana per sources. Memphis and Nebraska were thought to be the leaders for his services.

Kriisa’s plans changed, however, once West Virginia named Josh Eilert as its interim head coach. Eilert was an assistant under Huggins prior to the latter’s resignation.

“The support and love that the Mountaineer fanbase has showed me and this team in 2 months in unmatched,” Kriisa wrote on social media. “I feel so lucky to call Morgantown home. 2 years ago, I put my faith in an assistant coach and we won 61 games together. Now, I am putting my faith back into a coach that put his faith in me. This staff and team are about to do something very special and I’m so glad to be part of it. This one is for Huggs.”

How Does Kriisa Withdrawing from the Portal Affect Memphis?

Though this is an unfortunate development for Memphis, it’s not a backbreaking one. Kriisa would’ve been a great addition to the Tigers’ backcourt, but it’s still fine without him.

Caleb Mills and David Jones are already penciled in as starters. Teafale Lenard could also see some minutes at guard. Jahylon Young is already on his way. And as of now, Mikey Williams is still coming.

With Kriisa now off the board, Memphis will continue its focus on adding to its frontcourt. And after Chandler Lawson’s departure to Arkansas, the need for depth in that department is even more apparent than before.

DeAndre Williams is still waiting on his waiver decision from the NCAA. Memphis is still involved with Louisiana transfer Jordan Brown. Malcolm Dandridge may ultimately decide to return for his 5^th and final year.

Regardless of what happens from here, know that Kriisa’s decision does little to affect the rest of Memphis’ off-season plans.