Memphis and Brown were linked from the moment he entered the transfer portal earlier this month, but academic issues threatened Brown’s eligibility. His pledge to the Tigers, however, may indicate that those issues are at least in the process of being resolved.
The Importance of Brown to Memphis
It’s difficult to describe just how important the addition of Brown is for a Memphis team that’s extremely thin in the frontcourt, especially after Chandler Lawson’s transfer to Arkansas.
One could say that it’s huge, or monumental. And ironically, in a world ruled by NIL, the addition of Brown is also invaluable.
He was the best player on a team that won the Sun Belt and challenged Tennessee in the Round of 64 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-11 senior averaged 19.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.1% from the field last season with Louisiana.
Brown was named the Lou Henson National Player of the Year, which is awarded to the best mid-major player in the country, for his efforts.
He immediately projects as Memphis’ starting center for next season. And given both his talents and accolades, Brown will have an unlimited role in the Tigers’ frontcourt. It’s possible that he’s the American’s most productive player in 2024, considering the quality of the opposing big-men in the conference.
Simply put, Brown checks all the boxes of a high-level, division one big. Memphis is extremely fortunate to have him; and while it’s had a prolific portal season, Brown may be the Tigers’ biggest get yet.
What’s Next?
Memphis still has some work left to do before its Dominican Republic trip in August.
It firstly must seal the deal with Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly, the Tigers’ other priority target in the portal. Quinerly figures to be the prototypical point guard option Memphis has been waiting for.
The Tigers also must continue to monitor DeAndre Williams’ waiver situation, especially now that Brown is on board. A frontcourt of him and Brown would be the best in the AAC, and among the best in the country.
If Memphis has both DeAndre Williams and Brown, it should be the preseason favorite to win the American.
Malcolm Dandridge is still considering his options in the transfer portal. But if Memphis wants him back, it can probably get him. He’d certainly provide some reassurance for Brown.
Lastly, Mikey Williams’ legal situation is still ongoing. The 6-foot-3 guard’s preliminary hearing for his 6 gun-related felony charges was postponed from June 29 to July 12 two weeks ago. Memphis must decide what it wants to do with Mikey Williams in the coming weeks.
There are clearly still some outstanding questions for Memphis basketball. Its off-season is still far from over.
Regardless, the question concerning the Tigers’ starting center is no-more.
And Brown is undeniably one of the best answers Memphis could’ve hoped for.
Senior Editor for Tiger Blueprint. See more of my work on Bluff City Media, where I’m the Memphis basketball beat writer, the Men in Hoodies podcast on Apple and Spotify and on “Sports with Roman Cleary” live on University of Memphis Radio—The ROAR Fridays from 3-4 p.m. during the fall and spring.
