Impact of NCAA Dead Period on Memphis Basketball Recruiting

On Thursday, the NCAA’s dead period commenced and will conclude on May 26th. I received many questions pertaining to what exactly schools are allowed to do during this period. So, let’s get into it.

During this NCAA’s dead period, coaches are not allowed to have any in-person contact with recruits or their parents. This doesn’t mean that the Memphis Men’s Basketball staff must stop recruiting; rather, it allows the Tigers to continue to recruit players via digital communication. So, coaches will maintain contact with recruits through texts, FaceTime, email, etc. Additionally, no on-campus visits from any recruits are allowed.

Now, let’s not be naive and assume that the NCAA is the best entity at regulating any of their rules. But, that’s a topic for another discussion. So, how exactly does the NCAA dead period affect Memphis basketball’s recruiting efforts?

Impact on Memphis Basketball’s Recruiting

Memphis’ biggest need concerns filling the gaping hole in their roster at the big position. They have a few forwards on their team that are capable of playing the center position. After all, Memphis HC Penny Hardaway landed a big pickup from the transfer portal in Temple F Nick Jourdain. Jourdain can certainly play the center position; however, he would thrive at the power forward position.

🎬SEASON REVIEW🎬

NEW Memphis F Nick Jourdain (@Swiish_Alert ) is a versatile, rim-running big, who excels on defense.👀🔥

“GREAT passer and defender, with good foot-speed and handle. Shooting has IMPROVED. Expect BIG things from Nick.” – Ian Turnbull (Nick’s prep school coach) pic.twitter.com/rCWzFCVadu

— Hitmen Hoops Media (@HitmenHoops) May 2, 2023

Additionally, Memphis F Chandler Lawson is returning to the roster as well. He played the center position on numerous occasions last season, but the power forward position fits him more.

🎬SEASON REVIEW🎬

Memphis F Chandler Lawson (@chandlerlawson0 ) is a “high energy rim finisher who affects the game on both ends of the floor.”

“Improved shooting and better ability as roll man could help prove to NBA teams that he has a role that translates.” – @DraftDeeper pic.twitter.com/kocnh5syZR

— Hitmen Hoops Media (@HitmenHoops) April 18, 2023

This dead period gives the staff at Memphis a chance to regroup and maintain their patience in their recruiting efforts. Some of the guys that are on the radar for the staff at Memphis are draft prospects and grad transfers that have yet to hit the portal officially. So, it is a waiting game at this point for the staff, which means that this dead period does not significantly affect their recruiting. Expect to hear positive recruiting news shortly after the dead period.