Memphis Basketball: Markel Crawford joins the Lawson’s with transfer announcement

The exodus from Memphis continues with Markel Crawford announcing his departure from the Tigers’ program.

Another day, another Memphis basketball player announced his transfer.

Junior guard Markel Crawford told ESPN Radio 92.9 FM in Memphis on Monday that he will transfer from the Memphis basketball program.

Crawford is the third player in the last week to announce his departure from the program. The Lawson brothers, Dedric and K.J., both announced their intention to transfer last week.

CBS Sports writer Gary Parrish reported Monday that the Lawson brothers will transfer to Kansas. Crawford has yet to indicate where he will transfer.

This continues to be a problem for Memphis. They now will go into next season without their top three scorers.

These three scorers, all from Memphis, combined to score 44 points per game. That’s a lot of offense to lose in a very short time.

All three players opted to transfer, instead of either staying put or enter the NBA Draft. This can’t speak well of Memphis.

Crawford played three seasons for the Tigers. In his first two seasons, Crawford averaged five points per game.

His junior season was by far his best, finishing second in scoring with 12.8 points per game. Crawford also averaged 4.4 rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per game, the latter placed him sixth in the AAC.

The best game of the season for Crawford came in a 62-56 victory over South Florida when he posted 30 points.

Memphis now has just one player still part of the team who averaged more than 10 points per game. That would be sophomore guard Jeremiah Martin.

Next: Lawson brothers announce plans to transfer

It wouldn’t be fair to suggest Martin might transfer. However, if he goes, then Memphis coach Tubby Smith has a lot of recruiting work to do.

It’s going to be tough enough trying to replace three solid scorers. It can be done, but Memphis can’t afford to lose any more talent.