Memphis Basketball: Analyzing early offers to top 2020 recruits

2 of 6

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Coach Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Cameron Matthews – Olive Branch, MS

SF | 6-foot-6 | 220 lbs | No. 284 overall

An athletic frontcourt scorer who finishes quite well around the basket, Cameron Matthews strikes most as a potential strong forward at the next level with the right development. He played at a high level during this past high school season while competing alongside DJ Jeffries, who will take the court for Memphis during this coming campaign. Matthews is not the most highly-rated player on the Tigers’ radar but he is receiving plenty of high-major interest.

Despite his low rating, Matthews holds offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Mississippi State in addition to Memphis. He already has an imposing physical frame and his game should only continue to develop.

Chris Moore – West Memphis, AR

PF | 6-foot-7 | 220 lbs | No. 141 overall

Chris Moore has been an impact scorer so far this circuit season for Woodz Elite while averaging over 16 points per game. Although not a threat from distance, he is operating extremely well around the basket and finishing on a ridiculous 65.1% shooting from the field. He has also shown the willingness to pass when necessary. Moore is one of the more physically imposing players in the class at this point even though he is mostly seen as a small-ball power forward due to his height. He is well-built and could easily rise into the top-100 soon.

Memphis is seen by many as one of the “favorites” at this point in time although several other high-major programs are definitely involved. Moore has garnered plenty of attention and will continue to do so as long as he scores at such a high rate on the circuit. He just seems to finish every play.

EYBL Stats (8 games): 16.2 ppg (.651/.000/.667), 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg.

Matthew Murrell – Memphis, TN

SG | 6-foot-4 | 190 lbs | No. 85 overall

Not only is Memphis targeting Matthew Murrell but he is also a Memphis product. As a player, Murrell brings enough size to the table as a shooting guard who plays with great pace. He runs the floor extremely well, can push the pace himself after a rebound, and also shoots the ball well from distance. That much has been evident on the UAA circuit so far this season as he is shooting the three at over a 40% clip and average over 15 points per game.

Even though Murrell is from Memphis, though, all three Crystal Ball predictions are currently in favor of Vanderbilt. This could be the first major recruiting battle between two former NBA stars in Stackhouse (Vandy) and Hardaway (Memphis). Either way, this will be a fun recruitment to watch.

UAA Stats (12 games): 15.7 ppg (.475/.415/.741), 1.8 rpg, 1.1 apg